This code of conduct is expected of all Northern Ballet staff when they are interacting with children, or adults at risk in any capacity on behalf of the Company.
- Always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the child / adult at risk.
- Always act within professional boundaries - ensure all contact with children / adults at risk is essential to the programme / project / activity / performance you are working on.
- Remember they are children/adults at risk first, and dancers or participants second.
- Never give out your personal contact details, ask children for their personal details and do not 'friend' or 'follow' children you are working with on social networking sites.
- Do not assume sole responsibility for a child and only take on practical caring responsibilities such as taking a child or adult at risk to the toilet in an emergency. If a child or adult at risk needs care, alert the teacher, guardian, or chaperone.
- Never lose sight of the fact that you are with and around children/adults at risk - behave appropriately and use appropriate language at all times.
- Listen to and respect children and adults at risk at all times, don't patronise them and avoid favouritism.
- Treat children and adults at risk fairly and without prejudice or discrimination.
- If you observe children or adults at risk engaging in bullying behaviour or other behaviour that may put them, or another person at risk, you must report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead / Officer or Chaperone.
- Ultimately, if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, or feel someone is behaving inappropriately around children or adults at risk, you have a duty to report your concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead/Officer.
Designated Safeguarding Leads:
- Leanne Kirkham
- Annemarie Donoghue
Designated Safeguarding Officers:
- Emma Rodriguez-Saona (Maternity Leave Oct 2026 – September 2027)
- Sam Moore
- Lyndsey Parkinson (On tour)
Failure to follow this code of conduct will result in disciplinary action.