Why we have a behaviour policy

This behaviour policy is there to make sure everyone who takes part in FH’s activities knows what is expected of them and feels safe, respected and valued.

FH must make sure that everyone taking part in our activities has seen, understood and agreed to follow the code of behaviour and that they understand what will happen if there is inappropriate behaviour.

We expect people who take part in our services to display appropriate behaviour at all times. This includes behaviour that takes place outside our organisation and behaviour that takes place online.

This code of behaviour aims to:

• identify acceptable and unacceptable behaviour
• encourage cooperation, honesty, fairness and respect
• create an environment where your self-esteem, self-respect and self-confidence will grow
• encourage you to recognise and respect the rights of others
• encourage you to take responsibility for your own behaviour
• help resolve conflicts and make it clear what will happen if you decide not to follow the code

Dos and don’ts for children and young people

You should:

• be supportive and kind to others
• be friendly
• listen to others
• be helpful
• have good manners
• treat everyone with respect
• take responsibility for your own behaviour
• talk to your workshop leader/Company Director (Carrie) about anything that worries or concerns you
• follow this code of behaviour and other rules (including the law)
• join in and have fun!

You shouldn’t:

• be disrespectful to anyone else
• bully other people (online or offline)
• behave in a way that could be intimidating
• be abusive towards anyone

Mobile Phones

• Mobile phones should be switched off during rehearsals, workshops and performances.
• Photography or filming of any other members/workshop leader is strictly forbidden.
• Mobile phones should not be used during sessions unless the workshop leader has given permission. Permission will only be given by the workshop leader if it is integral to the session e.g. for research, to look at a script or to check a calendar date.

Arriving/during/leaving workshop sessions

• Arrive with a positive attitude and participate fully. Please be punctual as late arrivals will disrupt the session and is unfair on other members.
• Be committed. Make every effort to attend workshops and in particular, when working towards a performance piece. Poor attendance makes it difficult for everyone involved. If, for whatever reason you can’t make it to a rehearsal or workshop, please let us know.
• Dress appropriately to participate in workshops. Some sessions may involve floor work. Do not wear excessive or large items of jewellery or large buckled or studded belts etc, as these are a potential safety issues. If participating in Dance, hair must be tied up.
• Treat the property of others with care and respect. FH does not accept responsibility for members personal belongings should they be lost, stolen or damaged. Look after your own property, you are advised not to bring anything with you of great value, either sentimental or financial.
• You should remain on the premises for the duration of the rehearsal or workshop. If you do decide to leave the premises temporarily during the sessions, FH cannot take responsibility for your actions or safety whilst not being supervised.

What happens if I do not follow the behaviour policy?

This behaviour policy is part of our process for making sure everyone who takes part in our activities gets the support they need.

Minor or first-time incident

• If you behave in a way that doesn’t follow our behaviour code, our staff or volunteers will remind you about it and ask you to change your behaviour.
• This gives you the chance to think and to plan how you could behave differently, with support from staff and/or volunteers.

Formal warning

• If you continue not to follow the behaviour policy after your first reminder, or if your behaviour is more serious, you will be given a formal warning by the person running your activity.
• They will make a record about what happened and inform your parents or carers if it is appropriate. They will also talk with you about what happened and agree what support you need to improve your behaviour in the future.
• We might also decide that further steps should be taken, such as restricting you from taking part in some activities.

Final warning

• If the support we have put in place isn’t helping you to change your behaviour, we might need to give you a final warning. Again, this will be recorded and we’ll inform your parents or carers as appropriate.
• At this point, we might need to talk with you and your parents or carers about other services that might be more able to give you the support you need.

Child protection procedures

If any member of staff or volunteer becomes concerned that your behaviour suggests you might be in need of protection or that you might present a risk of harm to other children and young people, they will follow our child protection procedures. This might involve making a referral to the local authority.

If child protection procedures are necessary we will talk this through with you and your parents as soon as possible, unless doing so would put you in danger or interfere with a police investigation.

The role of parents and carers

We see parents and carers as important in encouraging positive behaviour and will involve them as appropriate.

We will always inform and involve your parents or carers if you receive a formal warning about your behaviour, unless doing so would put you in danger.

Policy reviewed August 2024.