Page 8 - Staff Code of Conduct 2020 12.28 a.m. 17th January 2021

• have any form of communication with a child or young person which could be interpreted as sexually
suggestive or provocative, including but not limited to, verbal comments, letters, notes, electronic
mail, phone calls, texts, or physical contact;

• make sexual remarks to, or about, a child/young person; and
• discuss their own sexual relationships with or in the presence of students.

Any sexual activity between an adult and the child or young person with whom they work may be
regarded as a criminal offence and will always be a matter for disciplinary action. All children and young
people are protected by specific legal provisions in this respect regardless of whether the child or young
person consents or not. The sexual activity referred to does not just involve physical contact including

penetrative and non-penetrative acts. It may also include non-contact activities, such as causing children
to engage in or watch sexual activity or the production of pornographic material. There are occasions
when adults embark on a course of behaviour known as ‘grooming’ where the sole purpose is to gain
the trust of a child, and manipulate that relationship so sexual abuse can take place. Adults should be
aware that consistently conferring inappropriate special attention and favor upon a child might be
construed as being part of a ‘grooming’ process and as such will give rise to concerns about their
behaviour. Staff should:

• ensure that their interactions with students clearly take place within the boundaries of a respectful
professional relationship; and
• take care that their language
or conduct does not give rise to comment or speculation. Attitudes,
demeanor and language
all require care and thought, particularly when members of staff are

dealing with adolescent boys and girls.

Scope of application of code on conduct outside School: The same guidelines should be applied to after
School clubs, School trips, and especially trips that involve an overnight stay away from the School.
There are separate, more detailed guidelines for School trips in the Educational Visits Policy. The
principles of this guidance also apply to contact with children or young people who are students at
another School.

Guidance for staff on conduct with students inclusive of working alone with students: These guidelines
are designed to encourage an atmosphere of trust in which all colleagues can conduct their professional

lives with confidence. The School recognises the need for, and the desirability of, friendly and respectful
social and professional rapport between staff and children. Happy relations in the School are essential.
Staff must conduct themselves professionally in their relationships with students, parents and staff and
must not behave in a way that could bring RBIS Bangkok into disrepute or risk allegations being made.
Members of staff and volunteers need to be aware that unwary actions can be misconstrued as

unprofessional conduct, with a potentially damaging effect on careers. Working alone with students
may include: musical instrument tuition, 1:1 coaching, and student counselling, or conveying a student
by car.

To avoid misunderstandings, the following should be adhered to carefully:
• Members of staff should exercise particular caution and sensitivity before visiting lavatories or
changing areas. Male members of staff should never be in girls' changing areas unless accompanied

by a female member of staff and likewise for female staff and boys’ changing rooms;
• No member of staff should ever be behind a locked door with a child;

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Rasami British International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students
and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is our aim that all students fulfil their potential.