Accelerate International Academy Ltd

Code of Conduct & Ethics Policy

1. Purpose of this Policy

Accelerate International Academy Ltd (“AIA”) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct, ethical behaviour, and safeguarding in all its activities.

This Code of Conduct sets out the expectations for all staff, facilitators, contractors, volunteers, partners, and learners to ensure:

  • A safe, inclusive, and respectful environment
  • Protection of all participants, particularly young people and vulnerable individuals
  • Compliance with legal, regulatory, and safeguarding obligations
  • Integrity in delivery of education, training, and employability services

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees (full-time, part-time, temporary)
  • Freelancers, facilitators, and contractors
  • Volunteers and mentors
  • Partner organisations and delivery staff
  • All learners enrolled in Academy programmes

It applies across:

  • Online and in-person delivery
  • All programme activities, events, and communications
  • External representation of the Academy

3. Core Principles

The AIA culture is supported by a system that works together and guides how we interact as professionals. Our purpose grounds our existence. Our values guide our actions. Our behaviours are how we bring it to life. 

All individuals associated with AIA must uphold the following principles:

People’s Experiences Matter First

We put human experience at the centre of everything we do. Every learner, staff member, and partner is treated as an individual, not a number.

We listen actively, respond with empathy, and continuously improve based on feedback. We’re human. We recognise that positive transformation only happens when people feel seen, heard, and valued.

In practice, this means:

  • We prioritise the human experience over transactions
  • We design programmes around real learner needs
  • We actively seek and act on feedback
  • We focus on everyone’s learning and growth over mistakes 
  • We measure success through human impact, not just attendance or outputs

We Do the Right Thing, Even When It’s Difficult

We act with integrity, honesty, and accountability in all circumstances.

We do not take shortcuts, ignore concerns, or compromise on safeguarding or ethics for convenience or outcomes.

We hold ourselves to high professional and moral standards at all times.

In practice, this means:

  • Safeguarding always comes first
  • We speak up when something is not right
  • We make fair, transparent decisions
  • We take responsibility for our actions and outcomes

 

We Create Inclusive and Emotionally Safe Spaces

We believe every person deserves to feel safe, respected, and able to fully participate.

We actively remove barriers to inclusion and understand that emotional safety is essential for learning, growth, and progression.

We do not tolerate discrimination, exclusion, or harmful behaviour in any form.

In practice, this means:

  • We celebrate diversity, authenticity and lived experience
  • We make it safe to speak up and be yourself
  • We design trauma-informed, supportive environments
  • We challenge bias, prejudice, and exclusion
  • We prioritise wellbeing alongside achievement

We Challenge the Status Quo to Drive Change

We exist to do things differently.

We question outdated systems, challenge low expectations, and reframe opportunities so that young people who have been underserved are not left behind and get the confidence to dream bigger.

We are bold, innovative, and solution-focused in how we approach employability and education.

In practice, this means:

  • We reject “one-size-fits-all” models
  • We find new ways to solve what’s not working
  • We innovate in how we deliver learning and support
  • We challenge limiting beliefs about NEET young people
  • We continuously improve based on impact and evidence

We Pay It Forward – Creating Lasting Community Impact

We believe transformation should not stop with the individual.

Our mission is to create a ripple effect where young people gain confidence, skills, and purpose – and then go on to positively impact their communities and future generations. Employees and learners are encouraged to “Pay-It-Forward” by sharing what they’ve gained.

We build long-term social value, not short-term outcomes.

In practice, this means:

  • We recognise, celebrate and reward individual contribution and growth
  • We encourage alumni to give back and mentor others
  • We offer free places to those most in need, at home and abroad.
  • We measure success by long-term impact, not just programme completion
  • We believe every learner can become a positive force in their community

4. Expected Standards of Behaviour

4.1 Professional Conduct

All staff and representatives must:

  • Act as positive role models
  • Maintain clear professional boundaries with learners
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times
  • Avoid any conduct that could bring the AIA into disrepute

4.2 Relationships with Learners

  • Relationships must remain strictly professional
  • Favouritism, exploitation, or inappropriate relationships are strictly prohibited
  • Contact must only be conducted within official channels

4.3 Communication

  • Communication must be respectful, inclusive, and appropriate
  • No abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language
  • Use only approved platforms for communication with learners
  • Avoid private, unrecorded communication with young people where possible

4.4 Online Conduct

  • The same standards apply online as offline
  • No sharing of inappropriate content
  • Maintain professional boundaries on social media
  • Do not “friend” or follow learners on personal accounts

5. Safeguarding and Duty of Care

The Academy has a zero-tolerance approach to harm, abuse, or neglect.

All staff must:

  • Be familiar with safeguarding policies and procedures
  • Report any concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Never ignore or minimise safeguarding concerns
  • Maintain confidentiality while prioritising safety

Forms of concern include:

  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Exploitation (including financial or criminal)
  • Radicalisation or extremism
  • Self-harm or mental health risks

Failure to report safeguarding concerns will be treated as a serious breach.

🔗 Safeguarding Policy

🔗 Prevent Policy

6. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

AIA is committed to:

  • Creating an inclusive environment for all learners
  • Eliminating discrimination, harassment, and victimisation
  • Promoting equality of opportunity

Unacceptable behaviour includes:

  • Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism
  • Bullying or harassment of any kind
  • Microaggressions or exclusionary behaviour

All individuals are responsible for fostering an inclusive culture.

🔗 Equality, Diversion & Inclusion Policy

7. Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

All staff and participants must:

  • Follow health and safety procedures
  • Report hazards, incidents, or risks
  • Act in a way that does not endanger themselves or others

AIA will:

  • Provide safe learning environments
  • Conduct risk assessments where required
  • Support mental health and wellbeing

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All individuals must:

  • Comply with applicable data protection laws (e.g. GDPR)
  • Handle personal data securely and responsibly
  • Share information only on a need-to-know basis
  • Never disclose sensitive information without proper authority

Confidentiality may be overridden where safeguarding concerns arise.

🔗 Privacy Policy

9. Use of Resources and Technology

  • Academy resources must be used responsibly and for legitimate purposes
  • Misuse of IT systems, including accessing inappropriate content, is prohibited
  • Recording sessions requires consent and must follow policy guidelines

10. Conflicts of Interest

Individuals must:

  • Declare any personal, financial, or professional conflicts of interest
  • Avoid situations where personal interests could compromise professional judgement

11. Gifts, Hospitality, and Financial Conduct

  • Gifts or incentives that could influence decision-making must not be accepted
  • Any offers must be declared to management
  • Financial dealings must be transparent and accountable
  • Small, appropriate gifts may be given from AIA to employees up to a value of £250 per person per tax year, with no limit on the number of recipients.

12. Whistleblowing

AIA encourages a culture of openness.

All staff and participants have a duty to report:

  • Misconduct
  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Illegal or unethical behaviour

Reports can be made:

  • To a manager or DSL
  • Through a confidential whistleblowing process

No individual will suffer detriment for raising concerns in good faith.

🔗 Compliants Policy

13. Breaches of the Code

Failure to comply with this Code may result in:

  • Disciplinary action
  • Removal from programmes
  • Termination of employment or contract
  • Referral to external authorities where necessary

Serious breaches include:

  • Safeguarding failures
  • Abuse or exploitation
  • Discrimination or harassment
  • Criminal activity

14. Responsibilities

Leadership Team

  • Ensure implementation and enforcement of this policy
  • Provide training and support

Staff and Representatives

  • Read, understand, and comply with this Code
  • Complete required training (e.g. safeguarding, EDI)

Learners

  • Adhere to expected standards of behaviour
  • Respect others and the learning environment

15. Training and Awareness

All staff must receive:

  • Safeguarding training
  • Code of Conduct induction
  • Ongoing professional development

16. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be:

  • Reviewed annually or in line with regulatory changes
  • Updated to reflect best practice and legal requirements

17. Declaration

All staff, contractors, and volunteers must confirm that they:

  • Have read and understood this Code
  • Agree to comply with its requirements

Printed copies of signed training records available.