Policy & Procedure
Code of Conduct
OETP strongly promotes equality and diversity. We expect all our students to be
harmoniously integrated with all other fellow students and staff. As a rule of thumb OETP will
not tolerate the following:
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Discrimination (racial, sexual, religious or any other)
Smoking in the OETP premises
Consuming alcohol within the OETP premises
Illegal activities
Abusive behavior towards staff, students or anyone else
Non-attendance without valid reasons of notification
Vandalism of any property within the OETP premises
Theft of any nature
Any other activities which may be inappropriate
Equal Opportunity Policiy
Introduction
OETP is committed to Equal Opportunities Policy that requires each employee to treat
everybody with equal respect, whether they are other employees of the OETP, members of
the public or from outside organisations. OETP will not allow anyone to be treated less
favourably because of:
• Age, Colour, Ethnic or national origin
• Disability, Marital status, Religion
• Religion, Responsibility for dependants, Sex, Sexuality
• Trade Union activity
Recognizing that many people in the above groups can be discriminated against and
disadvantaged, this policy covers every aspect from recruitment and selection through to pay
and conditions, training and development and to the provision of appropriate services.
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Equality means that the OETP:
• Is committed to providing appropriate, sensitive and accessible services to
everyone
• Is committed to working with communities to eradicate prejudice, discrimination,
harassment and negative stereotyping
• Supports campaigns for fair laws that treat people equally and protect groups from
discrimination
Service Delivery
OETP recognizes the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and targets
resources to them. This clearly means that many of the young people we work with are in groups
that are identified in the Equal Opportunities Policy. Every effort is made to ensure that centres
are welcoming to all young people and this is reflected in the posters, information boards,
displays and leaflets. In addition to this, resources used to develop work with young people are
chosen for their suitability for working in an anti-oppressive way. Young people should be offered
the opportunity to try out new experiences, which are not those that are traditionally offered to that
particular group. Attitudes, behaviour and language that are discriminatory will be challenged, but
in a positive manner, which informs young people and encourages them to appreciate their own
and each other's culture, history and religion.
Monitoring
OETP will monitors young people's involvement in its provision in terms of ethnicity and disability.
This is to ensure the service is reaching those groups of young people and not creating barriers to
participation. OETP will monitors involvement of staff in training in terms of ethnicity. This is to
ensure the service is not creating barriers for staff accessing training
Partnerships
Where OETP works in partnership with, and especially where it funds services or projects, then
the OETP policy will be used to promote equal opportunities in services provided by that
partnership.
Training and Staff Development
OETP has a comprehensive in-service training programme, and staffs are encouraged to
attend courses, seminars and conferences delivered by other agencies and organisations as
appropriate and relevant. The Service is committed to enabling people from local
communities to enter Youth Work as a profession; it does this by encouraging people to
volunteer and to apply for part-time posts, and by facilitating the uptake of training.
Background Papers
• Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Race Relations Act 1976, Race Relations Act 2000
• Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Agenda 201
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Health & Safety Policy
Statement of Policy
OETP considers that the health and safety of its volunteers, for whom it arranges
opportunities, is of prime importance. The Volunteer Coordinator will take OETP’s Health
and Safety Measures, which comply with legislation, to all locations where volunteering
takes place.
Implementation of Health and Safety Policy
OETP will:
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Maintains insurance policies to cover its public liability and volunteers in all work
locations.
Remain informed about changes to health and safety legislation.
Give a positive lead in promoting healthy and safe working environments and
practices.
Follow Approved Codes of Practice in meeting Health and Safety legislation.
Review this policy annually or more frequently if there are concerns about its
effectiveness.
Health and Safety Induction for Volunteers
 Each volunteer will be given information about Health and Safety and the necessary
information and instruction to ensure the safe performance of volunteering activities.
 This information will give clear guidance about what volunteers must do to meet their
responsibilities for their own health and safety, and those of others.
Risk Assessment
 Risk assessments will be carried out in all locations before volunteers commence
their activities. This will be carried out by the Volunteer Coordinator or by Project
Coordinators.
 Project Coordinators or the Volunteer Coordinator will check that recommended
actions to remove or minimise the recognised risks are implemented before the
volunteering takes place.
Incident and Accident Report Forms
Incident and Accident Report Forms will be issued and completed when necessary.
Volunteers will be encouraged to report any accidents and concerns about activities
undertaken.
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CRB/DRB Check
All management committee members and staff including employees, volunteers will need to
have enhanced CRB/DRB. No one will be allowed to come into contacts children without
CRB/DRB.
First Aid
First Aid facilities will be available at all volunteering locations. Training will be given where it
is necessary. Volunteers will be issued with details of their nearest First Aiders.
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