Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct applies to all participants attending student recruitment, outreach, and widening access and participation activities, whether on campus, online, or at a school or college. This includes pupils, students, teachers, advisers, parents/carers, and any other visitors participating in our activities.
Our aim is to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable environment where everyone can participate fully and benefit from the experience.
Participants, teachers, advisers and group leaders all play an important role in helping us provide a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience. The following responsibilities apply in addition to the standards of behaviour outlined within this Code of Conduct.
Teacher and group leader responsibilities
Teachers, advisers, and group leaders accompanying students are responsible for:
- Obtaining any required parental/carer permissions and consent prior to the visit
- Remaining responsible for the behaviour, supervision, and welfare of their students throughout the activity
- Ensuring appropriate staff-to-student ratios are maintained at all times
- Having access to relevant emergency contact information and medical information for participating students during the event
- Informing the University of any additional access, support, or medical requirements in advance where possible
- Supporting university staff and student ambassadors in maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment
- Ensuring students are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for the activities being undertaken
- Participants must remain with their group or within agreed activity areas unless permission has been given by a member of staff
- Inform the University as soon as possible if your group is delayed, unable to attend or the number of expected attendees has changed from the original booking number stated
- Ensure students have suitable arrangements for refreshments and lunch during the event
- Ensuring students are aware of and adhere to this Code of Conduct before attending the activity
- Informing event staff if students need to leave an activity early or if there are any concerns regarding student welfare or behaviour.
Individual participant responsibilities for post 16-attendees
Participants attending independently are responsible for:
- Arriving on time and engaging positively with all activities and sessions
- Following instructions given by university staff and student ambassadors
- Remaining within designated activity areas and following any event-specific guidance
- Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for the activities being undertaken
- Informing a member of staff if they feel unwell, need support, or need to leave an activity early
- Inform the University of any access, support, medical, or dietary requirements before the event where possible
- Make appropriate arrangements for refreshments and lunch during the event
- Following this Code of Conduct and contributing to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants.
Expected standards of behaviour
All participants are expected to:
- Engage positively with activities, university staff, student ambassadors, and other participants
- Participate fully in sessions and follow instructions provided by university staff and student ambassadors
- Treat others with respect, courtesy, and consideration at all times
- Respect university facilities, equipment, and learning environments
- Help maintain a clean and tidy environment by disposing of litter responsibly
- Cooperate with university staff and event organisers to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone
- Communicate any concerns or support needs to a member of staff.
Unacceptable behaviour
Participants must not engage in behaviour that causes risk, distress, fear, disruption, or harm to others, interferes with the University's activities, or damages the University's reputation.
Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:
- Bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or threatening behaviour of any kind
- Sexual, racial, physical, verbal, or online abuse
- Swearing, offensive language, or behaviour that causes distress to others
- Disrupting sessions, presentations, workshops, tours, or other planned activities
- Damaging, misusing, or removing university property or the property of others
- Actions that may place yourself or others at risk, including behaviour that compromises health and safety
- Attending activities under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, or possessing illegal substances
- Engaging in dishonest, fraudulent, or criminal behaviour
- Sharing, displaying, or distributing inappropriate or offensive material.
Photography and digital conduct
To protect the privacy of all participants:
- Photographs or video recordings of other participants should not be taken without their permission
- Participants must follow their school or college phone policy when attending as a school/college group. If participants have access to their mobile phone, camera or other devices, they must be used responsibly and respectfully during activities
- Any photography or filming conducted by the University will be managed in accordance with consent provided and relevant data protection requirements.
Failure to follow the Code of Conduct
Any participant who breaches this Code of Conduct may be asked to stop the behaviour immediately. Depending on the nature and severity of the incident, the University may:
- Remove the participant from the activity or event
- Contact a parent, carer, school, or college
- Escalate the matter to the relevant university manager
- Take further action where required to protect the safety and wellbeing of participants and staff.
Our commitment
We're committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone who engages with our activities. We ask all participants to support this commitment by following this Code of Conduct and helping to create a positive experience for all.