Code of Conduct

For the purposes of this code of conduct members and staff include both full and part time and sessional or occasional staff. Any contractors and subcontractors used will be expected to undertake and follow a relevant code of conduct relevant to the nature of their business and which supports the aims and terms of this Code of Conduct and any relevant Code or terms of practice that the said contractors and subcontractors would normally be expected to follow; and impose this on any other people used to fulfil the nature of their business or actions. Clients, customers and individuals include: businesses, charities, commercial arms of charities, their staff, contractors, visitors and any service users or any other vulnerable person.

The term “Vulnerable Person” includes any person in need or receipt of care from a charity, government agency or any organisation acting on behalf of either. It also includes any person defined as such by any recognised organisation or any person who could be reasonably expected to be classed as a vulnerable person but is not yet classified as such

All members whether individual or organisational are expected to follow this code of practice and be bound by its terms. Breach of this code of practice may lead to sanctions up to and including expulsion; with all fees and any other monies paid forfeit

This code of practice does not replace legislation or Health and Safety regulation and does not try to.

Staff and Individuals acting on an organisation's behalf:

When working away from own premises or home place of employment to identify self and role to any reasonable person who may have grounds to enquire

To conduct self in a manner that credits both position and role and not by any action, bring self, employer or NACTO into disrepute

To carry out all duties in a manner that upholds the public trust, and maintains public confidence in the care industry

Uphold the guiding principles and standards of The Commission for Social Care Inspection and any other relevant guiding body

Follow Health and Safety occupational policies and procedures, and government legislation

Respect the customs, values, beliefs and working practices of all clients and customers

To provide goods and services to an agreed standard that are fit for purpose and meets all necessary quality standards, both internal and those set by awarding bodies.

To ensure all equipment used in the delivery of goods and/or service is safe to use and fit for its intended purpose

To sell any goods and or services in an ethical manner that meets all relevant legislation (for example The Sale of Goods Act) and informs customers of any terms, conditions, offers and options relevant to the sale and purchase of goods and services

To neither give nor receive any gifts or promotional items that may be seen as either inappropriate, disproportionate or seen to have an undue influence on the delivery, sale or purchase of goods or services

All goods or services sold are to be ‘fit for purpose’ and meet all relevant safety and quality standards

To source goods, training resources and services from reputable suppliers and sources

To challenge poor practice and breach of Health and Safety; Equal Opportunities; Human Rights and any other relevant legislation and report breaches to a responsible person or organisation

To support and adhere to whistle blowing policies of clients and have own organisational whistle blowing policy

To respect the needs of vulnerable persons and communicate in an appropriate way, seeking support and guidance as necessary

To maintain confidentiality of both clients, individuals and customers in line with The Data Protection Act and any other relevant legislation and not divulge any information except where it is required by law

To maintain own professional standing through Continuous Professional Development and acknowledge own limitations in knowledge or competence and seek any necessary support, guidance or qualifications before undertaking any new duties

Member organisations  

For the terms of this code of practice the term ‘client’ covers individuals, clubs (both registered with an appropriate body and unregistered); businesses, charities and their commercial arms; public bodies (for example the NHS); individuals and members of staff or other people acting on their behalf.

To have a continuous improvement plan and to make this an essential part of the organisational structure and its’ development

To make all sales, (including telesales, internet, postal, catalogue and personal) in an ethical manner and any extra charges for goods or services (for example VAT or any supplementary charges (for example registration, training manuals or certificates) made apparent at the time of booking. All marketing materials to meet the Advertising Standards Authority and any other regulatory body’s rules and guidelines

All sales should offer a cooling of period and clients; both organisations and individuals; made aware of ‘terms and conditions for training’ at time of booking, any penalty charge for cancellation and have a cooling off period where training can be cancelled without any charge imposed, unless the client’s request at time of booking incurred any specific expenses (for example, buying a piece of equipment particular to that course that would not have been normally purchased).

Clients making bookings with disabilities and or vulnerable persons:

If the person accepting the booking may have difficulties with accepting or understanding terms conditions and conditions of service and payment terms then booking cannot be accepted until the said person is adequately supported. Any reasonable adjustment in conducting bookings should be made to support the individuals disabilities ( in line with the requirements of The Disability Discrimination Act) examples include large print contracts and ensuring adequate lighting for visually impaired people, and ensuring no sound distractions for hearing impaired persons.

Equality of opportunity

Design and delivery of training to follow current legislation on equal opportunities and the disability. Examples include: The race relations Act and The Disability Discrimination Act. Member organisations are to ensure equality of access to training any subsequent development regardless of disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, age or any other factor that may be used to discriminate; so as to offer less favorable terms and be prepared to justify any variation to terms of training when challenged.

On registration, all students to be made aware of the organisational complaints and appeals procedure and informed of the membership of NACTO, the existence of a code of practice and any other regulatory bodies and codes of practice

All fees charged to individuals, organisations; or combinations of these are to be made in a clear and transparent way. If individuals or organisations are required or advised to purchase any learning resources, for example text books or additional training courses, this is to be made clear prior to any fees being paid, unless there are any changes in legislation, acknowledged best practice or requirements of a regulatory body that brought on these changes during the duration of the course, and they could not be reasonably predicted. If the costs of these cannot be determined prior to booking, the client is to be informed as soon as possible

To hold regular staff meetings and to have on the agenda as a matter of course: