The Sephardi Synagogue and NSW Association of Sephardim’s Code of Conduct

Introduction

The Sephardi Synagogue Code of Conduct identifies a set of principles which describe the professional conduct, personal conduct and professional competence expected of staff by their colleagues and the community. This Code of Conduct has an overarching function of providing for child safety and wellbeing.

Purpose

  • Prevent child abuse occurring within all Sephardi Synagogue environments
  • Prevent sexual misconduct, which includes inappropriate behaviour/touching, communication of a sexual nature, grooming, voyeurism
  • Work towards an organisational culture of child safety
  • Ensure that The Sephardi Synagogue members know who to speak with if they are worried about their safety, and encouraged to voice their concerns
  • Ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities in identifying possible instances of child abuse
  • Provide guidance on action that should be taken where a person suspects any child abuse within all The Sephardi Synagogue environments
  • Provide a clear statement to staff, volunteers, parents/guardians/carers, visitors, contractors, Board members and others attending the programs or activities of The Sephardi Synagogue in forbidding any and all abuse
  • Provide assurance that any and all suspected abuse will be appropriately reported and fully investigated

Scope

This policy applies to all The Sephardi Synagogue staff, volunteers, parents/guardians/carers, visitors, contractors, board members and others attending the programs or activities of The Sephardi Synagogue.

Professionalism of Sephardi Synagogue staff

The Sephardi Synagogue staff work within the limits of their professional expertise in fulfilling their role.

The Sephardi Synagogue staff express this by:

  • ensuring they have the physical, mental and emotional capacity to carry out their professional responsibilities
  • acknowledging that they are not trained to deal with certain issues within the areas of health, psychology, law enforcement etc.
  • being aware of the role of other professionals and agencies

Professional conduct outside of the work environment

Although there is no definitive boundary between the personal and professional conduct of staff, staff are required to reflect community expectations in their leadership.

The Sephardi Synagogue staff express this by:

  • being positive role models while engaged in synagogue activities, in the community and online
  • respecting and complying with the law
  • not exploiting their position for inappropriate, personal or financial benefit
  • ensuring their personal or financial interests do not interfere with the performance of their duties
  • acting with discretion and maintaining confidentiality in all communications regarding workplace issues
  • being aware of the potentially serious impact that any demonstration of intolerance or prejudice could have on the safety and wellbeing of the community
  • being aware that they are representing the NSW Association of Sephardim and the Sephardi Synagogue when interacting with the community and striving to be positive representatives
  • refraining from engaging in activities that are contrary to Sephardi Synagogue’s ethos

 Professional conduct inside of the work environment

The Sephardi Synagogue staff express this by:

  • treating each other with courtesy and respect
  • valuing the input of their colleagues
  • using appropriate forums for constructive debate on professional matters
  • sharing expertise and knowledge in a variety of collaborative contexts
  • respecting different approaches to leading
  • providing support for each other, particularly those new to The Sephardi Synagogue
  • sharing information to support the wellbeing and safety of members of all ages, especially children
  • dressing appropriately for the occasion
  • avoiding lewd and derogatory language
  • avoiding demonstrating or encouraging risky or dangerous behaviour
  • expressing a positive passion towards Jewish practice
  • communicating with respect and availability
  • positively and equally encouraging all members to participate

Unacceptable practice

Committing any of the following is not only condemned by The Sephardi Synagogue, but can have legal ramifications:

  • Invading the privacy of young people when they are toileting, showering, changing or dressing
  • Inappropriate physical or sexually provocative games
  • Making sexually suggestive comments
  • Touching of any form
  • Allowing inappropriate, foul, sexualised or discriminatory language to remain unchallenged
  • Any form of physical punishment
  • Use or the presence of drugs
  • Bullying of any form, including name calling or constant criticism
  • Racism, sexism or sectarianism of any form
  • Favouritism and exclusion – all people should be equally supported and encouraged
  • Abusive language or gestures

Reporting abuse

The staff of the Sephardi Synagogue may find themselves in situations where they witness or experience instances of bullying, harmful behaviour towards others or abuse.

A situation like this may be:

  • an incident of unprofessional conduct by another staff member towards a child or children
  • a child behaving disrespectfully or inappropriately
  • inappropriate behaviour of parents/guardians/carers
  • an incident of antisemitism
  • possible abuse towards a fellow member/staff

If any person believes a child is in immediate risk of abuse, they must telephone 000.

Mandatory reporting

The Sephardi Synagogue staff are not legally mandatory reporters. The Sephardi Synagogue does, however, have a procedure to ensure that The Sephardi Synagogue fulfils its duty of care to its younger members. Please see The Sephardi Synagogue’s Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing.