The Children’s Rights Alliance Inc., trading as Children’s Rights Queensland (CRQ), is committed to fostering a respectful, ethical, and inclusive work environment that reflects our mission and values. This Code of Conduct exists to guide behaviour and decision-making across all CRQ activities, ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and rights of children and young people remain paramount.

 This Code of Conduct applies to all team members of CRQ, including employees (temporary and permanent), contractors, consultants, volunteers, Executive members, Leadership Team members, Ambassadors and any other individuals volunteering and working with or for CRQ. 

CRQ is committed to promoting and protecting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of all children and young people we engage with. We strive to create a child-safe and child-friendly environment where children feel respected, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Our commitment to upholding children’s rights is reflected in all activities, programs, and interactions with children and families. 

All CRQ team members are expected to behave in ways that align with our vision, mission and values.

Our Vision: Widespread awareness and education of children’s rights.

Our Mission: To deliver a range of initiatives that educate communities and raise awareness of children’s rights as stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Values: Our core values underpin all that we do. They are:

• Diversity
• Respect
• Empowerment
• Accountability
• Connection

Team members must:

• Be punctual and reliable in performing their duties.
• Comply with deadlines and work commitments.
• Attend work-related functions, events, and training as required and relevant to their role.
• Treat other team members, clients, children, families, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders with respect and courtesy at all times.
• Promote inclusivity and foster a child-friendly environment for all.
• Use reasonable efforts to support and promote CRQ’s mission.
• Follow all lawful and reasonable directions from CRQ and its Leadership Team.
• Comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Prioritise and respect children's rights and safety in all interactions.
• Ensure the safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of children is always prioritised.
  

• Team members must not disclose confidential information about CRQ, except as required by law, in the course of performing their duties, or as authorised in writing by CRQ.
• Team members must not misuse confidential information.
• Team members must take reasonable steps to prevent the disclosure or misuse of confidential information.
• Team members must comply with any requests by CRQ to securely delete or erase confidential information.

• Team members must avoid any conflicts of interest and disclose any situations that may present a conflict to CRQ. Refer to our Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Any outside engagements or business interests that could conflict with CRQ’s interests must be disclosed. 

• Team members are required to dress professionally and appropriately for their role.
• Personal grooming and hygiene should reflect a high standard at all times.
• Clothing should be clean, tidy, and appropriate for their role.

• Team members must use IT resources responsibly and appropriately.
• Team members must not access or store unlawful or offensive content.
• Team members must ensure the security of CRQ’s IT resources.
• Personal use of CRQ’s IT resources must be kept to a minimum.

• Team members must not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
• CRQ promotes a culture free from such behaviours.
• Team members are required to report any instances of inappropriate behaviour immediately.
• Team members must not engage in discrimination or harassment toward children, families, or other stakeholders.

• Team members must not be intoxicated while working or interacting with children or vulnerable people.
• If prescribed medication affects a team member's ability to perform duties, a medical certificate should be provided.

• Team members must not take or destroy any items belonging to CRQ for personal use without prior written approval.
• Team members must use CRQ’s resources effectively, economically, and responsibly.

• Team members must always prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and rights of children in all activities.
• Team members must maintain professional boundaries when interacting with children.
• All CRQ team members must adhere to child safety policies and procedures, reporting any suspected harm or abuse as per relevant legislation.
• Team members must create environments that empower children to express concerns about their safety and wellbeing. 

All members of CRQ are expected to:

• Act in accordance with CRQ’s child safety and wellbeing policies at all times.
• Behave respectfully, courteously, and ethically towards children, families, and colleagues.
• Listen to and respond to the views and concerns of children, particularly if they express discomfort or concern.
• Foster an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all children and families.
• Involve children in decision-making, when appropriate, regarding activities and policies.
• Report any concerns or complaints of child harm promptly and follow CRQ's reporting procedures. 

Team members must not:

• Engage in unlawful activity with or in relation to a child.
• Cause harm (physical, sexual, or emotional) to a child.
• Engage in discriminatory behaviours towards children or their families.
• Be alone with a child.
• Arrange personal contact with children for non-work-related purposes.
• Disclose confidential information about children unless required by policy or law.
• Use inappropriate language or show inappropriate material to children.
• Work under the influence of drugs or alcohol while interacting with children.

If a team member believes this Code of Conduct has been breached, they must:

• Prioritise the safety and best interests of children.
• Take immediate action to ensure children are safe.
• Report concerns to a member of the CRQ Leadership Team.
• Follow CRQ's reporting procedures or Whistleblower Policy and comply with relevant legislation. 

Any breach of this Code of Conduct will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

• Counselling
• Apology requirements
• Conciliation/mediation
• Additional training
• Verbal or written warnings
• Termination of employment or engagement
  

This Code of Conduct should be read in conjunction with CRQ’s other relevant policies, including:

• Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
• Feedback and Complaints Policy 

Please contact us.