Statement of Commitment
The Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children (QAGTC) is committed to providing safe, inclusive and supportive environments for children and young people. All persons involved in QAGTC activities are expected to act in ways that uphold the safety, dignity and wellbeing of children and promote respectful participation by all members of the community. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in removal from activities, termination of membership, exclusion from future events, or referral to appropriate authorities where required.
1. Code of Conduct for Committee Members, Branch Executives and Volunteers
Committee members, branch representatives and volunteers must:
Always
- Place the safety and wellbeing of children above organisational, personal or professional interests.
- Act honestly, ethically and with integrity.
- Treat all children, parents, carers, members and volunteers with respect and courtesy.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children and young people.
- Comply with all QAGTC Child Safe policies and procedures.
- Report concerns regarding child safety immediately.
- Respect confidentiality and privacy.
- Promote inclusion, equity and cultural safety.
- Support children to express their views and participate in decisions affecting them.
- Model respectful behaviour both in person and online.
Never
- Engage in any form of abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment or discrimination.
- Develop inappropriate personal relationships with children participating in QAGTC activities.
- Communicate privately with children through personal social media, messaging platforms or other unauthorised means.
- Share images or information about children without appropriate consent.
- Consume alcohol or illicit substances while responsible for supervising children.
- Ignore, minimise or conceal child safety concerns.
Online Conduct
Committee members and volunteers must:
- Use approved communication channels.
- Maintain professional language and behaviour online.
- Protect personal information.
- Ensure online interactions remain transparent and observable.
- Immediately report concerning online behaviour.
2. Code of Conduct for Parents and Carers at Children's Activities
QAGTC values partnerships with families and expects parents and carers to contribute positively to a welcoming and safe environment.
Parents and carers are expected to:
Always
- Treat all participants, volunteers, presenters and families respectfully.
- Support the inclusion of all children.
- Follow event instructions and safety requirements.
- Raise concerns through appropriate channels.
- Encourage positive participation and sportsmanship.
- Respect the decisions of event organisers.
- Model respectful behaviour and language.
Never
- Verbally abuse, intimidate or harass any child, volunteer, presenter or attendee.
- Engage in threatening, discriminatory or aggressive behaviour.
- Consume illegal substances at QAGTC events.
- Photograph or record children other than their own without consent.
- Publicly criticise or challenge children participating in activities.
Parents remain responsible for the supervision of their children except where supervision arrangements have been explicitly communicated by QAGTC.
3. Code of Conduct for Child and Young Participant Members
QAGTC wants all children and young people to feel safe, respected and included.
Participants are expected to:
Always
- Be respectful, kind and inclusive.
- Listen to presenters, facilitators and volunteers.
- Respect differences, opinions and abilities.
- Follow event rules and safety directions.
- Tell a trusted adult if something makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
- Use online platforms respectfully.
- Participate in ways that allow others to learn and enjoy activities.
Never
- Bully, tease, exclude or harass others.
- Use offensive, threatening or discriminatory language.
- Damage property or equipment.
- Disrupt activities intentionally.
- Share personal information online without permission.
- Record or photograph others without consent.
Remember
Every participant has the right to:
- Feel safe.
- Be treated fairly.
- Be listened to.
- Participate without discrimination.
- Ask for help.
4. Code of Conduct for Conference, Professional Learning and Activity Attendees
This Code applies to conference delegates, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, researchers, guests and attendees.
Attendees will:
- Treat all participants with respect, professionalism and courtesy.
- Foster an environment that supports learning and collaboration.
- Respect diverse viewpoints and experiences.
- Follow directions provided by event organisers.
- Maintain professional standards in all interactions.
- Comply with venue requirements and safety procedures.
Unacceptable Behaviour Includes:
- Harassment, bullying or intimidation.
- Offensive or discriminatory language or conduct.
- Disruptive behaviour that interferes with presentations or activities.
- Unwanted physical contact.
- Recording presentations or participants without permission.
- Conduct that compromises the safety or wellbeing of children or other attendees.
Conference Child Safety Expectations
Where children or young people are present:
- Adults must maintain appropriate boundaries.
- Concerns regarding child safety must be reported immediately.
- All attendees share responsibility for helping create a safe environment.
- Photography and media requirements must be followed.
Acknowledgement
By participating in QAGTC activities, events, conferences, committees or volunteer programs, individuals agree to comply with this Code of Conduct and uphold QAGTC's commitment to child safety, inclusion, respect and wellbeing. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]
Approved by: QAGTC Committee
Review Cycle: Every 2 years or as required by legislation or organisational review. [qfcc.qld.gov.au], [families.qld.gov.au]
