Code of Conduct
Younger Adventurers
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Read Our Full Raleigh Code of Conduct for Younger Adventurers
1. Introduction
We require all participants to accept and live up to this Code of Conduct from the start, and we will provide training and support to you to ensure this is achieved. The aim of this Code of Conduct is to let you know what is expected of you, so you can work together to achieve your and the programme’s aims in a positive and safe environment.
All the participants should read this document alongside a parent or care giver, in conjunction with Raleigh’s Terms and Conditions, when you apply to join a programme. You will then sign to confirm you understand and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct before you leave your home or during induction training. The signed copy will be kept for the duration of your time on a Raleigh programme. This document is not a legally binding contract.
Withdrawing from the programme not only has a financial cost to you but can cause disruption to your team, the hosts and your Expedition. You will put a lot of time and effort into preparing for your programme, so it is, therefore extremely important that you read through the following agreement carefully before signing and committing yourself to this programme.
Raleigh Expedition is a fantastic opportunity for you to be an ambassador for yourself and Raleigh. We look forward to working with you!
Raleigh Values
We ask that you read these carefully and buy into the Raleigh values. These are designed to embody Raleigh and the skills you will develop within your Expedition experience. Read our values.
2. Participant dimensions
We do not ask for any specific hard skills or experience from our participants. We do, however, look for people who show the potential to learn and to become Active Global Citizens. The 7 areas that we focus on are included below:
a) Positive and Realistic Commitment
A positive approach and drive to work as a volunteer based on realistic expectations.
b) Commitment to Learning
The continuing desire to discover new things and learn; and the humility to share, learn and develop with others.
c) Practical Problem-Solving Ability
The ability to solve practical problems using available resources. An inventive and positive approach, making decisions where necessary.
d) Flexibility and Adaptability
An adaptable approach to dealing with new and demanding situations.
e) Self-Assurance
The self-confidence and courage to be sufficiently independent and to deal with people and circumstances with calmness and humour.
f) Working with Others
The social skills to work with others and to enable others to solve problems. Integrity when persuading others to implement plans.
g) Sensitivity to the Needs of Others
An open and non-judgmental approach, which respects other people and cultures. Good listening skills and empathy. Non-offensive behaviour.
Throughout your involvement with Raleigh, it is very important that you demonstrate commitment to developing and using these dimensions. Failure to do so can be considered in the same way as any other breach of the Code of Conduct and is outlined in section 5.
3. What you can expect from Raleigh
As this programme requires such a large degree of commitment from you and significant financial investment from us, it is only fair to set out exactly what you can expect of us:
3.1 Before the programme, we undertake to provide you with:
- Documentation and access to online resources to explain the programme and associated risks you may face while on your Expedition.
- Ongoing guidance, support, and advice from the Expedition Staff team.
3.2 During the programme we will:
- Provide accommodation, food, transport, and support in keeping with the programme’s values. We will monitor changing risks that may affect the programme; however, you must recognise the limitations of Raleigh to control many of the risks inherent to an Expedition.
- Provide support (both resources and training) for your learning.
- Provide you with welfare support throughout.
3.3 After the programme we will:
- Provide you with a post-Expedition report and a reference letter.
- Enroll you in our Alumni network and send you details of our alumni programme.
4. What Raleigh expects of you
4.1 Before the programme you will:
Read and understand the information and training Raleigh provides, along with parents or caregivers, and make sure you send the information requested by the appropriate deadlines.
- Make an informed decision, with your parents or caregivers, based on the information provided by Raleigh, regarding the potential risks of participating in the programme. After considering these you will have decided to participate in the programme and do so at your own risk.
- Fees are non-refundable if you are withdrawn or leave the programme of your own initiative.
- Be able to act self-sufficiently with regard to cooking, basic health and hygiene awareness, and domestic chores. You will be required to help with tasks and chores in your Expedition accommodation.
4.2. As an ambassador for Raleigh we expect that during the programme you will live up to the ‘Raleigh International Behaviours’. If you fail to do so, we will take action – see section 5
Raleigh International behaviours:
No alcohol
All participants on our Younger Adventurers Expedition will be under the age of 18. Therefore, consumption and ownership of alcohol during the programme are prohibited for all participants. This policy is all inclusive of any staff member or Project Co-ordinator who may be over the age of 18.
Our no-alcohol policy provides a safe, nurturing, and productive environment for young adults to make a positive impact, learn valuable life skills, and create lasting memories during their time with us.
Read our extensive Raleigh International Alcohol Policy
No illegal activities, including drug taking
In the UK the buying, selling, or taking of drugs, including marijuana, is punishable by severe penalties. In addition, the buying, selling, or taking of drugs, including marijuana, is illegal for any person under the age of 18.
Participation in any illegal activity, including, but not limited to, consumption or procurement of illegal substances, is not tolerated and can result in the involvement of local authorities and/or immediate removal from the programme.
No acts of violence
Teams working together must learn to respect and trust each other, therefore any acts of violence (which includes serious verbal threats of violence or bullying) between venturers, or venturers and others in the community or staff will not be tolerated.
Don’t put others at risk
Your behaviour during the programme must not prejudice the safety and wellbeing of any member of the group, or the progress of projects. Raleigh has a strict set of Health & Safety Guidelines that inform every activity we do and everyone participating in a Raleigh programme is expected to adhere to these guidelines. At its worst, illness or injury resulting from flagrantly ignoring safety considerations could result in legal claims of negligence against individuals.
No inappropriate relationships during programmes
Sexual relationships on placement are not permitted, all venturers will be below the age of 16, and cannot consent to sexual relations.
There is a requirement of oversight and guidance from Project Co-ordinators and staff to venturers as role models and mentors; as a result, no intimate relationships between Project Co-ordinators/staff and venturers (regardless of age) are allowed during the programme. Nor are intimate relationships between volunteer managers/Staff and project partners and service providers.
This is in line with our Child Protection Policy.
Take only photographs, leave only footprints
It is important to minimise any detrimental effect we might have on the environment by respecting and protecting the environment for its own sake and future inhabitants and visitors.
Safeguarding and Welfare
Raleigh is committed to working inclusively to overcome discrimination and social exclusion, bringing people together from different backgrounds to promote and celebrate diversity. All participants who participate in projects organised by Raleigh or who are influenced by our work should do so without fear of physical, sexual or emotional harm or neglect. All participants on Raleigh UK Expedition are under 18 years of age. Raleigh recognises that vulnerability is a complex concept and that anybody of any age could also be in a position where they are vulnerable, particularly in an unfamiliar environment.
Participants should always show respect and understanding for people’s rights and their safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of Raleigh and helps protect themselves and others from harm.
We have a detailed and proactive Safeguarding Policy and all participants on a Raleigh programme are expected to abide by this policy, which includes the requirement to act in a way which protects themselves from potential allegation and always confidentially report any Safeguarding concerns to a member of Raleigh staff.
Each partner organisation we work with also has their own safeguarding and child protection policy which aligns with the Raleigh Policy.
Equal Opportunities
Raleigh strives to conduct all its activities with an equal opportunities framework and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all young people with whom we work regardless of gender, age, stage of development, disability, sexual orientation, religion, culture, or ethnicity. As a participant, you are also expected to recognise and act in a way which is proactive towards an equal opportunities approach which never discriminates.
Photographs
You will be issued with a photo consent form as part of your pre-departure process. Once completed, Raleigh reserves the right to use any photographic material or video taken by staff or you send to any staff member during or after the programme’s course on our website or other marketing materials. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the permission of any person featured in a photograph or video sent to us.
Communication Technology & Phone Policy
We have a ‘no phones on project policy’. Venturers will not have access to their phones whilst on project sites. All venturers will be expected to leave your phone at in a safe space with a staff member prior to joining project sites. This can be up to 7 days at a time, however, they will have access to their phones during project changeover at Fieldbase.
All phones will be kept with staff members onboard during the adventure phase of the Expedition. In the case any venturer needs their phone for an emergency, they will be accessible upon request.
Part of our mission at Raleigh International is to empower young adults to become proactive global citizens who can confidently navigate the challenges of the world. Allowing participants to disconnect from their phones while on project aligns with this goal by encouraging venturers to take responsibility for their actions and choices.
We understand the natural instinct of parents and guardians to be in constant communication with their young venturers. However, we see this period of detachment as an essential part of the learning experience. It encourages our participants to make independent decisions, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to face uncertainty with confidence.
We want our venturers to discover the power of self-reliance and embrace their capabilities. This newfound sense of responsibility and independence will be invaluable in shaping their future endeavours and fostering a deeper understanding of their own capabilities.
This does not mean there will be no ability to communicate with home. Our staff team will facilitate venturers access to signal or Wi-Fi during changeover to ensure they can keep in touch with home.
Project Co-ordinators (PCs) will have their phones but are encouraged not to use them in front of venturers.
We recommend venturers bring cameras but the PCs and staff will be taking photos throughout for memories.
In addition to these fundamental principles, by signing the code of conduct, you agree to:
Participate fully in the programme, but at the same time, recognise that the nature of these aspects varies in each Expedition and there is no experience guaranteed by the programme.
- Not take part in activities that may be incompatible with the objectives of the programme. Not participate in any activity or work for personal monetary gain.
- Not hitch-hike during the programme.
- Not ride on any motorbikes, motorised scooters, mopeds or bicycles as driver or passenger.
- Not use any computer or download anything or use external devices such as memory sticks without the express permission of the owner and do not download any inappropriate programmes or material to the computer.
- Not possess or circulate any offensive or pornographic material.
- Not take leave from the programme unless to attend a family emergency, and only then with the full cooperation of the country management team.
5. If you fail to live up to the code of conduct
If you breach this code, there is a process for initial warnings and guidance to prevent a recurrence. There is a three-step warning system. We will contact your Next Of Kin regarding ANY breaches of the Code of Conduct.
The final decision on how we will respond to the Code of Conduct infringements rests with our Expedition & Operations Manager in the Raleigh Head Office. If you are required to leave the programme, you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred by you for your onward travel.
1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
MINOR OFFENCES
- General bad conduct | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
- Poor punctuality | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
- Laziness | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
- Failure to follow rules or instructions from volunteer managers | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
- Minor breach of safety rules | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
- Minor damage or misuse of company property | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination
- Failure to attend an activity without just reason | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning
- Being rude unfriendly or disrespecting local customs | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning
- Discrimination in any form | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning
- Breach of our Child Protection Policy | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning
- Not upholding the reputable name of Raleigh International and its partners | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning |
- Disrespecting or potentially harming any animals | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning
SERIOUS OFFENCES
- Theft | 1st offence: Termination
- Drinking | 1st offence: Verbal warning | 2nd: Written warning | 3rd: Termination – However, this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the
- Expedition Manager and the offence given will be at their discretion. You may be asked to leave Expedition from your first or second offence.
- Malicious damage to company property | 1st offence: Termination
- Assault | 1st offence: Termination
- Negligent performance of duties with serious consequences to property or life | 1st offence: Termination
- Serious breach of the safety rules (especially at night) | 1st offence: Termination
- Under the influence of illegal substances | 1st offence: Termination
- Major breach of our Child Protection Policy | 1st offence: Termination
- Relationship between staff and volunteer | 1st offence: Termination
6. Conclusion
The success of the programme depends on participants treating each other, and all members of host communities, with respect. The repercussions of inappropriate behaviour are often impossible for participants to foresee, or even to understand. Decisions that may seem sensible to one person, or to a small group of people, can sometimes put an entire programme at risk. To help guard against these problems, all participants must conform to this Code of Conduct. In our experience, this forms the foundation for a successful programme.
7. Agreement
I have read and fully accept the above. The information I have provided to Raleigh International to date is, to the best of my knowledge true and accurate. In signing this agreement, I confirm my acceptance of a place on a Raleigh International Programme.
