Code of Conduct

Rationale

A large element of the Trust is dedicated to various aspects of education for public benefit. We believe that in education there is an ethical contract of mutual respect and cooperation which should operate at all times.

This Guide has been prepared to be of assistance to both the student & volunteer and also for the teacher/supervisor. It sets out our core values of how teaching is to proceed in a fair, mutually, dynamic and professional manner.

Education can only proceed if there is an effective relationships between the teacher and the student. And that relationships must have trust and courtesy at its core together with the essential principle that the goal of the teacher is to inspire the student and to pass on acquired skills, knowledge, experience and wisdom for the enrichment and advancement of the student specifically and the benefit of humanity in general.

Goal of Code

This Educational Code of Conduct is produced in order to :

i) Explain our ethos in this regard.

ii) Provide the students with a clear explanation of what they can expect from us, how they will be taught and how they will be treated.

iii) Guidance on how our teachers and volunteers should carry out their work.

Code

1. It is clearly explained to the student that this course/programme/placement/opportunity does not lead to any recognised qualification.

2. All activities/tasks/skills/techniques etc are to be carefully explained then demonstrated by the teacher/volunteer prior to carrying out by the student.

3. The student/volunteer is encouraged to ask questions.

4. The student/volunteer is encouraged to ask for a repeat of the introduction/demonstration at any time if he ever feels unsure or has forgotten or misunderstood.

5. The student/volunteer will be treated with respect and consideration.

6. The student/volunteer will taught on the basis of our Risk Assessment Policy.

7. The student/volunteers will be taught in the basis of our Education Policy.

8. The student/volunteer will be taught on the basis of our Health & Safety Policy.

9. The student/volunteer will be taught on the basis of our Young Persons & Child Protection Policy (even though we do not teach or have direct contact with anyone under the age of 18 tears).

10. The student will be taught on the basis of our Education Schema.

11. The student will be taught on the basis of the relevant Subject Syllabus

12. The student/volunteer will be given copies of all these documents and will be asked prior to commencement if she/he has understood them.

13. The student/volunteer will have regular breaks (usually work 1.5 hours/break 10mns).

14 The student/volunteer will call off attendance on any day she/he feels unwell.

15. The student/volunteer will immediately report to the teacher if she/he feels unwell.

16. The teacher/supervisor will always be in the garden with the student/volunteer.

17. There will be an adequate lunch break.

18. The student/volunteer will be provided with a Testimonial by the Trust on completion of work if so requested.

20. The student/volunteer may later ask if the Trust will provide a Reference for job applications etc.

21. The student/volunteer will be provided with a written Curriculum of the placement she/he has applied for.

22. The student/volunteer is encouraged to make use of the library.

23. The student/volunteer will not be using power tools.

24. The teacher/supervisor will be suitably attired for the job on hand and will encourage the student/volunteer to be so likewise.

25. The teacher/supervisor will introduce all items of protective clothing supplied/available irrespective of whether these are to be used (e.g. gloves, goggles, visor, helmet, kneeling pad, knee pads, visor) and demonstrate these.

26. The teacher/supervisor will undertake a review/tour of the garden with the student/volunteer since the previous visit to point out any changes/developments or projects .

Teaching

The student is given all the necessary documents (e.g. Risk Assessment; Course Syllabus; Code of Conduct; Rights & Responsibilities; Health & Safety; Trust Guide; Garden Guide; Education Schema; Education Plan; Garden Library Inventory etc).

The student is not left alone but supervised at all times. The student cannot use any power tools.

There is firstly an introduction to a subject/activity, which is then demonstrated. The student is then asked to carry out this task for a period of time (e.g. trim cuttings, apply rooting powder, pot-up). After the task student asked to give views & ask questions. Then explained what happens in a follow up procedure (e.g. potting on, planting out). The student is encouraged to take notes and to follow up experience via reading in the Library.

The student is required to take regular short tea breaks with teacher (approx 1.5 hours)

The theory & practice of every activity for the day is explained. In each session also general tour/overview of garden undertaken to discuss plants/landscape/seasonal unfolding & maintenance.

Indoor study area + library during inclement weather.