Code of Conduct 2026

Thank you for taking an interest in supporting Friends of Denver School.

Friends of Denver School is the school's Parent Teacher Association (PTA). All parents, carers, guardians of pupils attending the school, and members of school staff are automatically considered members of the Friends of Denver School and are welcome to become involved in helping us support the school community.

Our aim is to enhance the educational experience of all pupils through fundraising, community events, volunteering and community engagement.

All support is voluntary and every contribution, whether large or small, is valued.

To help us work together effectively and respectfully, we ask all members to read and agree to the following Code of Conduct.

Purpose

This Code of Conduct applies to all members of Friends of Denver School, including committee members and volunteers.

It outlines the standards of behaviour expected when participating in PTA activities, events, meetings and communications. It should be read alongside the Friends of Denver School Constitution, which remains the governing document of the association and can be found on the school website.

By working together respectfully and professionally, we can create a positive environment that benefits the entire school community.

General principles

As a member of Friends of Denver School, I agree to:

• Act in the interests of the school community
  Support the aims of Friends of Denver School and act in the best interests of the pupils, school and wider school community.
• Treat others with respect
  Be courteous, inclusive and respectful towards parents, carers, staff, pupils, volunteers and fellow members at all times.
• Promote a positive environment
  Contribute constructively to discussions, activities and events, helping to create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
• Act with honesty and integrity
  Carry out all Friends of Denver School activities in an open, honest and ethical manner.
  I understand that all work undertaken on behalf of Friends of Denver School is voluntary and should not be used for personal gain.
• Respect democratic decisions
  Members are encouraged to share views and contribute to discussions. Once a decision has been made in accordance with the Constitution, all members should respect and support that decision.
• Maintain confidentiality
  Any confidential or sensitive information relating to pupils, parents, carers, staff, volunteers or committee matters must not be shared outside authorised discussions.
• Declare conflicts of interest
  I will declare any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest and withdraw from discussions or decisions where appropriate.
• Respect property and resources
  I will treat school property, Friends of Denver School assets and the property of others with care and respect.
• Protect association records and assets
  Any funds, equipment, records, documents or other assets belonging to Friends of Denver School remain the property of the association and must be returned upon request or when leaving a role.
• Use communication channels responsibly
  I will communicate respectfully in person, by email, through messaging applications and on social media.

Safeguarding and welfare

The welfare and safety of children is paramount.

I agree to:

• Follow any safeguarding guidance provided by the school when attending or supporting PTA activities.
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or an appropriate member of school staff.
• Act in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of all children.
  Avoid situations where I am alone with a child who is not my own unless specifically authorised and appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place.
• Respect the privacy and dignity of all pupils.
• Not share personal information, photographs or details relating to pupils without the appropriate permissions and consent.

Social media and online conduct

When communicating online, I agree to:

• Be respectful and considerate towards others.
• Not engage in bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation or personal attacks.
• Not post content that could harm the reputation of Friends of Denver School, the school, its pupils, parents, carers, staff or volunteers.
• Respect confidential information and not share private discussions without permission.
• Obtain appropriate consent before sharing photographs, videos or personal information relating to pupils or other members.
• Raise concerns or complaints through the appropriate committee or school channels rather than through public social media discussions.
• Use PTA communication channels for constructive discussion and collaboration.

Concerns and personal grievances

Friends of Denver School meetings, events, social media platforms and messaging groups must not be used to pursue personal grievances against the school, staff, parents, carers or other members.

Concerns should be raised through the appropriate school or committee procedures.

Meeting conduct

When attending PTA meetings, I agree to:

• Listen respectfully to others.
• Allow everyone the opportunity to contribute.
• Keep discussions relevant and constructive.
• Respect the role of the Chair in managing meetings fairly.

For online meetings, I will:

• Keep my microphone muted when not speaking.
• Use appropriate meeting functions, such as the "raise hand" feature where available.
• Maintain the same standards of behaviour expected at in-person meetings.

Meeting decisions will be recorded in the minutes. Any personal or confidential information will be removed or anonymised before publication where appropriate.

Breaches of the code

Any behaviour that undermines the aims, reputation or effective operation of Friends of Denver School may be treated as a breach of this Code.

Any concerns will be considered by the committee in accordance with the Constitution and any applicable policies. Appropriate action may be taken where necessary.

WhatsApp Community group consent

The Friends of Denver School runs an optional WhatsApp Community group to help members stay informed and get involved.

The group may be used to:

• Share reminders about meetings and events.
• Request volunteers for fundraising activities and school events.
• Coordinate practical tasks and event planning.
• Gather opinions and feedback from parents and carers.
• Share updates from the PTA.
• Promote opportunities to support the school community.

This group is intended to be a positive and supportive communication channel.

It must not be used for:

• Complaints about the school, staff, pupils or parents.
• Sharing confidential information.
• Personal disputes or grievances.
• Marketing, political campaigning or unrelated content.

By joining the group, you agree to follow the Friends of Denver School Code of Conduct and that your phone number will be visible to others within the chat.

Membership declaration

I confirm that:

• I have read and understood the Friends of Denver School code of conduct.
• I agree to follow the standards and expectations outlined within it.
• I understand that this agreement remains in effect while I am involved with Friends of Denver School unless superseded by a future version.