Code of Conduct

Tells people hiring my Communication Support Service what you can expect from me.

People and organisations who use my services can make a complaint if they think you did not act how the Code of Conduct says you should act.

I will only accept work which I feel I have the right skills to match the job.

I will not accept communication support work where I feel a fully qualified and registered BSL interpreter should be used. This would include communication support for medical and legal meetings and discussions.

All bookings will be made with full information about the situation and individual’s communication support needs.

1. Before a booking is made, I will need information about

• The type of event
• Prior viewing of speeches/ presentations (in order to prepare)
• The expected number of people I will be signing to
• Any additional needs of the audience
• Full details of the address of the venue and contact details of the person booking me. I am able to travel beyond Hampshire borders. I am available for evening and weekend communication support (subject to availability).

2. Should you need to cancel the booking, I will require minimum 24hrs notice. If less than 24 hours notice is given , the booking must be paid for in full.

3. There is a minimum booking of 1 hour.

4. Travel costs will be charged from my home to the venue and return journey at 40 pence per mile.

5. Please see my Code of Conduct policy for information about the service.

The information I gain access to as a result of a communication support job will be kept confidential.

Sometimes I might have to reveal that information because the law says I must, or the law allows me to. For example, I might need to talk to someone about it to stop someone being harmed.

The confidentiality clause doesn’t prohibit me from talking to other communication and language professionals so I can improve your practice. For example, you might need to talk to a colleague about how they would have dealt with a situation. Names will not be used

The Code of Conduct is based on the ethical principles that I should

• do no harm or, in rare circumstances where causing harm is unavoidable, the least amount of harm;
• strive to do good;
• act justly and fairly;
• be honest;
• keep your word; and
• respect the personal choices of service users.

I will act in the best interests of the people and organisations that use my services.

1. I will treat service users with respect.

2. I will not unfairly discriminate against service users by allowing your personal views to affect the services you provide, including your views about a service user’s age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

3. I will be open and honest with service users about any mistakes you make and take action where possible to put matters right.

I must treat information as confidential.

1. If I gain access to information as the result of an assignment I must only share it with someone else if you have the service user’s consent or the law requires or allows you to, such as when it is necessary to prevent harm.

I work within the limits of your training, skills and experience.

1. I will only carry out work for which you have the appropriate training, skills and experience.

2. I will refer a service user to another practitioner when necessary. For example a qualified and registered BSL interpreter.

I will maintain and develop my practice in line with the recognised standards of my profession.

I will not allow my health to interfere with my work.

I will behave with professionalism and integrity.

2. I will make sure any advertising I do is fair and accurate.

I will provide important information about conduct and competence.

2.I will give a constructive and honest response to anyone who complains about my services.