Carers, Staff, Volunteers and Visitors often share a working environment. It is imperative that everybody holds the same high levels of respect and upholds the same standards of interpersonal behaviour to maintain a harmonious environment where Staff, Volunteers, Carers and Visitors all have a right to be safe and able to share an agreeable working and living environment.

STEPS Code of Conduct for Staff is based on an absolute respect for all people. Visitors and Carers must abide by the same standards to ensure that STEPS provides a safe workplace for staff and a comfortable, caring environment for Carers. Staff are trained and directed to perform their duties to a certified standard under the HACC National Service Standard guidelines and this includes managing disputes and grievances under STEPS Complaints and Grievances policies and procedures. Staff are also trained to not put themselves, Carers, Volunteers and Visitors in danger, under general principles of workplace health and safety. STEPS expects Carers and visitors to behave appropriately.

Where a person is abusive, Staff have the authority to require them to behave appropriately, according to this code of conduct, or to leave the premises. Where a person becomes violent, Staff are required to contact police. All incidents are to be reported internally, using the relevant STEPS procedure.

Examples of Unacceptable Behaviours

The following are examples of unacceptable behaviour by Carers or visitors on STEPS premises, or shown towards staff of STEPS Care for Carers Program in any location:

• Excessive noise, e.g. loud or intrusive conversation music or shouting;
• Threatening or abusive language (this may involve excessive swearing or offensive remarks);
• Harassment or bullying;
• Derogatory, discriminatory or demeaning remarks (this may include racial or sexual comments);
• Malicious allegations relating to members of staff, other Carers or  visitors;
• Offensive sexual gestures or behaviours;
• Abusing alcohol or drugs on STEPS premises or with STEPS Staff whilst working;
• Willful damage to STEPS property;
• Threats or threatening behaviour;
• Encouragement or incitement of others to exhibit these behaviours;

Any unlawful or criminal behaviour that poses an immediate threat to the Carer, Volunteer or Staff will not be tolerated, will be reported immediately and the police called to investigate and take action as applicable.