New Conduct and Behaviour Policy and Conduct Standards at the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP)

In 2024, the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) launched the Conduct and Behaviour Policy and supporting Standards as a direct action from the Commission of Inquiry recommendations.

The policy framework includes a whole-of-department Policy which is supported by work-area Standards. These Standards recognise the diversity and context of DECYP’s work areas and their needs:

• Schedule 1 – General Conduct and Behaviour Standards for all workers.
• Schedule 1.1 - Conduct Standards for workers in School & Child and Family Learning Centre settings.
• Schedule 1.2 – Conduct Standards for workers in Detention Centre and Residential Youth Justice Settings.
• Schedule 1.4 – Conduct Standards for workers in all other DECYP settings.
• A further Schedule for Children and Families is currently under development.

The policy framework aims to strengthen safeguarding by providing our workers with clear expectations of their behaviour, including how they should engage with children and young people.

All staff must acknowledge that they have read and understood the Conduct and Behaviour Policy and Standards relevant to their work area as part of their completion of annual Safeguarding Training.

The policy framework has been developed with input from staff. DECYP acknowledge their commitment to strengthening department policies to improve the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our services.