Code of Conduct
Introduction
The Prison Network (PN) Code of Conduct is founded on its Christian identity and values, along with its core vision, purpose and organisational values. It outlines the behavioural standards, expectations and requirements that PN upholds for its staff, Board members and volunteers when undertaking work or activities on behalf of PN. It sets out general expectations and those also specifically related to working with diverse women and those impacted by trauma, families, young people and children, as part of the holistic support we provide. The Code of Conduct also specifies expectations regarding the use of alcohol, drugs, and other substances.
This Code of Conduct is to be read in conjunction with the PN Dismissal Policy, the PN Grievances and Dispute Resolution Policy, the PN Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment Policy and the Volunteer Handbook. Consequences for a breach of the Code of Conduct are outlined within these documents.
PN’s Core Distinctives and Organisational Values
Vision
Our vision is for dignity, hope and purpose for women in and beyond prison.
Purpose
To journey with women in and beyond prison, providing the support and courage they need to navigate positive pathways and create change.
Organisational Values
We start with acceptance
We engage unconditionally
We make connections that transition from the inside to the outside
We value family and community ties
We fill the gaps
We are here while you need us
We are driven by our faith
PN’s Christian Identity
As a Christian organisation Prison Network believes that God exists and has revealed Himself most fully through Jesus Christ whose life and teachings reflect the heart of God for the world and the will of God for all people.
We aspire to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ as demonstrated by love for God and love for one’s neighbour.
We believe each person is made in God’s image and likeness and deserves love and respect. Through Christ each person can be reconciled to God from whom they derive their being and purpose.
We subscribe to a generous orthodoxy that recognises the complex and vast array of theological perspectives from which we can learn and grow, even if we do not fully agree with all of them.
We acknowledge that God works in ways we do not always fully understanded and that He is not limited by human fallibility. Therefore, we trust God is at work in the world and we seek to be guided by Him as we work together towards the fulfillment of His will on earth.
Our desire is to see all people, particularly marginalised and vulnerable women and their families, equipped and inspired to fulfil their potential and serve their God-given purpose on earth.
This is the missional and spiritual basis for the work of Prison Network.
PN’s Christian Values
Love
Love is a core Christian value and a fundamental characteristic of God. Jesus’ life is an example of how to live and love others. In particular, Jesus demonstrated His love for others by blessing and serving the poor, the sick, the distressed, the marginalised and the disenfranchised. This love is sincere and selfless. It encapsulates a deep care for others and their wellbeing.
We demonstrate love through our care and service to humanity, particularly to women who have been marginalised or disenfranchised through disadvantage, trauma and/or incarceration. We also demonstrate love through our interactions and care of each other, including teammates, partners and stakeholders.
Hope
Hope is a confident expectation and assurance of God’s goodness. It does not ignore reality but rather chooses to shift the focus from the deficit, lack, issue, or problem, and believes for a better outcome. Hope carries us, inspires us, shifts us, and strengthens us. It is the belief that our current state is not a permanent state.
We demonstrate hope when we choose to believe there is better, different or more, that there is relief, or there is resolution beyond the current circumstance or situation. We believe this for each woman with whom we work. We seek to impart hope for their own lives, so that they can see a way forward in the most difficult of circumstances.
Faithfulness
Faithfulness is a foundational Christian character trait. It is a steadfast loyalty that isn’t easily swayed. God is faithful, constant, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
We demonstrate faithfulness through commitment to each other, and the work we are called to. We are faithful to the vision, purpose and values of Prison Network. We can be counted on to keep our promises and honour our commitments. We are loyal, and we keep showing up. For almost 80 years we have been showing up - each week, for each woman, and for each other.
Respect
Respect is founded on the consciousness that God has created all people in His image and so in turn, all people are valuable and worthy of our respect.
We demonstrate respect through honouring each other, be it staff, volunteers, or program participants with kindness and understanding. We recognise and uphold every person’s God-given dignity through our words and actions.
Mercy
Mercy is demonstrated through the Bible as forgiveness or withholding punishment. It also defines mercy beyond this, as God shows his mercy for those who are suffering through healing, comfort, the alleviation of suffering and caring about those in distress.
We demonstrate mercy as empathy and love that manifests itself in action that is practical and thoughtful, warm and open, respectful and enabling. When working with women and their families, we always start with acceptance and do not carry or impose judgement. They do not need to be deserving of our care to be afforded it. We work with the understanding that no one is defined by their past or current circumstance.
Humility
Throughout his life on earth, Jesus demonstrated a spirit of profound humility. Humility allows us to see the dignity and worth of all people.
We demonstrate humility by accepting that we do not know everything and we each have much to learn. We acknowledge that others have much to teach us, in particular those who are of different perspectives, and the women we serve. We take on an attitude of curiosity, of listening and of learning. We are not boastful, aggressive or arrogant.
Courage
This value is characterized by boldness and confidence. Courage is taking action despite fear.
We demonstrate courage by the manner in which we are not intimidated or fearful in our service delivery with incarcerated women, or in prisons. We are courageous even though we work in intimidating contexts. We strive to be brave with the job at hand, even when faced with extraordinary situations. We impart courage to the women we work with. They tell us, “you make me brave”.
General Conduct
PN commits to operating in accordance with all values outlined above and the conduct requirements expressed throughout this Code of Conduct.
Board members, staff, and volunteers, in all business conducted on behalf of PN, are expected to:
1. protect the interests of PN and its core purpose to serve women in Victoria’s prisons, over their own personal interests.
2. comply with the policies, the Volunteer User Guide and other rules and guidelines of PN.
3. promote a safe workplace environment free of harassment, bullying and discrimination, by treating other staff, volunteers, prison authorities and the women and their families with respect and without judgment (see the PN Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment Policy for further details).
4. undertake training necessary for the performance of their duties.
5. enthusiastically, competently, and professionally carry out their tasks, obligations, and duties under their employment contracts or volunteer agreements, as applicable.
6. attend meetings as and when required, contributing to rigorous discussion and decision-making if appropriate.
7. devote to their duties the amount of time required to carry them out thoroughly and effectively.
8. follow the directions of any designated supervisors.
9. treat information regarding the prison and the women and their families in the prison as confidential and shall not disclose this to third parties unless required by law or with the consent of the women or with the written consent of prison authorities.
10. act in a manner so as not to bring PN or its purpose and values into disrepute.
11. promote a culture of transparency and accountability by:
• being collaborative with each other and relevant stakeholders
• being fair, considerate, and honest with each other
• raising with the CEO, the Board or any senior staff member, any conduct or matters of concern that appear to be in breach of this Code of Conduct
Working with Diverse Women
PN staff and volunteers provide PN’s in-prison and post release services to all women, free of discrimination based on a woman’s country of birth, language, sexual orientation, culture, race, mental or physical handicap or religion. PN’s staff and volunteers will be sensitive to the needs and requirements of people from diverse cultural, linguistic, and personal backgrounds and be responsive as far as practicable to the particular circumstances of individuals.
Trauma Informed Care
Most women in prison have been impacted by the experience of trauma and there is a strong link between the experience of trauma and offending. PN follows a trauma informed care approach and framework which underpins the organisation and rests on the foundation principle of "do no harm". The five principles of trauma informed care are:
• safety
• trustworthiness
• choice
• collaboration
• empowerment
Some of the ways this is expressed in PN’s particular context is:
• understanding effects of stress on the brain and body – behaviours are often products of coping strategies
• considering what has happened to the women not what is ‘wrong’ with the women
• being sensitive to the women’s comfort levels and to the way in which a support service is delivered (not just what the service is)
• to ‘work with’ rather than ‘doing to’ the women
Pertinent Legislation
It is against the law in Victoria to proselytise in prison. When in prison, if a volunteer or staff member is asked a question about their faith, they can answer honestly and respond appropriately, but under no circumstances can they instigate this type of conversation, be forceful or pressure any women or prison officers about faith.
It is also illegal in Victoria to undertake any activities which relate to conversion therapy and change and suppression practices. Under these laws, if a staff member or volunteer, and therefore by extension Prison Network, are deemed to be engaging in change or suppression practices, there are significant implications and possible financial penalties. In summary, an activity would be considered a suppression practice as defined by three elements:
• if it is a practice that is directed at a person
• if it is based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity
• if it is for the purpose of changing or supressing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, to ‘fix’ that person
One of the core values of Prison Network is that we ‘start with acceptance’ – we are known as an organisation that loves the women and provides a safe place of acceptance without judgment. On that premise, and in line with the applicable Victorian laws, staff and volunteers must not in any circumstance, tell or infer to a woman that she is broken or there is something wrong with her based on her sexual orientation or gender identity. Staff and volunteers are also not permitted to suggest or offer to pray for women or provide counsel with the intention of changing or suppressing their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Children and Young People
The CEO will nominate a Child Protection Officer to provide information and support to all staff, volunteers, children, young people, and their carers regarding child protection matters.
All staff, volunteers and contractors involved in the care of children on behalf of PN are expected to:
1. establish and maintain a child-safe environment for children and young people in the course of their work and as set out in the PN Transporting Children Policy.
2. treat children and young people with respect and value their ideas and opinions.
3. act as positive role models in their conduct with children and young people.
4. maintain impartiality in their dealings with children and young people.
5. respect the privacy of children, their families, and teachers/carers, and only disclose information to people who have a need to know, with appropriate permissions.
6. operate within the policies and guidelines of PN.
No person shall:
1. shame, humiliate, oppress, belittle, or degrade children or young people.
2. unlawfully discriminate against any child.
3. engage in any activity with a child or young person that is likely to harm them physically or emotionally.
4. initiate unnecessary physical contact with a child or young person or do things of a personal nature for them that they can do for themselves.
5. be alone with a child or young person unnecessarily and for more than a very short time.
6. develop a ‘special’ relationship with a specific child or young person for their own needs or show favouritism through the provision of gifts or inappropriate attention.
7. arrange contact, including online contact, with children or young people outside of the organisation’s programs and activities.
8. photograph or video a child or young person without the consent of the child and his/her parents or guardians.
9. work with children or young people while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
10. engage in open discussions of a mature or adult nature in the presence of children.
11. use inappropriate language in the presence of children.
Alcohol, Drugs and Other Substances
While representing PN in any capacity, staff and volunteers cannot be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. To maintain workplace safety and the wellbeing of our clients, if any concerns are raised and warranted then drug testing will be conducted as needed. If required, further action including any disciplinary measures will be taken.
Breaches of the Code of Conduct
PN staff, volunteers and Board members are required to abide by this Code. If a breach of this Code of Conduct occurs, there will be disciplinary action, as outlined in the PN Dismissal Policy and PN Grievances and Dispute Resolution Policy.
Updated October 2023