Staff code of conduct: model and examples

Last reviewed on 6 June 2022
See updates
Statutory/mandatory for: Maintained schools Academies Free schools Independent schools Sixth-form colleges Pupil referral units Non-maintained special schools

Download and adapt our model staff code of conduct, developed with NAHT and approved by a law firm. See examples of codes of conduct from primary, secondary and special schools, and across academy trusts.

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Contents

  1. Download our model code of conduct
  2. How to make sure your code of conduct is up to date and compliant
  3. All schools need to have a staff code of conduct
  4. Examples of policies from schools

Download our model code of conduct

This model document is designed for you to adapt to suit your school’s context.

We developed it alongside NAHT and it has been approved by Forbes Solicitors.

Note: we recommend that you consult with the unions represented at your school before implementing a new policy that refers to the employment of staff.

KeyDoc: model policy – staff code of conduct DOC, 194.0 KB

How to make sure your code of conduct is up to date and compliant

If you've previously adapted our model, use the list below to review the key changes we've made to help bring it in line with the 2022 version of KCSIE.

In this update, we've:

  • Added 2 sub-sections to the safeguarding section (4) to cover allegations that may meet the harms threshold (4.1) and whistle-blowing (4.3)
  • Moved the sub-section on low-level concerns to 4.2 (previously 4.1)
  • Removed the example 'using inappropriate language' from low-level concerns (4.2) and replaced with 'humiliating pupils'

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