Code of conduct
Thank you for being a Wish Partner and Supplier and helping us to make Wish Journeys the most powerful experience they can be for our wish children.
To protect families and ensure the best possible outcome for wish children we've put together our code of conduct, outlining our expectations and your responsibilities when it comes to wishes.
“Wish” Partners & Suppliers Child Safety Code of Conduct
We're proud to be a child safe organisation
Make-A-Wish® Australia is proud to be a child safe organisation. We are committed to always acting in the best interests of children and young people to keep them safe. We actively work to provide an environment where all children and young people, regardless of race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability, feel empowered to unlock their imaginations to discover their own unique cherished wish in a world free from limitations and judgement.
We have zero tolerance for child abuse, and consider any form of emotional, physical, sexual abuse or neglect, as intolerable under any circumstances.
Scope
This Code of Conduct applies to all ‘Wish’ Partners and Suppliers which is any business, community organisation, sole traders who contribute financially through donations, Gift in Kind support or provide pro-bono or paid business services. It applies to all aspects of a ‘Wish’ Partners and Suppliers engagement with children while working with Make-A-Wish Australia, whether face-to-face or online.
Make this the best experience
We provide an open, welcoming and safe environment for everyone participating in a wish. To protect our families and ensure the best possible experience for our wish children, we like to outline our expectations and your responsibilities when it comes to wishes.
DO Ask questions if you’re unsure of something. We’re here to help!
DO Treat everyone with respect regardless of their gender identity, age, ability, cultural background or religion (including Make-A-Wish employees and volunteers, all children, wish families, and all other guests)
DO Remember your conduct sets an example – have fun and smile!
DO Make sure children have regular breaks and be conscious of energy levels and need for water/food. Make sure you take breaks too! If you’re not participating, it’s better to take a break and blend into the background rather than spectate
DO Leave any uninvited guests at home (including kids and pets!) – a wish is a special time for one unique child, let’s keep the focus on them
DO Speak and act appropriately around children taking into account their age, maturity and any additional needs (no swearing, yelling, inappropriate language or suggestive comments, bullying or aggressive behaviour)
DO Make sure all personal information is handled in accordance with Make-A-Wish’s Privacy Policy and is securely stored or deleted
DO Adhere to Make-A-Wish’s Child Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy https://www.makeawish.org.au/about-us/terms-and-conditions/child-safeguarding-policy/child-safeguarding-policy
DO Avoid unnecessary physical contact with children. If you are uncertain, check with Make-A-Wish representative.
DO Comply with directions from Make-a-Wish representatives, especially in relation to the safety of the wish child
DO Ensure a parent and/or Make-A-Wish representatives can accompany the wish child for any activities you are planning
DO Report any behavioural or child safety concerns you observe to Make-A-Wish, including in the physical company of wish children or when interacting online, and follow our commitment to child safeguarding at all times
DO Report any suspicions of child abuse to the CEO of Make-A-Wish
DO Call 000 if you believe a child is at immediate risk of abuse.
Help protect wish children, young people and families
DON’T Engage in any form of abuse of any child
DON’T Attend a wish if you’re unwell! Lots of wish kids have compromised immune systems
DON’T Use any form of physical discipline or violence with a wish child
DON’T Engage in any sexual act with a wish child
DON’T Bring alcohol, cigarettes or drugs onto the premises of a wish
DON’T Initiate talking to a wish child or their family/friends about their medical condition. A wish is a positive experience away from the challenges of their medical journey
DON’T Ask a wish family directly about any media or PR opportunities. All of these requests go through Make-A-Wish
DON’T Express personal views on cultures, race, religion or sexuality in the presence of
the child
DON’T Allow a child to use your own personal electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers, or communicate with wish children without consent from their parent/guardian (including all social platforms)
DON’T Take any photos of the wish child or family unless pre-approved by Make-A-Wish or the wish family. You also cannot share any images, footage or info about the wish without consent from Make-A-Wish, who will seek the family’s permission on your behalf.
DON’T Have contact with a child or their family outside the wish without Make-A-Wish’s child protection officer’s knowledge. This includes online contact. Accidental contact (e.g., seeing people in the street) is appropriate and should be handled in accordance with this Code of Conduct.
DON’T Be left alone with a child at any time or put children at risk of abuse (e.g., by locking doors). All children must be supervised at all times by at least two Make-A-Wish representative or a parent/guardian. This includes online interactions via videoconference
DON’T Develop any “special relationships” with a child which could be seen as Favouritism or grooming behaviour
DON’T Put a child or their family in a situation that causes them distress or harm, or physical or psychological danger
DON’T Ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse
Consequences for breach
Disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of association with Make-A-Wish may be taken for any breach of this Code of Conduct. In cases where the conduct may also involve a breach of law, the relevant regulatory authorities (or the police) may be notified.
Make-A-Wish Australia has full discretion to put in place safety management plans or take disciplinary action where is form reasonable belief that doing so is necessary for it to ensure the health and safety of its employees, clients, children in its care of the general public.
Thank you for being a Wish Partner and Supplier and helping us to make wish journeys the most powerful experience they can be for our wish children.
