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Read Our Code Of Conduct In Large Print Here

Code of Conduct for Participants in the Lumen Programme

1 Purpose
Lumen Dominican Centre is committed to promoting a safe, secure, inclusive, and comfortable learning environment for all participants and staff. A clear policy of appropriate standards of behaviour will help maintain the Centre’s reputation and integrity.

1.1 Scope
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of acceptable behaviour required by all participants in the Lumen programme. These standards must be met when participants take part in Centre activities and when they interact with other participants, staff and members of the Lumen Dominican Centre community.

2 Policy Statement
2.1 Lumen Dominican Centre Expectations
Participants are expected to:

Treat others with respect and courtesy.
Treat everyone fairly irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, medical condition, cultural background, religion, marital status, age, or political beliefs.
Respect the opinions and views of others.
Avoid any behaviour that could be viewed as sexual, racial, or gender-based harassment, discriminatory, or intimidating.
Not engage in any behaviour that may be seen as harassment, bullying, vilifying or abusive.
Not make or publish false statements about the Centre.
2.2 Behaviours Appropriate to a Learning Environment
To comply with the Code of Conduct, and therefore continue to take part in activities at the Centre, participants are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

Show mutual respect for Lumen staff and fellow participants.
Do their best to arrive at classes on time.
Not use devices (such as mobile phones) during class times (unless required for learning activities).
Not photograph or record tutors, staff or participants without prior permission. If permission is granted, such photographs or recordings are for private use only.
Be aware of any other rules of classroom behaviour set by, and/or discussed with, their tutor or the Lumen staff.
2.3 Discrimination and Harassment (including Sexual Harassment or Sexual Assault)
Lumen Dominican Centre recognises that all participants and staff have the right to work and study in an environment free from discrimination and harassment based on gender, age, sexual preference, impairment, religion, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, or language.

Discrimination or harassment of staff or participants, by anyone in the teaching and learning environment, is unacceptable and goes against the Centre’s core educational and employment values. All members of the Centre are expected to maintain an environment where cultural differences are accepted and respected, and individuals are able to participate fully in the life of the Centre, free from all discrimination and harassment.

2.4 Breaches of the Code of Conduct
Lumen Dominican Centre participants who breach any of the expectations, behaviours, or guidelines outlined in this Code of Conduct may be considered to have engaged in official misconduct.

Additionally, a participant who engages in any of the following activities may also be considered to have engaged in misconduct:

Puts the health or safety of any person at the Centre or on the campus at risk.
Violent, abusive or intimidating conduct.
An act of sexual, racial or other harassment or bullying.
Persistent failure to cooperate with staff.
Engages in dishonest behaviour.
Damages or abuses Lumen Dominican Centre or its property.
2.5 Reporting Breaches of the Code of Conduct
You can report possible misconduct by a participant to the Director of Lumen. This report should be made as soon as possible after you become aware of the possible misconduct and should be confirmed in writing. Anonymous allegations will not be investigated.

2.6 Responding to Allegations of Misconduct
On receiving an allegation of misconduct, the Director of Lumen may take any immediate action necessary to ensure the ongoing safe operation of the Centre.

The Director will investigate any allegation of misconduct in a timely manner. This will be carried out in conjunction with the Chair of the Lumen Board of Management.

Participants can expect the following to occur once an allegation is under investigation:

The participant will be informed in writing of the allegation by the Director of Lumen.
The participant will have the opportunity to respond to the misconduct allegation in person within seven days of being informed and may be accompanied by a support person.
The participant will be informed in writing of the outcome and of any required action after the meeting and investigation.
If the participant fails to respond within the given timeframe, the Director of Lumen may make a final determination on the matter, including implementation of any action.
2.7 Actions on Misconduct
If it is determined that a participant has engaged in official misconduct, they may be subject to any, or a combination, of the following actions:

Verbal warning.
Written warning.
Suspension from a class or from the Centre.
2.8 Appeal
You have a right to appeal any actions taken to the Chair of the Lumen Board of Management. You should inform the decision maker in writing of your wish to appeal within five working days of the date of the decision setting out the reasons for your appeal.

The appeal hearing will happen as soon as possible after it is received. This will not be a full re-hearing of the matter. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case and you are entitled to be accompanied by a support person.

The outcome of the appeal hearing will be final.

3 Compliance
3.1 General
The Centre reserves the right to change or amend this Procedure at its sole discretion.