Tutor Code of Conduct

Preamble

This Code of Conduct ("Code of Conduct") serves as a framework for ethical and professional behaviour, outlining the responsibilities and expected conduct of tutors providing their tutoring services via the GoTutor Platform. Its primary objectives are to ensure the well-being and safety of students, and to mitigate the risks associated with inappropriate actions or allegations against tutors.

As a tutor, you hold a position of trust, authority, and influence. Your role might go beyond academic instruction, and you likely serve as a mentor or role model to your students. Therefore, it is important that you exercise a high degree of care, integrity, and professionalism in all your interactions with students.

By registering on the GoTutor Platform, you affirm your commitment to uphold the principles and guidelines outlined in this Code of Conduct. Your adherence is not only expected but is crucial in maintaining the quality, safety, and reputation of the GoTutor platform.

General Conduct

• Professional Appearance: GoTutor is a young organization, and we expect tutors to maintain a professional and friendly manner in all interactions, whether with students, parents, guardians, tutors, or fellow GoTutor staff.
• Non-Discrimination: Maintain an inclusive environment where harassment or discrimination based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic is not tolerated.
• Punctuality: Arrive on time for each tutoring session, ideally being prepared at least five minutes prior to the start of each session.
• Appropriate Language: Use professional language and appropriate tone in all communications, avoiding forms of inappropriate speech.
• Technical Requirements: Ensure your hardware and software are in good working condition. This includes a reliable internet connection and familiarity with teaching features you will use (e.g. screen sharing, use of whiteboard).
• Professional Setting: Create a conducive learning environment that is free from distractions. This includes eliminating background noise and ensuring the room is neat and organized.
• Clear Communication: Keep an open channel of communication with GoTutor's Tutor Team for coordination and support.
• Constructive Feedback: Provide detailed and constructive feedback for both students and parents (both at the end of lessons, as well as when you see fit) to foster improvement and maintain positive relationships.
• Responsiveness: Reply to messages from Students, Parents, Guardians or GoTutor employees in a timely manner.
• Scheduling: Keep your availability in the calendar up to date.
• Student Welfare: Prioritize the well-being and safety of students, adhering to GoTutor's Safeguarding Policy. Immediately report any safeguarding concerns to tutors@gotutor.uk.
• Personal Information: All tutors are responsible for maintaining current and accurate records of their personal information as disclosed to GoTutor.
• Resource Sharing: Utilize the subject-specific WhatsApp groups exclusively for their intended functions, such as sharing educational materials, locating substitute tutors, and sharing other resources that contribute to an enriching learning experience.

Unacceptable Behaviour

• Welfare: Neglect to report concerns or allegations about student welfare. Please refer to the Safeguarding Policy.
• Boundaries: Do not meet students outside of scheduled sessions, whether online or in-person. Do not contact your students outside the designated communication channels.
• Substances: Do not smoke, consume alcohol, or use illegal substances during or immediately before tutoring sessions.
• Relationships: Do not cultivate inappropriate relationships with students, such as showing favouritism or exchanging gifts.
• Promises: Avoid making unwarranted promises to students or their guardians.
• Conduct: Do not engage in any form of abusive or sexually inappropriate behaviour with or around students.
• Privacy: Do not share personal contact details outside of what is mandated by GoTutor's policies. Do not share confidential information about students without explicit consent.
• Intimidation: Do not act in a manner that is intrusive, threatening, or could be perceived as such.
• Respect: You may not belittle or patronize students, or make sarcastic, insensitive, or sexually suggestive comments.
• Off-Platform: Tutors are strictly prohibited from offering or providing tutoring services to students outside of the GoTutor platform if those students were originally introduced or referred by GoTutor.

Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in removal from the GoTutor platform. Severe violations may be reported to the police and/or competent local authorities. All further legal actions remain explicitly reserved.

By registering on the GoTutor platform, you commit to uphold this Code of Conduct, ensuring that each student receives an education that is beneficial, safe, and respectful.

Thank you for your dedication to the well-being of students, their education, and growth. Together, we make GoTutor a premier platform for the highest quality education.