Code of Conduct for Students
1. Purpose
To outline the expected standards of behaviour and professional conduct for all students enrolled in Redlands Counselling Training programmes.
2. Scope
This Code applies to all students participating in Redlands Counselling Training activities, including teaching sessions, placements, supervision, and any other course-related engagements.
3. Respect, Professionalism & Group Conduct
- Treat all peers, tutors, clients (in placement), and staff with respect, courtesy, and cultural sensitivity.
- Value the diversity of the group and avoid any language or behaviour that is discriminatory, harassing, or offensive.
- Honour confidentiality always; what is shared in training or supervision stays within that context unless there is a safeguarding concern.
- Allow others the opportunity to speak and be heard.
- Avoid side conversations during teaching.
- Address any interpersonal concerns with peers respectfully or raise them with your tutor if unresolved.
4. Commitment to Learning & Experiential Work
- Attend all scheduled sessions punctually. Notify the tutor as soon as possible if you cannot attend.
- Engage actively in discussions, exercises, and roleplays.
- Take responsibility for completing all reading, assignments, and assessments on time.
- Be open to feedback and willing to engage in self-reflection.
- Participate respectfully and constructively in roleplays, recognising that they may be emotionally sensitive.
- Offer feedback to peers in a constructive, non-judgemental manner.
- Respect the learning process; avoid trivialising or mocking roleplay scenarios.
5. Ethical Practice
- Adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions in all course-related activities.
- Be honest in all academic work; plagiarism, fabrication, or dishonest use of AI tools is prohibited.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with peers, tutors, and clients.
6. Confidentiality
- Do not share identifying details of roleplay participants, clients, peers, or supervisors outside the learning or supervision environment.
- When discussing case material, ensure full anonymisation and follow GDPR/data protection requirements.
- Breaches of confidentiality will be treated as serious misconduct.
7. Use of Technology
- Phones and devices should be on silent during teaching unless used for learning purposes.
- Recordings, other than as for Role Plays as referred to in the Recording Policy, are not permitted. Any exceptions must be agreed in writing in advance and follow the Recording Policy
- Follow the Using AI Responsibly Policy when using digital tools for study or assessment.
8. Health, Wellbeing & Self-Care
- Monitor your own wellbeing and seek tutor or supervisor support if course material feels overwhelming.
- Refrain from attending classes or placements under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or substances that impair your ability to participate.
- Be mindful of how personal disclosures may impact yourself and others.
9. Breach of the Code
- Minor breaches may be addressed informally through discussion and agreed action.
- Serious breaches, including harassment, discrimination, repeated lateness, dishonesty, or confidentiality violations may lead to formal disciplinary action, which could include suspension or removal from the course.
10. Remote Learning Conduct
Students are expected to maintain professional conduct in all online learning environments. This includes video calls, breakout rooms, chat functions, and forums. The online disinhibition effect—where individuals may behave more impulsively or inappropriately due to reduced social cues—must be recognised and managed. Respectful communication and appropriate behaviour are required at all times.
11. Social Media and Messaging Platforms
Students must not share confidential course content, peer disclosures, or client-related material via social media or messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram. Group chats should be used respectfully and must not be a forum for complaints, gossip, or inappropriate commentary. Students are encouraged to maintain clear boundaries between personal and professional identities online.
12. Review & Updates
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains aligned with current ethical, legal, and educational standards.
V4 25/26 Reviewed September 2025