Digital Communications: Good Practice Guidelines

Please note: This is general advice that could be of value for all youth and children’s groups during this season. If you are an Energize Plus or new Urban Saints Group you should ensure that you are following the specific guidance provided for you here.

General guidelines

Leaders and teams should only use digital communication with young people in the group to support their work with the group, not for general socialising.
A minimum of two leaders should be on the Zoom call before the young people join.
There is the capacity for breakout rooms on Zoom – dividing the Group down into smaller discussion groups, for example. If breakout rooms are used, there must always be a minimum of two Group Leaders in each breakout space.
Leaders should disable private messaging on Zoom.
Leaders should agree a code of conduct between themselves for how they will run the group before the first group call (see below for an example)
Leaders should set a code of conduct with the young people on the first call (with reminders at the start of each Group meeting).
The main leader should keep a record of the details of all calls made. This should be kept indefinitely. These records should be backed up and password protected.

Some of the things that a code of conduct might include are...

Good practice to implement (adapt for your team)

Leaders will:

Treat everyone on the call with respect and dignity.
Be a positive role model to other Leaders and the young people.
Ensure all young people are given the opportunity to participate.
Be careful about language and body language on a call, knowing that communications can be misinterpreted.
Listen and respect other team members and overall leader.

Practice to avoid: (adapt for your team)

Leaders will not:

Permit any abusive behaviour.
Wear inappropriate clothing.
Show favouritism and exclusion, in order that all young people are fairly included and supported.
Make suggestive remarks or gestures.
Hold back on reporting an incident.