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Employee and Research Code of Conduct

Organisation: Socialheads

Effective: 21 August 2025

Socialheads’ Code of Conduct (“the Code”) outlines the principles and expectations for professional and ethical conduct for all employees and research participants. By adhering to this Code, we aim to create a positive, inclusive and respectful working environment.

Any suspected violation of the Code or legal or ethical requirements must be reported promptly.

1. Purpose and scope

  • This Code applies to all Socialheads employees and research participants, regardless of role, location or employment type.
  • It covers anyone working for or on behalf of Socialheads on a temporary or permanent basis.
  • Everyone is expected to follow the Code when engaging with colleagues, partners, professionals and members of the public.

2. Compliance with laws, diversity and safeguarding

  • All employees and research participants must comply with UK laws and regulations, including equality, anti-discrimination and workplace safety requirements.
  • Everyone must uphold the rights of people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and foster an inclusive environment.
  • Staff must follow the Socialheads Safeguarding Policy and report any concerns or disclosures to the Designated Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours.

3. Professional behaviour

  • Treat colleagues, young people, partners and the public with respect, fairness and courtesy.
  • Harassment, discrimination or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.
  • Act with integrity, honesty and accountability in all work.
  • Declare any personal or financial interests that may create a conflict and avoid situations where personal interests override organisational goals.

4. Workplace safety (remote work)

  • Follow best practices for digital safety, including using strong passwords and secure networks.
  • Handle information and data in accordance with the Socialheads GDPR & Data Protection Policy, including storage, sharing and disposal.
  • Report any security threats, phishing attempts or unsafe digital practices immediately to the company founder.

5. Research conduct

These principles apply to all employees and participants engaged in Socialheads research to ensure ethical and responsible practices.

  • Research must be carried out ethically, respectfully and in line with recognised standards such as the Guiding Principles for Ethical Research.
  • Participants must treat Socialheads staff respectfully. Discriminatory or abusive behaviour may lead to the session ending early.
  • Where a session ends due to misconduct, compensation may be withheld at the founder's discretion following review.

5.1 Research integrity

  • Research must be conducted honestly, accurately and transparently.
  • Results must not be fabricated, falsified or plagiarised.
  • Follow all applicable UK laws and guidance, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Equality Act 2010 and UK GDPR.
  • Manage all data according to the Socialheads GDPR & Data Protection Policy.
  • Disclose any researcher bias before commencing and reference it in findings where relevant.

5.2 Respect for participants and research staff

  • All participants must give informed consent before taking part in research.
  • Participants under 18 require parental or guardian consent and must also provide assent.
  • All work must comply with Socialheads policies, UK law and relevant government guidance.
  • Participants and research staff must be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
  • Everyone will have access to clear channels to raise concerns or complaints. All complaints will be handled confidentially, fairly and without fear of retaliation. Please see the Socialheads Complaints Policy for details.

6. Monitoring and review

  • This Code will be reviewed annually or sooner if laws, guidance or organisational risks change.
  • Updates will reflect any changes in legislation, best practice or internal policy.
  • Next Review: 22 August 2026
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