Task 5a: Ethics (without reference to documents or discussion)

Within Module 1, I identified that ethics were crucial within my work place as a school. Looking back at my blog I found the following quote, which I believe highlights the continuing importance of ethics within Module 2 and planning my inquiry: ‘Teacher unions report an ongoing increase in the number of teachers facing discipline based on what they have posted online’ (Kuehn, 2012, p. 84).

When I came to write the ethics that I thought applied to my work place, I wasn’t quite sure where to begin. My immediate thoughts were of the most prominent aspect of ethics within my work place: safeguarding. However, through working at the Academy for just over two years, I realised there were many more areas to consider such as staff polices, codes of conduct, child protection and health and safety. I decided to write my ideas in small ‘clusters’ under topic areas that I thought were important within my workplace.

Safeguarding - I think this is the most vital part of my role within my workplace and for any teacher. It is really important that information about any student is not released outside of the Academy, unless permission is given or it is for an outside agency working to protect the child (child protection related). It is also imperative that student information is kept private; this includes keeping computers ‘locked’ when not attended to keep all information safe. Written permission is needed from parents if students are involved in after school/off site activities. A written permission form has to be singed for any audio or audiovisual recordings of the child to take place. If any students were to be involved in my inquiry, I would need to write a letter to parents outlining what my inquiry involves, where the information would be shared and who this information would be shared in order to gain full written consent for their child to take part. Furthermore, I would never use surnames of children, and I would even consider not even using first names. I would use names such as ‘child a’ if the parents did not want their child's names being used. I also think that keeping confidential information about a student completely confidential is absolutely crucial.

Data Protection – It is vital that no data or information for a child is released outside the Academy. This is also the case with staff. No staff data should be passed on to third parties without permission from that member of staff.

Codes of Conduct and Policies – we have many codes of conduct and policies within the Academy. One of the most important is health and safety. It is important at all times that the students’ and staffs’ health and safety is considered at all times within and out of lessons. This is particularly important in practical subjects where the risk of injury is greater. Furthermore, it is imperative that I follow and abide by the outlines within my job description; this even includes things such as abiding by the dress code and making sure I look clean and presentable. It is vital that staff wear identification badges at all times around the building and during after school activities as a child protection precaution.

Permission – in terms of my inquiry, written or verbal permission is needed from staff in order for me to complete observations, interviews and attend meetings. It is extremely important that all staff are aware the purpose of my inquiry and where the information I collect will be used and who will see this information. I would prefer written permission from staff to ensure effectively communication from both staff and myself to ensure that they fully understand my inquiry. Overall, I need permission from my Principle in order to carry out any form of inquiry.

Staff – I think it is important that staff know in advance if I am going to observe and are clear of what my intentions were to be. I also think it is important that staff know when I am recording conversations either audio/audio visually or in note form. I also think it is important that appropriate staff are made aware of an inquiry. For example, if I were to carry out some form of inquiry that involved the English and Performing Arts department, that Curriculum Leaders are fully aware that this is happening and that they are happy for this to happen.

My own conduct and professionalism – we discussed what makes a professional in Module 1. However, for me this is one of the most important things about ethical considerations. Following my contract (such as working hours, wearing my ID badge and use of appropriate language), behaving in a professional manor in front of students and staff (including appropriate tone and language), dressing appropriately (in line with dress code, looking clean, having clean hair and not wearing too much make up) are all incredibly important to me. I would ensure that no information is disclosed, especially that of a sensitive or controversial nature, to anyone who is not involved with the inquiry. For me it also goes beyond a contract, policy or procedure in terms of people. It is really important that my actions do not impact negatively upon my employers, colleagues, students or their parents. When conducting social research, it is imperative to remember that peoples’ feelings and emotions are intrinsically involved and connected with the inquiry; this needs to be handled with sensitivity and professionalism – something that may not be included in a contract or policy.

I have found it quite challenging to complete this task without undertaking background research. I feel that I have a good knowledge of ethics and policies within my work place, but I think that by just writing my ideas I will have missed a key aspect of ethics within my school which I need to have considered before undertaking my inquiry. It will be interesting to compare my thoughts with documentation and further research to see what I have overlooked.