Guidance for working with young people as a Professional Ambassador
By registering as a Professional Ambassador you agree to abide to the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Code of Conduct. You should read and familiarise yourself with this code.
The following points are additional guidance.
Safeguarding
You will always work with teachers or school staff present.
You should never:
- Take school students outside of school premises, or arrange to meet students following a session, including 6th form students.
- Give out personal details such as phone numbers or social network details to any students.
- Make any unnecessary physical contact with school students
- Take photographs of, or record, students under any circumstances. This includes recording any virtual sessions.
- Use unacceptable language, make inappropriate comments or display discriminatory behaviour (including that of a racist, sexist or homophobic nature).
Expectations will also be set by the school or organisation.
Participants
Remember that the students will come from a wide variety of backgrounds, do not assume anything about the students you are meeting.
Do ask the teacher prior to visiting the school or delivering a session online if there is anything to be aware of regarding the students.
Professional Ambassadors must respect each student’s background, culture and traditions and ensure that session content does not cause offense. Always check with the teacher if you would like to use materials or resources that you have questions about.
Planning a session
Professional Ambassadors are encouraged to use support materials provided by the RGS-IBG, as well as producing their own materials.
Do consider any risk assessments required ensuring the safety of everyone, and their property, involved with the session.
Professional Ambassadors agree to provide the Society with feedback on an outreach session has taken place. This will give the Society valuable information on the programme, how students are being supported and provide insights on how we can develop Professional Ambassadors further.
Ready to sign up?
If you have read the Society's Code of Conduct and the guidelines for working with your people, make sure to check our frequently asked questions if you have any other questions.