Ember Learning Ltd (trading as Ember Tutors)
1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct sets out the ethical principles and professional standards that apply to everyone associated with Ember Learning Ltd. It establishes the values and behaviours that underpin how we operate as an organisation — with commissioning authorities, students, tutors, and each other.
2. Scope
This Code applies to all Company directors, all self-employed tutors and associates, and any other person acting on behalf of Ember Learning Ltd in any capacity.
3. Core Values
Ember Tutors is founded on the belief that every young person deserves a fair chance to learn and to be treated with dignity. Our core values are:
- The welfare of children comes first. Every decision we make is made with the welfare of students as the primary consideration.
- Integrity. We are honest, transparent, and consistent in our conduct. We deliver what we promise.
- Respect. We treat every student, commissioner, tutor, and colleague with dignity and without discrimination.
- Accountability. We take responsibility for our actions, report concerns, and do not ignore wrongdoing.
- Professionalism. Our conduct reflects the trust placed in us by commissioning authorities and families.
4. Conflicts of Interest
All persons associated with Ember Tutors must avoid situations in which their personal interests conflict with those of the Company or its students. Potential conflicts must be disclosed to a Company Director promptly.
5. Gifts and Hospitality
No person should offer, solicit, or accept gifts or hospitality that could influence professional judgement. Tutors must not accept gifts from students, parents, or carers under any circumstances.
6. Confidentiality
All persons have a duty to protect confidential information about students, commissioning authorities, and Company operations. This duty applies during and after engagement. Confidentiality does not override the duty to report safeguarding concerns to the DSL.
7. Social Media and Public Conduct
Public conduct — including on social media — must not bring the Company into disrepute, undermine trust, or identify students in any way. This applies to personal accounts as well as Company-associated accounts.
8. Safeguarding as a Non-Negotiable
Every person associated with Ember Tutors has an unconditional duty to safeguard student welfare. This duty cannot be waived or overridden by commercial considerations. Any person with a safeguarding concern must report it. Failure to report is a serious breach of this Code.
9. Low-Level Concerns
Low-level concerns are those where behaviour is inconsistent with this Code but does not meet the threshold for LADO or police referral. Examples include being over-friendly with students, inappropriate language, or favouritism. A pattern of low-level concerns can meet the threshold for formal referral or disciplinary action.
Low-level concerns must be reported to the DSL promptly, recorded in writing, and reviewed periodically to identify patterns. Where a low-level concern involves the DSL, it must be reported directly to a Company Director.
10. Raising Concerns and Breaches
Any person who believes this Code has been breached should raise the concern promptly with a Company Director. No person will be disadvantaged for raising a genuine concern in good faith. Breaches will be addressed proportionately and may result in formal action up to and including termination of engagement.
11. Review
This Code is reviewed annually by the Company Directors and following any significant incident or change in operations. All tutors confirm they have read and agreed to this Code as part of onboarding.
The full policy document is available on request. Contact hello@embertutors.co.uk.