The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment

• Protect participants, particularly children and vulnerable persons

• Safeguard the reputation and integrity of Pageanz Worldwide

• Provide clear standards and consequences for conduct

• Support fair and consistent decision-making

This policy applies to all individuals involved with Pageanz Worldwide, including:

• Directors and governance members

• Management and staff

• Contractors and consultants

• Volunteers

• Contestants and participants

• Judges, coaches, mentors, and trainers

• Partners, sponsors, and affiliates

• Any person representing Pageanz Worldwide in person or online

This policy applies across:

• Events and pageants

• Training and rehearsals

• Offices and workplaces

• Community projects

• Travel and accommodation

• Online platforms and social media

All conduct must align with the following principles:

• Respect and dignity

• Professionalism and accountability

• Cultural safety and inclusion

• Transparency and fairness

• Zero tolerance for abuse, discrimination, or exploitation

All individuals must:

• Act honestly and ethically at all times

• Treat others with respect, courtesy, and fairness

• Maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries

• Follow lawful and reasonable instructions

• Comply with all Pageanz Worldwide policies

• Protect confidential and sensitive information

• Act in a manner that upholds the reputation of the organisation

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited:

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination

• Abuse of authority, power, or influence

• Sexualised, exploitative, or inappropriate behaviour

• Inappropriate physical contact

• Grooming behaviour

• Retaliation against a person who raises a concern

• Use of alcohol or substances that compromise safety or professionalism during official activities

• Public conduct or online behaviour that brings Pageanz Worldwide into disrepute

• Breaches of safeguarding, health and safety, or privacy obligations

When using social media or online platforms:

• Individuals must not make defamatory, misleading, or harmful statements

• Internal matters, disputes, or confidential information must not be shared publicly

• Personal opinions must not be presented as official Pageanz Worldwide positions

• Titles, branding, and affiliations must be used responsibly

This applies to both personal and professional accounts where association with Pageanz Worldwide is visible.

This Code of Conduct must be read in conjunction with:

• Child & Vulnerable Persons Safeguarding Policy

• Health & Safety Policy

Any behaviour that raises safeguarding concerns will be treated as a serious breach.

Any individual who:

• Experiences inappropriate conduct

• Witnesses a breach

• Has concerns about behaviour

must report the matter promptly to Pageanz Worldwide management or through the designated complaints or whistleblower process.

Reports may be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation.

Pageanz Worldwide will:

• Acknowledge the report

• Assess the nature and seriousness of the concern

• Conduct a fair and impartial investigation

• Maintain confidentiality where reasonably possible

• Ensure natural justice for all parties

Depending on severity, consequences may include:

• Verbal or written warning

• Mandatory training or corrective action

• Removal from an event or activity

• Suspension or termination of engagement

• Revocation of titles, roles, or affiliations

• Referral to external authorities where required

Serious breaches may result in immediate removal without prior warning.

No person will be disadvantaged, punished, or retaliated against for raising a genuine concern in good faith.

Retaliation itself is a serious breach of this policy.

All reports and outcomes will be:

• Documented securely

• Stored in accordance with privacy and records management requirements

• Accessed only on a need-to-know basis

This policy will be reviewed:

• Every two years

• Following serious incidents

• When legislation or organisational structure changes

By participating in, representing, or engaging with Pageanz Worldwide, individuals acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Code of Conduct.