Youth Ambassador Program: Code of Conduct

Core Principles

Respect: Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Value different perspectives and experiences.

Trauma-Informed Practice: Be sensitive to others' experiences. Promote safety, trust, and empowerment.

Confidentiality and Informed Consent: Privacy and confidentiality is non-negotiable. Participation is voluntary. Be informed on what’s happening and agree to it.

Inclusivity and Equity: Embrace diversity and ensure everyone can participate equally.

Behavioural Expectations

Confidentiality: Keep personal stories and sensitive information private.

Active Listening: Listen carefully and let others speak without interruption.

Non-Discrimination: No discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, disability, etc.

Constructive Communication: Communicate openly and respectfully. Resolve disagreements through dialogue.

Trauma-Informed Practice

Safety: Create a safe space for everyone.

Trust and Transparency: Be honest and clear about the group’s purpose and processes.

Empowerment: Encourage everyone to share their experiences and opinions.

Collaboration: Work together and value everyone’s contributions.

Consent and Participation

Informed Consent: Be fully informed about your involvement and its outcomes. Consent is needed for recordings or sharing personal info.

Voluntary Participation: You can join or leave activities at any time without penalty.

Right to Decline: You can say no to activities that make you uncomfortable.

Inclusivity and Diversity

Representation: Ensure diverse voices are included.

Accessibility: Make sure meetings and materials are accessible to everyone.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respect cultural differences and promote appropriate practices.

Conflict Resolution

Addressing Issues: Resolve conflicts promptly and respectfully.

Support and Mediation: A support person or mediator will help resolve conflicts.

Zero Tolerance for Abuse: No bullying, harassment, or abuse.

Personal Responsibility: Follow this Code of Conduct.

Feedback and Improvement: Provide feedback and suggest improvements.

Not following Code of Conduct: This will be addressed with appropriate actions, including warnings or removal.

Support and Resources

Wellbeing Support: Psychological and emotional support is available.

Training: Access training on trauma-informed practices and effective communication.

Youth Ambassador Program: Terms of reference

These Terms of Reference (TOR) establish the role of the Youth Ambassador, terms and conditions of membership, operational requirements, meeting procedures, reporting conditions, and record-keeping requirements.

Purpose

The Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) is run in partnership between Hand Heart Pocket (HHP) and the Youth Advocacy Centre (YAC).

The YAP aims to establish a forum for diverse young people (Ambassadors) to provide feedback to influence HHP, YAC, and HHP partner organisations make better decisions informed by young people's voices.  It is anticipated the YAP will run for up to a two year period.

It is envisioned that young people with lived experience participating in the program will meaningfully inform the design of better services, programs and partnerships delivered by HHP, YAC and HHP partners.

Role of an Ambassador

Ambassadors will, where possible, participate in:

  • Community Education and Awareness: Develop and support initiatives, including community consultation work.
  • Meeting Attendance: Regularly attend Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) meetings online and when available, face to face.
  • Event Participation: Attend and facilitate discussions at events and forums for the Youth Advocacy Centre and partnering organisation.
  • Networking: Network with relevant youth organisation, local community groups, and local and state government representatives on behalf of YAC.
  • Information Sharing: Provide information to young people and encourage them to seek support from headspace if needed.
  • Communication: Respond to emails and requests for advice, input, or representation.

Ambassadorship

YAP membership is open to young people aged between 15 and 23, who are or have previously been engaged with YAC and/or HHP partner organisation. The YAP values diversity and actively seeks to recruit Ambassadors from diverse groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQI+, young people with disabilities, and young people who have or are overcoming adversity. Ambassadors will be appointed for up to a two-year term.

Roles and responsibilities of the Ambassadors

  • Contribute positively to the YAP, participating to the best of their ability.
  • Regularly attend monthly meetings and participate in additional opportunities offered, including personal development, training, and education opportunities.
  • Communicate regularly with the YAP Facilitator.
  • Nurture an inclusive and respectful culture.
  • Ensure confidentiality of Ambassadors.
  • Work together and share responsibility for outcomes.

Roles and responsibilities of YAC

YAC's YAP Facilitator and Manager will coordinate the YAP in close consultation with Ambassadors, HHP, and the YAC team.

  • Ensure a trauma-informed and inclusive environment.
  • Foster respect for cultural diversity.
  • Coordinate meetings and communication.
  • Provide ongoing mentoring and support to Ambassadors. YAC will not provide intensive case management to Ambassadors and will refer to other organisations or services if support is required.
  • Identify training and education needs for Ambassadors and support them to access appropriate opportunities.
  • Respond positively to YAP recommendations and support YAP initiatives.

Meeting frequency and duration

  • The Ambassadors will meet monthly on a Wednesday. Reviewing of the day/time will occur ongoing to ensure participants availability.
  • Meetings will occur primarily online, with and option for face-to-face. There will be opportunities for at least one face to face meeting per year in Brisbane. The YAP will cover costs for Ambassadors not residing in Brisbane (including flights, accommodation, and meals).
  • Ambassadors will be loaned an electronic device by YAC to participate in meetings online. Where required, YAC will provide Ambassadors with data to enable them to attend the online meetings.
  • The YAP Facilitator will prepare for each meeting in consultation with Ambassadors and informed by HHP requirements.
  • Information is shared primarily on the Microsoft Teams channel and through regular phone and email contact between Ambassadors and the YAP Facilitator.
  • All Ambassadors are encouraged to attend regularly scheduled meetings. Where an Ambassador cannot attend a meeting, they are encouraged to send an email or text message to the YAP Facilitator ideally 24 hrs prior.

Remuneration

At the conclusion of each meeting (anticipated to be 2 hours maximum), attending Ambassadors will be provided with a $100 gift card.

Confidentiality

Information and discussions within the Ambassadors' meetings will be treated with care in an environment of expected confidentiality. Any information, data, or statistics presented or distributed should be seen as confidential and used only with the permission of the supplying agency. Ambassadors will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Meeting records

The YAP will keep full and accurate records of meeting proceedings, including agendas, minutes, and attendance records. Minutes of the meetings will be made available to the management of the Youth Advocacy Centre.

Review

The Terms of Reference will be reviewed annually. The next review will occur in April 2026.