Code of Conduct

Last reviewed: March 2026

1. The Aims of McFarlane Music

• To promote and support the Art of Music.
• To promote and support the interests of persons working as professionals within the music profession.
• To provide excellent music education for children and adults across Telford and Shropshire.

2. Principles of Professional Conduct

• Artistic Standards: Commitment to the achievement and maintenance of the highest artistic standards.
• Knowledge & Expertise: Commitment to the highest levels of knowledge and expertise in all professional activities.
• CPD: Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Integrity: Honesty, respectfulness and integrity in all dealings with colleagues and the public.
• Professional Standards: Acceptance of the standards of professional conduct set out in this document.
• Equality: Compliance with the law relating to discrimination and the Dignity at Work Code of Practice.

3. Code of Conduct

1. Do not engage in any conduct which could bring McFarlane Music, the music profession, or any individual into disrepute or adversely affect the interests or reputation of McFarlane Music.
2. Support McFarlane Music in its endeavours to promote and support the art of music and to serve the interests of the music profession.
3. Act at all times in accordance with the best interests of McFarlane Music.
4. Do not engage in dishonest, abusive or bullying behaviour, whether in professional activities or in dealings with McFarlane Music, colleagues or students.
5. Treat fellow professionals, members of the public, and students with respect at all times.
6. Make it clear that personal opinions expressed publicly or privately are your own and not those of McFarlane Music. Any comments or concerns about McFarlane Music should be raised directly with Jordan W. McFarlane.
7. Comply with UK GDPR / the Data Protection Act and ensure any use of personal data relating to students or families complies with data protection law. Student contact details must not be used for purposes inconsistent with this Code of Conduct.
8. Comply with the Dignity at Work Code of Practice. Do not discriminate against any person on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, or marriage and civil partnership.
9. Comply with all McFarlane Music policies in relation to child protection and safeguarding.
10. Do not disclose confidential information except as required by law or by the McFarlane Music Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
11. Be familiar with and abide by copyright law. Never photocopy copyright material except in circumstances permitted under the Music Publishers' Association Code of Fair Practice. Only perform copyright works where the appropriate PRS licence is in place.
12. Notify Jordan W. McFarlane promptly if you are convicted of or cautioned for a criminal offence; charged with a criminal offence; subject to an investigation relating to the protection of children or vulnerable adults; or arrested for an offence that could cause serious reputational damage.

Additional obligations for teachers and tutors

• Co-operate with other music professionals in sharing expertise and encouraging professional development.
• Use written agreements for professional engagements and ensure terms are understood by all parties.
• Maintain suitable records of tax and financial affairs and submit timely and accurate returns to HMRC where required.

4. Dignity at Work Code of Practice

Everyone is entitled to be treated fairly, appropriately and with dignity while at work or in an educational setting. Discrimination and harassment of any kind are unacceptable.

Protected Characteristics

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of any of the following: age, sex, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Types of Unlawful Discrimination

• Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
• Indirect Discrimination: A practice applied to everyone that disproportionately disadvantages people with a protected characteristic.
• Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates a hostile, humiliating or offensive environment.
• Victimisation: Retaliation against someone who has complained about discrimination or supported another's complaint.

Your Obligations

• Treat with dignity all persons you come into contact with, irrespective of any protected characteristic.
• Do not use or encourage language or gestures, whether in person or online, that is or could be discriminatory.
• Avoid unwanted physical contact, which can constitute harassment and a criminal offence.
• Be mindful of any authority or power that comes with your position and never take advantage of it.

If you believe you have suffered discrimination, please raise the matter with Jordan W. McFarlane in confidence. Any false allegation of discrimination will be taken seriously and addressed accordingly.

5. Guidance for Performers

Contracts

Performers should use an appropriate written contract wherever possible. In the event of an unavoidable cancellation, offer an alternative date on the original terms, or provide a suitable deputy acceptable to the promoter.

Fees

Fees are a matter for negotiation. However, accepting unrealistically low fees can undermine professional standing for yourself and colleagues. Be mindful that performing for no fee or enhanced expenses can erode professional employment opportunities, while still recognising the valuable contribution of amateur music-making.

Publicity

Advertising should relate only to services offered. Publicity must not be dishonest or misleading, and sources should be quoted in extracts of press notices.

6. Guidance for Private Teachers

Contractual Arrangements

• Use an appropriate written agreement (such as the ISM agreement for private music tuition) and ensure its terms are clearly understood before lessons commence.
• Provide tuition in a professional manner, ensuring teaching methods, facilities and equipment are of an appropriate standard.
• Do not solicit as pupils anyone known to be a pupil of another teacher. When accepting a transferring pupil, ensure all fees and materials owed to the previous teacher have been settled.

Communicating with Pupils and Parents

• Only communicate directly with children by email or text in exceptional circumstances and with prior parental consent. Never communicate with children via social media.
• Maintain clear and open communications with parents. For child pupils, communicate directly with the parent or guardian — do not rely on information being passed on by the child.
• Offer parents of child pupils regular written or verbal progress reports, at least once per term.
• Pass on examination results and certificates promptly. Results must never be withheld pending payment.

Teaching Content

• Provide a varied and balanced course of study appropriate to the age and ability of each pupil.
• Maintain a commitment to professional development and ensure teaching methods reflect current best practice.
• Be clear about whether theory and aural training are included in lessons and when extra lessons may be necessary.
• Provide performing opportunities for pupils.

Child Protection

• Comply fully with the McFarlane Music Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times.
• Physical contact is only appropriate in very limited circumstances. If physical contact is necessary in your teaching, state this in writing before lessons begin and obtain written parental consent. It is not advisable to touch a child on the trunk of the body, and it is not appropriate to touch a child around the chest, waist, diaphragm or ribs in order to teach breathing.
• Be aware of the risks of teaching children alone in a private home. Consider using rooms with a window in the door, teaching with the door open, or inviting parents to remain nearby during lessons.
• Apply for a DBS Enhanced Disclosure check every three years.

Facilities, Health & Safety

• Maintain a suitably equipped studio with cloakroom access and a waiting area for pupils and parents.
• Ask parents to provide details of any health needs or allergies.
• Know who is collecting each child pupil, and do not allow pupils to leave unaccompanied without written parental permission.
• Hold emergency contact details for every child pupil's parent or guardian.
• Ensure you have adequate public liability insurance in place.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Code of Conduct, please get in touch:

• Email: hello@mcfarlanemusic.co.uk
• Phone: 07494 921 925
• Website: mcfarlanemusic.co.uk