YFC Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is a guide for everyone involved with Young Farmers’ Clubs — whether you’re a member, club officer, staff, volunteer, supporter or parent. It’s all about learning, competing and having fun in a safe, respectful, and responsible way.

These guidelines have been written to support our shared YFC values and should be followed alongside other policies, including Behaviour and Safeguarding policies, from NFYFC and your County Federation.

Have Fun Safely and Respectfully

As part of YFC, we all need to:

• Follow the law: Make sure everything you do is legal.
• Treat everyone fairly: Be kind and fair to everyone, no matter their age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or background.
• Support each other: Create a positive space where everyone feels welcome, and don’t support bullying, discrimination, or peer pressure.
• Promote health and well-being: Take care of your mental and physical health and encourage others to do the same.

Show Respect

• Respect others and their opinions: Even if you don’t agree, everyone deserves to be heard.
• Respect property: Take care of your belongings and the resources of others.
• Use appropriate language and behaviour: Avoid saying or wearing anything that could offend or hurt someone else.
• Be responsible online: Use the internet and social media in a way that is safe, respectful, and protects everyone’s privacy.

Take Pride in YFC

• Represent YFC positively: Always behave in a way that makes YFC proud.
• Highlight your club and county’s achievements: Positively promote the work of your club and county.
• Follow YFC policies: Stick to the rules of your Club, County Federation, and NFYFC.
• Speak up: If you see or hear something that’s not right, let someone in charge know.

Care for the Environment

• Be environmentally conscious: Practice sustainability by recycling, reducing waste, and participating in activities that protect the environment.

Parents, Guardians, and Supporters

If you’re a parent, carer, or supporter, please:

• Keep your child safe: Follow any instructions to ensure their safety.
• Stay up to date: Provide any necessary consents and information about your child.
• Ensure safe drop-off and pick-up: Make sure your child arrives at and leaves YFC meetings and events safely and promptly.
• Engage with YFC: Stay informed about your child’s activities and progress, and maintain open communication with YFC leaders.

Positions of Trust or Responsibility

If you hold a position of trust or responsibility in YFC, you have an important role. Your actions should:

• Support YFC’s purpose: Help YFC achieve its goals.

NFYFC Purpose: The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs exists to be a national rural organisation supporting, enabling and empowering local Young Farmers Clubs. We offer essential life skills, inspiring all young people as members to play an active role in their communities, help them achieve their full potential, and connect with the countryside through fun, learning and achievement.

• Keep learning: Participate in any training that helps you do your role well.
• Act with integrity: Be honest, reliable, and open to feedback.
• Be accountable: Take responsibility for your decisions and actions.
• Work as a team: Collaborate with others and share information appropriately.
• Be a mentor: Support and guide younger or less experienced members.

Emergencies and Safety

• Know emergency procedures: Be familiar with what to do in an emergency, including evacuation routes, first aid, and how to contact emergency services.
• Report concerns: Always report any concerns about safety, safeguarding, or inappropriate behaviour