Definitions
As used in this document, the following terms shall mean: TFP shall mean Teach for the Philippines Fellow shall mean a person assigned to teach in a class or a grade level under the supervision of a teacher, predetermined and agreed upon by Teach for the Philippines and Department of Education Cohort shall mean a group of Fellows for a particular year LDO shall mean Leadership Development Officer CPP shall mean Child Protection Policy
Conditions of Fellowship
1. Fellowship 1.1 In accepting the admission to the Fellowship, you are making a two (2)-year full time commitment as a FELLOW in a school assigned to you by Teach for the Philippines from June 01, 2014 to March 31, 2016 pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement executed between Teach for the Philippines and the Department of Education. 1.2 You understand that your acceptance requires a dual commitment to Teach for the Philippines and to the partner school to which you are placed. You are expected to meet and possibly exceed your commitments to both. 1.3 You will be based in Taguig City and agree to join the partner school as assigned to you by Teach for the Philippines. There is a clear understanding that the location and placement school may change during the time that you are a FELLOW and a part of the Cohort, based on the needs of Teach for the Philippines and our partner schools. 1.4 There is a clear understanding that your placement in a school is a result of your Fellowship with Teach for the Philippines. As such, the rights, benefits, and privileges differ from a certified public servant. 1.5 You are expected to work full time at your placement school during the time that you are a FELLOW and part of the Cohort. As stated in the CONTRACT you have signed, your hours will be dictated by your assigned school. 1.6 Your Vacation Leaves must be approved by the School Principal. 1.7 You are expected to comply with the accomplishment of Department of Education Forms as implemented by the Department of Education. 1.8 During the two (2) year-period that you have pledged to Teach for the Philippines, you must notify Teach for the Philippines prior to undertaking any other commitments (i.e., studies, internships with other organizations). 2. Satisfactory Completion of Summer Institute 2.1 It has been made clear to you that Summer Institute is the last stage of selection. You are not guaranteed a position as FELLOW until you have satisfactorily completed Summer Institute during Closing Ceremony, May 24, 2014. If your performance during Summer Institute is found unsatisfactory, Teach for the Philippines reserves the right to cancel the CONTRACT with a minimum of one-week notice. You will be given the allowance commensurate to the number of training days attended. 2.1.1 See Section 4. 2.2 If you were invited to Summer Institute before your graduation from college and you fail to successfully graduate, you are obliged to inform Teach for the Philippines within a week of when you are notified of your failure to graduate. Teach for the Philippines may allow you to (Updated as of 10 January 2014)
defer your admission until after you have successfully graduated, and/or may be obliged to withdraw your acceptance into the Cohort, at the sole discretion of Teach for the Philippines. 3. Confidentiality 3.1 You shall not disclose any information related to Teach for the Philippines (such as, but not exclusive to: electronic mail messages, recruitment and selection strategies, instructional materials, documents, business plans and donor information) which may come to your knowledge or possession during your Fellowship, without seeking prior written permission from your Leadership Development Officer and the Director of Training and Support. 4. Termination of Employment Contract with Teach for the Philippines As FELLOW 4.1 Procedure for the Termination of Contract. Teach for the Philippines reserves the right to terminate the Contract of Employment at any point during your two (2)-year commitment to Teach for the Philippines, without reimbursement, if your behavior casts serious doubt on your ability to have a positive impact on children in the classroom, in the communities in which we work, or on Teach For The Philippines itself, among others, or if: - You do not meet stated expectations during the Summer Institute and/or if you fail to meet stated expectations after being placed on a support plan. - Any declaration and/or information furnished by you proves to be false or if you are found to have willfully suppressed any material information provided to Teach for the Philippines, your school, or any individual or organization affiliated with Teach For the Philippines. - You are dismissed from your placement school for performance or behavior reasons. In case of disagreement by Teach for the Philippines with your placement school, see Section 4.2. - Gross and habitual neglect of duties. - You engage in activities or behavior that indicates a lack of respect for and responsibility towards: the students we work with, our communities, our partners, our funders/supporters, or Teach For The Philippines. - You fail to adhere to the Core Values of Teach For The Philippines during your two (2)-year commitment including Institute. - You fail to adhere to any of the policies, procedures, or expectations of Teach For The Philippines during your two (2)-year commitment including Institute. - You have been charged before a competent court of a crime punishable by more than six (6) months imprisonment. - You fail to comply with any provisions of Employment Contract Prior to taking any disciplinary action (whether a warning, suspension, or termination) Teach for the Philippines will accord Fellows due process by first, giving notice and second, giving Fellows the right to hear and defend himself or herself. 4.2 Disagreement between school and Teach for the Philippines on dismissal. If you are dismissed from your school and Teach for the Philippines does not support this decision, Teach for the Philippines will attempt to find you an alternative placement. 4.3 Withdrawal or Resignation. 4.3.1 While attending Summer Institute, you may choose to withdraw from the selection process by submitting a formal withdrawal letter in writing to the Chief Operating Officer of Teach for the Philippines, with a copy to the Director of Training. You will be required to comply with the official Institute checkout procedures prior to departure and depart from campus within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving a formal acceptance of withdrawal letter from the Chief Operating Officer. 4.3.2 If you resign at any other time during your two (2)-year commitment, you should submit a resignation letter, in writing, to the Chief Operating Officer of Teach for the Philippines, with a copy to the Director of Training at least thirty (30) days prior to your intended date of resignation. 4.4 Penalties (Updated as of 10 January 2014)
4.4.1
Teach For The Philippines is allocating a tremendous amount of resources to the recruitment, training, and placement of each member of the Cohort. Should you not complete your two (2)-year commitment, Teach for the Philippines reserves the right to charge you for the costs incurred for your recruitment, training, and placement in the amount of: 4.4.1.1 Sixty-thousand pesos (Php 60,000.00) for FELLOWS
5. Grievance Procedure 5.1 Teach for the Philippines operates as an honest and open organization. In the spirit of our Core Value of Operating with Integrity and Constantly Learning from Everyone and Everything, you will have several opportunities throughout your time in the Cohort as a FELLOW to provide feedback to Teach for the Philippines. However, if you have a serious issue with any aspect of the Teach for the Philippines program, you should first speak to your Leadership Development Officer. If this is not possible, you may contact an HR employee of Teach for the Philippines who shall advise you on the next steps, 6. Expectations for Operating Effectively at Teach for the Philippines 6.1 Teach for the Philippines offers a unique privilege to serve the children of the Philippines while learning key leadership skills for the future, while in the Cohort. Teach for the Philippines believes this will facilitate a rich and meaningful experience for the FELLOWS that will foster professional development and an investment in the movement for educational equity. The freedom and autonomy granted to the FELLOWS in the Cohort are not absolute and Teach for the Philippines has developed a support structure to ensure that every child associated with the Teach For The Philippines program undergoes an excellent classroom experience, that every Fellow in the Cohort is pushed to further his or her skills and leadership competencies. Teach for the Philippines has a moral obligation to ensure that every Fellow in the Cohort behaves and acts in a manner that is respectful, that accelerates his or her own development, and that does not negatively affect the programs staff or supporters, his or her co-Fellows, and the Teach for the Philippines community. 6.2 If you fail to meet basic expectations and act in a manner that is harmful to any of the programs key stakeholders, you should expect to be challenged. Any failure to meet the expectations set by Teach for the Philippines will be looked into by Teach for the Philippines and if necessary, Teach for the Philippines will take the appropriate action and ensure that the FELLOW receives the prioritized support that is needed. 6.3 Teach for the Philippines believes that every member of the Fellowship should feel like he or she is a valuable and key part of Teach for the Philippines and is proud to represent both Teach for the Philippines and the international movement for educational equity the Teach for All network. 6.4 Teach for the Philippines also believes that it is impossible to operate successfully as a Fellow without meeting the following basic expectations: 6.4.1 Operating effectively: Self 6.4.1.1 You understand and commit to the movement towards educational equality. You believe and are committed to the mission of Teach for the Philippines that every Filipino child has the right to an education without compromise, an education that is inclusive, relevant and excellent. 6.4.1.2 You must adher e and act in accordance with Teach for the Philippines Core Values, to wit: 6.4.1.2.1 Leaders focus on the mission. The statement of purpose of Teach for the Philippines, its reason for existing, is our mission: We identify, develop, and support a community of leaders working to end education inequity in the Philippines. We can only achieve our vision and mission for education if we channel our efforts towards a single purpose. Success comes when distractions are minimized and when we (Updated as of 10 January 2014)
keep our eyes on the ball. When we face difficult or ambiguous decisions, we fall back on our mission as our guiding light. 6.4.1.2.2 Leaders constantly learn from everyone and everything. To work in Teach for the Philippines, we were handpicked for our leadership achievement and potential. In modeling leadership, it is critical to take a sense of humility into the world. Leaders maximize learning opportunities by having the humble eagerness to learn something from everybody and everything. In this way, learning opportunities are unlimited. 6.4.1.2.3 Leaders roll up their sleeves to attain shared goals. Leaders know that success in achieving their goal is dependent on the success of the whole, rather than on the success of an individual. We all have our own roles to play, and we recognize the need to lend each other a helping hand even when the tasks are outside our formal duties and responsibilities. 6.4.1.2.4 Leaders operate with integrity. The vision of success includes operating with honesty, respect, and generosity. We act professionally and responsibly. We take full ownership of commitments, and we respect others time and resources. We speak truthfully and respectfully by sharing facts with good intentions, even in difficult or stressful situations. 6.4.1.2.5 Leaders build strong partnerships and collaborate. Leaders build strong partnerships and collaborate with others to achieve the mission. Social change is a consensus amongst many different organizations, cultures, and orientations. Thus, we practice inclusivity as we bring people together by influencing those around us. Creating impact through social change means working with others, inside and outside our organization. As an organization, we work with established lines of authority to enact change. We do not circumvent or disrespect our current leaders. 6.4.1.2.6 Leaders act decisively and excellently, despite ambiguity. Leaders take action; running towards, rather than away from, fires. They quell fear to act decisively, despite uncertainty or ambiguity. In taking decisive action to deliver, Leaders still commit to maintaining the high standards expected of them. Key to this action and commitment to excellence, we understand and welcome change as it happens. 6.4.1.2.7 Leaders persevere. In pursuit of the mission, Leaders are bold and creative in tackling challenges they face. Our work is complex and gratification is often delayed, but leaders within Teach for the Philippines proactively make the effort to solve problems . 6.4.1.3 Specifically, this includes adherence to Teach for the Philippines policies and the expected levels of professional conduct. 6.4.1.4 You must communicate using respectful language and tone through the appropriate and relevant channels of communication (Leadership Development Officers, Function Managers, Associates, Directors, Open Fora, and if an issue remains unresolved, to Human Resources). The use of any social media group and group or mass emails beyond a Leadership Development Officer group is not an appropriate form of communication to raise concerns or personal issues. The use of defamatory or offensive language or tone with other FELLOWS, Staff or third persons, online or on social media is never acceptable in any forum. 6.4.2 Operating effectively: Class and school community 6.4.2.1 You must arrive on time at the designated school and be present for their committed hours during the school day, every day that there are classes, as (Updated as of 10 January 2014)
determined by your placement school calendar. Except in case of an extreme emergency, taking a leave of absence during school hours is not acceptable. 6.4.2.2 In exceptional circumstances where your health prevents you from attending school, you must inform, and they must acknowledge, your Leadership Development Officer and Principal by telephone before class is due to start. Communicating this information to the Leadership Development Officer and Principal after class has commenced is not acceptable. Communication by SMS, word of mouth or through other Fellows is not acceptable. 6.4.2.3 As a FELLOW of Teach for the Philippines, you are responsible for the education and well-being of the children in the class that is assigned to you. It is, therefore, essential that you are equipped and prepared for every school day with relevant and appropriate material, such as a plan for every lesson, a sequence of objectives and any relevant assessments, among others. 6.4.2.4 You are responsible for building school relationships and investing Teachers and Principals in the Teach for the Philippines movement by working within the schools established expectations and frameworks and complying with all simple requests of the designated school (for example, requests as to dress code, teacher meetings, marking sheets and professional conduct, among others). 6.4.3 Operating effectively: Teach for the Philippines community 6.4.3.1 You shall be prompt, attend, engage in and actively participate in all Teach for the Philippines scheduled training including, but not limited to, the Institute, Conferences, Open Fora, Workshops, Super Saturday Workshops, debriefs and meetings, scheduled leadership forums, retreats, the end of year summit and Alumni Induction. 6.4.3.2 You are expected to complete and submit work to Leadership Development Officers pursuant to agreed upon timelines, particularly quarterly results for Assessment data, long terms plans, unit plans, and lesson plans. You are also expected to proactively raise concerns about meeting commitments and timelines before the actual deadlines. 6.4.3.3 At the end of your two (2)-year commitment, you are entitled to rights and privileges of a Teach for the Philippines alumnus/alumna and a member of the Teach for All network. As such you are expected to represent the organization and uphold the Core Values of Teach for the Philippines. 6.4.4 Representation of Teach for the Philippines: Media 6.4.4.1 Teach for the Philippines works proactively to gain media attention on a national and local level to support its recruitment, fundraising and general outreach efforts. In the process, Teach for the Philippines strives to generate publicity that emphasizes the importance of transformational teaching in the classroom and focuses positive attention on students and schools. As a result, FELLOWS may often be the subject of print, online, and broadcast media. 6.4.4.2 At the same time, as our organization grows in visibility and impact, individuals, organizations, and the press may approach you to obtain a statement on Teach for the Philippines and/or its program which can then be shared in a variety of formats including news articles and press statements. You must immediately contact your Leadership Development Officer and a Teach for the Philippines Marketing team officer if the press (including inquiries from college-based media) or any organization approaches you, seeking your input as a Fellow of Teach for the Philippines - ahead of providing the input. 6.4.4.3 Teach for the Philippines works with various partners and supporters for multiple projects. As a single member of the organization, you may not have the most updated information regarding our different projects and initiatives. Despite this, as a FELLOW, your statements would be taken as official statements of the organization. In this light, Teach for the Philippines requires FELLOWS to clear (Updated as of 10 January 2014)
their statements with our Marketing team before providing any input to any organization. Please contact your Leadership Development Officer and a Teach for the Philippines Marketing team officer immediately. 6.4.4.4 Teach for the Philippines frequently uses photographs, film, videotape, and/or biographical information of FELLOWS in publicity efforts, promotional materials, directories and other similar projects. You may appear in any of these materials without your prior knowledge, although Teach for the Philippines shall make reasonable efforts to secure your permission to publish your image, likeness or other information whenever feasible. 6.4.4.5 Teach for the Philippines respects your personal contact information. We do not provide this to advertisers or third-parties that do not have any formal partnerships with us. Operating with this in mind, do not provide the personal information of other Teach for the Philippines members, staff or FELLOWS to advertisers or third-parties. Even if these advertisers or third-parties mention they have spoken to the office, do not give personal contact information unless a staff member has specifically contacted you. If you are approached, please direct all inquires to: (632) 808 8837 or email: generalinquiry@teachforthephilippines.org. 6.4.4.6 When you do engage with media, social media, or in public fora or other organizations, you must ensure that you conduct yourself in a way that does not bring Teach for the Philippines into disrepute or damages its reputation. As a FELLOW, you are expected to share your thoughts in a professional and positive manner and in accordance with the Core Values of Teach for the Philippines. 6.4.5 Affiliation with other organizations 6.4.5.1 Teach for the Philippines partners with and supports many organizations in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Any affiliation with an organization that compromises the work, integrity and mission of Teach for the Philippines, its funders, supporters and partners, or your partner school, is prohibited. 6.4.5.2 We do not prohibit you from expressing your interests through affiliations and activities with other organizations so long as they do not compromise the work, integrity and mission of Teach for the Philippines, its funders, supporters and partners, or your partner school. However, as a professional courtesy, we ask that you self-disclose any affiliations during your 2-year Fellowship with Teach for the Philippines to your Leadership Development Officer and the Director of Training. 6.4.6 Policies, Procedures, and Statements: Fellows and staff members of Teach for the Philippines agree to the following policies, procedures, and statements: 6.4.6.1 ANNEX ONE. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 6.4.6.2 ANNEX TWO. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL POLICY 6.4.6.3 ANNEX THREE. COMMITMENT TO THE STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY 6.4.6.4 ANNEX FOUR. MEDIA POLICY (Details to follow)
Allowance/Salary
17,099.00
"Chalk" Allowance
2,500.00
This includes a monthly allowance for chalk, school supplies, and school uniform expenses.
particularly Teach for the Philippines Teacher Fellows, must abide by the CPP. The following standards of conduct must be met: - Set an excellent example. Be a positive role model. - Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural or socioeconomic background, or religion. Be fair, considerate, and honest in all dealings with others. - Place high priority on the safety and well-being of all participants, by providing them with a safe environment, among others. - Commit to providing quality service. Remain professional at all times. Be accountable and accept responsibility for all their actions. - Encourage openness when it comes to reporting any form of maltreatment, so concerns are raised and discussed. - Never condone or engage in any form of abuse (physical, emotional, or verbal), bullying, harassment, disrespect, violence, cruelty, discrimination, exploitation, corporal punishment, or any similar acts toward others. - Immediately report breaches or violations of the CPP to the appropriate authority. - Be aware of, and observe uncompromising adherence to all policies, procedures, and code of conduct most especially the CPP. Understand the possible consequences of breaching the CPP, including the possible termination of collaborations between various agencies and SAS. - Understand and live out the organizations core values. FELLOWS must: - Maintain a duty of care and concern towards others. - Provide an atmosphere and environment that fosters the best interests and respects the rights of children. - Create awareness of the child protection policy and the appropriate code of conduct by displaying the Department of Educations Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct document on a visible area in the classroom. - Display control, respect and professionalism towards all. - Communicate appropriately, verbally or non-verbally, at all times. - Remember that children learn best by example. Respect others. Encourage children and youth to follow your example. - Be observant. Report and encourage reports of suspected or confirmed breaches to the CPP following the reporting procedure outlined below. - Coordinate with and seek assistance from the Protection Officer or any member of the Management Committee in relation to CPP concerns. - Fully understand and adhere strictly to the CPP and complete the acknowledgement and compliance form. - Understand and live out the organizations core values All involved in contact with children through associations with Teach for the Philippines must: - Understand the policies and procedures of the CPP. - Complete the acknowledgement of receipt and compliance. - Ensure that copies of the CPP are readily available to all involved. - Behave appropriately and adhere strictly to the CPP policies. - Express a duty of care and concern towards others. - Display control, respect and professionalism at all times. - Communicate appropriately, verbally or non-verbally, at all times. - Remember that children learn best by example. Respect others. Encourage children and youth to follow your example. - Be observant. Report and encourage reports of suspected or confirmed breaches to the CPP following the reporting procedure outlined below. - Coordinate with and seek assistance from the Protection Officer or any member of the Management Committee in relation to CPP concerns. (Updated as of 10 January 2014)
Fully understand and adhere strictly to the CPP and complete the acknowledgement and compliance form. Understand and live out the organizations core values
Training: Candidates who have been selected to join Teach for the Philippines as FELLOWS shall undergo CPP training as a component of their overall training at the Teach for the Philippines Summer Institute. They will read the full CPP and Code of Conduct during their first week of employment. Training sessions and workshops shall be held to thoroughly discuss the CPP and shall include definitions and examples of different kinds of abuse as well as demonstrations on appropriate behaviour and proper procedures for disclosure and reporting, amongst others. The Guidelines for Care of Children and Young People shall be discussed in detail during the training session, to wit: Guidelines for Care of Children and Young People
DO communicate and behave in a way which models and demonstrates respect for the rights of children and youth. DO use appropriate language considering age, developmental stage, emotional and psychological state, special needs, language background, religion, or disability. DO ensure that communication, verbal or non-verbal, are non-abusive. DO encourage children to settle disputes without hostility or violence. DO dress appropriately while working with children and youth. DO respect the personal space of children and youth. DO limit physical contact only to what is appropriate and necessary. DO limit hugging when initiated by children or youth by placing the child next to you. DO follow the two-adult rule and ensure that you are not alone with a child. DO leave the door open if the two-adult rule cannot be applied. DO promote disclosure of unacceptable behaviour by another staff member or external contacts. DO discourage and report any disrespectful, abusive, exploitative, and discriminatory behaviour to the Protection Officer. DO recognise situations that present risks to children and staff and take the necessary precautions. DO NOT become involved in inappropriate conversations of sexual nature or make sexually suggestive comments. DO NOT expose children to sexual behaviour of others, including displays of pornography. DO NOT correspond personally (including email and/or mobile phone) with children or young persons in respect of personal or sexual feelings for a child or young person. DO NOT take images (videos, photos, etc) of children that may undermine their dignity. DO NOT persuade a child that a special relationship exists. DO NOT spend inappropriate time with children or youth. DO NOT inappropriately give gifts or show special favours to children or youth. DO NOT allow a child to sit on your lap DO NOT yell, humiliate, ridicule, shame, belittle, degrade, swear at, slap, push, hit, or engage in any form of emotional and physical abuse of children or youth. DO NOT act for children when they are capable of doing something personal on their own. DO NOT take students on field trips outside of school premises without the explicit approval of the Prinicipal.
Reporting: The safety and well-being of children is paramount. Staff and members, especially FELLOWS, shall be required to report, in writing, any suspicion of child maltreatment and/or neglect to the LDO in order to elevate the matter to a higher level. The Management Committee of Teach for the Philippines must respond to a report within forty-eight (48) hours and shall be solely responsible for deciding the appropriate course of action pursuant to the Department of Educations Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct. It shall not conduct investigations, but shall report the same to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for further action. In keeping with the policy of confidentiality, allegations of maltreatment that have been disclosed shall only be discussed with the LDO, or in his/her absence, with a member of the Management Committee. Disciplinary Action: Any violation of the CPP shall be immediately reported to the Management Committee in writing. Teach for the Philippines shall issue a memorandum to the person charged or found in violation of said policy, narrating the situation and requesting the person to explain within three (Updated as of 10 January 2014)
to five days why no disciplinary action should be taken against him or her. After due investigation and hearing, the proper penalty, ranging from written warning to dismissal, shall be imposed, in accordance with law and/or existing rules, or in line with the Teach for the Philippines Code of Conduct.
Consumption of alcohol and/or drugs during the workday: Alcohol: To ensure the safety of all children and the integrity of Teach for the Philippines, all FELLOWS and staff, including those who have direct or indirect contact with children, are forbidden from consuming alcohol at any time during the workday, including breaks. Any breach (Updated as of 10 January 2014)
of this condition will subject the FELLOW to disciplinary investigation under the schools disciplinary procedure, which could lead to suspension and/or termination. Illegal Drugs: The use of illegal drugs or the misuse of other drugs is forbidden at any time during the workday. Any breach of this condition will subject the FELLOW to disciplinary investigation under the schools disciplinary procedure, which could lead to suspension and/or termination. Prescribed Drugs: Exceptions apply to drugs prescribed for the individual or over-the-counter medicines used for their intended purpose (in accordance with the instructions given by the physician, pharmacist or manufacturer) and where the safety of the individual or others with whom they come into contact is not compromised. FELLOWS must notify their LDOs should they be prescribed medication or plan to take medication that may cause side effects and impair their ability to undertake their duties safely and effectively. In which case, the Fellow may need to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to continue working or be certified sick as appropriate.
Possession, use or dealing in illegal drugs: Possession, use or dealing in illegal drugs at work should be reported immediately to the LDO and the police. The following actions must be taken: Do not alert the employee of your intention to call the police and do not send them home; Contact the LDO in line with Child Protection Procedures; Contact the police; and Wait for further instruction from the LDO and police. Driving bans related to alcohol or drugs: When a FELLOW is required to drive as part of his or her employment and is disqualified from driving as a result of alcohol or drug-related offense, the Principal may consider redeployment, when appropriate, within the school. Fellows should always bear in mind that his or her actions may bring the school into disrepute and any violation of this policy will subject the FELLOW to disciplinary investigation under the schools disciplinary procedure, which could lead to suspension and/or termination.
Reporting: The safety and well-being of children are paramount. Staff and members, especially FELLOWS, shall be required to report, in writing, any suspicion of child abuse and/or neglect to the LDO in order to elevate the matter to a higher level. The Management Committee of Teach for the Philippines must respond to a report within forty-eight (48) hours and shall be solely responsible for deciding the appropriate course of action pursuant to the Department of Educations Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct. It shall not conduct investigations, but shall report the same to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for further action. In keeping with the policy of confidentiality, allegations of maltreatment that have been disclosed shall only be discussed with the LDO, or in his/her absence, with a member of the Management Committee.