Chapter 9:
Code of behaviour
Aim of the chapter
- To outline the purpose and place of codes of behaviour within the denomination
Codes of behaviour provide protection for everyone, including adults at risk of harm.
It is important that everyone involved has guidelines on what is expected, and what is not acceptable, with respect to their behaviour.
The codes of behaviour will create supportive environments to provide a person-centred approach for all involved in PCI ministries.
The codes of behaviour will help to provide rules for the leaders and participants to agree to and abide by.
Overarching governance
The expectations of behaviour for all PCI leaders, and all disciplinary processes for the denomination are outlined in:
- The Code: The book of the Constitution and Government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Published by the Authority of the General Assembly (2026).
Local codes of behaviour
Each congregation must have a code of behaviour in place for the leaders of all organisations – for both those of the church and external bodies using church premises.
It must include but is not limited to:
- Overarching statement
- leaders occupy a position of trust in our church community; we expect all leaders to act appropriately and in keeping with that trust
- we expect all adults taking part in our activities to display appropriate behaviour at all times. That includes both behaviour that takes places within our ministries and behaviour online
- the local Kirk Session is responsible for establishing the codes of conduct in keeping with its ethos and the aims of its Christian service and as part of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. As such, it is clear about the standards expected to keep all safe from harm and will take immediate action if it is concerned
- Outline of areas of responsibility
- for example, working within the law and policies, modelling good behaviour at all times for children, working with the welfare of children being the paramount consideration, speaking up about any concerns of abusive or harmful behaviour
- Expected behaviours
- for example, avoid favouritism, working in an open and transparent manner, being mindful of the use of language, signing up to safe communication online, expectations in emergency situations
- Outlining inappropriate behaviours
- for example, ignoring concerns, being sarcastic or demeaning, any type of punitive or humiliating behaviour, use of substances or alcohol, any kind of sexually inappropriate behaviour
- Actions in the event of inappropriate behaviours
- for example, Kirk Session will stand a leader down until further investigation has occurred, updating training, internal church disciplinary, removal from leadership
- To whom the code applies
- for example, noting which organisations it covers, noting that it includes senior leaders and Elders helping at an organisation, that reputation and length of membership in a church do not exclude individuals
Codes of behaviour must be reviewed in line with the regular review of local policies and procedures and are the responsibility of Kirk Session to uphold.