Codes of Conduct

1. 1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations and responsibilities of all learners enrolled at DMR Institute of Beauty campuses. It ensures a safe, professional, respectful, and academically sound environment, aligned with national and international educational standards, including CIDESCO, ITEC, and SAAHSP guidelines.

2. 2. Scope

This Code applies to all learners enrolled in full-time, part-time, or short learning programmes offered at any DMR Institute of Beauty campus, including Cape Town, Houghton, and Pretoria branches.

3. 3. General Conduct Expectations

• Learners must behave respectfully and courteously towards peers, staff, and visitors at all times.
• Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any form of abusive language or behavior will not be tolerated.
• Learners must follow instructions from staff and lecturers and cooperate fully during all academic and clinical activities.
• Mobile phones must be switched off or on silent during class and clinic hours unless used for educational purposes with lecturer permission.

4. 4. Academic Integrity

• All assessments must be the learner’s own work unless part of an authorised group task.
• Plagiarism, cheating, or falsifying information (including sick notes or attendance) will result in disciplinary action.
• Learners must complete all assessments, assignments, case studies, and practicals by the stipulated deadlines.
• Any attempt to mislead, gain unfair advantage, or submit fraudulent documents will be met with zero tolerance.

5. 5. Attendance & Punctuality

• Class and student clinic attendance is compulsory.
• No learner will be permitted to enter class once a session has commenced.
• Absences must be reported via email by a parent or guardian, with valid documentation attached (e.g., medical note).
• Learners must make up any missed notional hours under the guidance of their lecturer and follow the official procedure:
  • Make-up sessions must be 30 or 60 minutes (not 15 min).
  • Completed in the theory room or practical room only.
  • Hours can be made up from 07:00–08:00, after lectures, or on Saturdays.
  • Lecturers must sign the notional logbook on the same day.

6. 6. Dress Code and Professional Appearance

• Uniforms must be clean, pressed, and worn daily as per institutional grooming guidelines.
• Make-up must be worn professionally by all learners, as an example to clients and peers.
• No tights are permitted as work trousers.
• Nails must be short, neat, and free of overlays unless otherwise authorised.
• Hair must be tied back neatly and jewellery kept minimal.
• Learners not in full professional attire may be denied access to class, clinic, or assessments.

7. 7. Professional Practice: Student Clinic

• Attendance for Friday and Saturday clinic sessions is mandatory.
• Learners are assigned to groups and must remain in rotation unless authorised by the academic team.
• Missed clinic days must be made up in agreement with the lecturer.
• Learners must act professionally, uphold client confidentiality, and follow treatment protocols.
• Unprofessional conduct in the clinic setting may affect practical assessment outcomes.

8. 8. Product Training & Workshops

• All learners must attend and pass at least three (3) product trainings throughout the year.
• Failure to attend product training may disqualify learners from writing final exams.
• Missed product trainings must be arranged personally with the product house and passed independently, with proof submitted.
• Product training enhances retail knowledge, practical performance, and international assessment readiness.

9. 9. Assessments and Supplementary Exams

• Learners must participate in all scheduled formative, mid-year, and summative assessments as indicated on the academic calendar.
• These include written theory papers, practical examinations, case study submissions, and portfolio evidence.
• If a learner is absent due to illness or emergency, a valid medical certificate or official documentation must be submitted within 48 hours.
• Missed mid-year or summative assessments must be completed as supplementary assessments, scheduled and supervised by academic staff.
• Supplementary assessments are not optional and carry equal academic weighting to the original assessment.
• An administrative fee may apply depending on the qualification type and will be communicated in advance.
• Supplementary assessments must be completed within 14 working days of the original date or by the next scheduled opportunity as communicated.
• Repeated absenteeism, poor performance, or missed submissions will result in an Academic Performance Review, which may lead to:
  • Academic probation
  • Suspension from exams
  • Delayed graduation or disqualification
• Learners may be required to attend remedial support sessions as part of recovery planning.
• Assessments are designed to reflect industry standards and international expectations, and all learners are expected to take them seriously.

10. 10. Communication & Complaints Procedure

• Formal concerns or complaints must be submitted in writing to the Academic Coordinator.
• Should the matter not be resolved, it may be escalated in writing to Head Office.
• Learners may request the full organigram or escalation process from their branch administrator.
• Respectful, written communication is expected at all times.
• Social media complaints, anonymous messages, or verbal accusations are not considered formal submissions.

11. 11. Campus Facilities & Equipment

• Learners may not use staff offices, staff kitchen, or photocopy machines.
• Copies are available in the administration office at R2 per page, before or after class.
• Damage to equipment due to negligence may result in disciplinary action or cost recovery.
• Learners are expected to handle all equipment with care and follow hygiene protocols before and after use.

12. 12. Discipline and Consequences

• Breaches of this Code may result in:
  • Verbal warnings
  • Written warnings
  • Suspension from class or clinic
  • Academic penalties (e.g., zero for assessments)
  • Removal from practical sessions
  • Expulsion from the institution
• Gross misconduct includes (but is not limited to):
  • Theft or vandalism
  • Harassment or assault
  • Academic dishonesty
  • Substance abuse on campus
  • Repeated disregard for institutional rules
• Disciplinary procedures will follow a fair investigation and written reporting process.

13. 13. Policy Review and Acknowledgement

• Learners will be required to sign an acknowledgment of receipt of the Code of Conduct.
• This Code is reviewed annually and may be updated to align with national education regulations and campus requirements.
• It is the learner’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with all updates.

14. 14. Use of Technology & Social Media

• Learners must not record lectures, assessments, or clients without prior written permission.
• Devices are to be used for educational purposes only during class or clinic.
• Social media posts referencing the institution, its staff, clients, or peers must be respectful and uphold the reputation of DMR Institute of Beauty.
• Any breach of privacy, confidentiality, or defamatory conduct online will be addressed as a disciplinary issue.

15. 15. Health & Safety Compliance

• Learners must follow all campus health and safety protocols, including sanitation, PPE, and infection control procedures, especially in practical areas.
• In case of injury or incident, it must be reported immediately to a lecturer or administrator.
• Evacuation procedures, first aid protocols, and emergency contacts are outlined in the Learner Handbook.
• Non-compliance may result in restricted access to practical sessions or disciplinary action.

16. 16. Financial Responsibility

• All tuition, exam fees, and clinic consumable fees must be paid as per the financial agreement.
• No qualifications (national or international) will be issued unless all academic, practical, and financial obligations are met in full.
• Proof of payment must be provided upon request.
• Late payments may result in blocked access to exam registration, learning platforms, and certificate release.

17. 17. Confidentiality & Data Protection

• Learners must maintain confidentiality regarding peer and client information shared during practical training.
• All personal data (case studies, client records, assessments) must be stored and handled in accordance with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act).
• Breach of confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action and potential disqualification from clinic practice.

For further clarification, learners are encouraged to speak to their branch Academic Coordinator or refer to the Learner Guide

 

DMR INSTITUTE OF BEAUTY CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STAFF

 

1. 1. Purpose

The purpose of this Staff Code of Conduct is to promote a professional, ethical, and respectful environment for all employees, lecturers, administrative staff, and management at DMR Institute of Beauty.  This document sets out the behavioural and performance standards expected from all staff members, in alignment with the institution’s educational mission and values.

2. 2. Scope

This Code applies to all employees and contractors across all DMR Institute of Beauty campuses, including Houghton, Cape Town, and Pretoria.

3. 3. Professional Conduct and Behaviour

• Staff must conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous, and professional manner at all times.
• Discrimination, bullying, harassment, or abusive language will not be tolerated.
• Staff are expected to maintain confidentiality and avoid discussing learners, parents, or colleagues inappropriately.
• All staff interactions with learners, colleagues, and external stakeholders must be respectful and uphold the reputation of the institution.

4. 4. Attendance and Punctuality

• Staff must arrive punctually for all scheduled lectures, clinics, and administrative duties.
• Planned leave must be approved by management and reflected on the campus calendar.
• Unplanned absences must be communicated to management as early as possible, with a valid reason.

5. 5. Dress Code and Personal Presentation

• Staff must set a professional example through appropriate grooming and dress, aligned with institutional branding and industry expectations.
• Uniforms, where applicable, must be clean, ironed, and worn with pride.
• Makeup should be worn in accordance with the professional standards expected in the health and skincare industry.

6. 6. Academic Integrity and Assessment Responsibilities

• Lecturers must uphold the highest standards of academic honesty, including fair and timely marking, accurate record-keeping, and unbiased feedback.
• Assessments must be moderated where applicable, and all deadlines adhered to.
• Results and learner progress must be kept confidential and shared only with authorised personnel.

7. 7. Communication and Social Media

• Internal communication must remain professional, clear, and documented where necessary.
• Staff must not engage in or tolerate gossip, defamation, or negative discussion about learners, colleagues, or the institution.
• No learner or client photos/videos may be shared on social media without written consent.
• Social media posts or personal conduct online must not damage the reputation of the institution.

8. 8. Workplace Conduct and Confidentiality

• All staff are expected to maintain a safe, clean, and orderly working environment.
• Staff must maintain confidentiality with respect to learner information, staff records, internal documents, and institutional data.
• Breaches of confidentiality are considered serious misconduct.

9. 9. Conflict of Interest

• Staff must disclose any business, teaching, or consulting roles outside of DMR Institute of Beauty that may present a conflict of interest.
• Staff may not promote or sell unauthorised products or services to learners.

10. 10. Financial and Asset Responsibility

• Misuse of institutional assets, equipment, or petty cash is not permitted.
• Photocopiers, stock, and IT equipment must be used for work-related purposes only.
• Any damage or loss must be reported immediately.

11. 11. Health, Safety and Legal Compliance

• Staff must adhere to health and safety regulations, and ensure safe practices in all lecture rooms, clinics, and treatment spaces.
• Staff must report any hazards, injuries, or incidents immediately to management.
• Compliance with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) and all relevant legislation is mandatory.

12. 12. Disciplinary Procedures and Consequences

• Failure to comply with the Staff Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including:
  • Verbal or written warnings
  • Suspension
  • Dismissal in cases of gross misconduct
• Disciplinary action will follow a fair and documented process, aligned with South African Labour Law.

13. 13. Acknowledgement and Review

• All staff are required to sign an acknowledgment of this Code of Conduct upon appointment and during each annual review.
• The Code is reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

14. 14. Learner Support and Mentorship

• Staff are expected to guide and mentor learners with empathy, professionalism, and clear academic boundaries.
• Learner personal concerns must be handled confidentially and referred appropriately to Student Support or the Academic Coordinator.
• Staff must avoid any behaviour that may be perceived as favouritism or special treatment.

15. 15. Boundaries and Appropriate Relationships

• Staff must maintain professional boundaries with learners and colleagues.
• Romantic, financial, or inappropriate personal relationships with learners are strictly prohibited.
• All communication with learners must remain respectful, and academic in nature. Private messages or chats must be documented or conducted through official channels.

16. 16. Staff Development and Continuous Learning

• All staff are encouraged to pursue continuous professional development (CPD).
• Attendance at staff meetings, moderation sessions, training workshops, and curriculum development sessions is compulsory.
• Staff are encouraged to stay informed about developments in the health and skincare, wellness, and academic sectors.

17. 17. Reporting Misconduct or Concerns

• Staff have a duty to report observed misconduct, unethical behaviour, or policy violations.
• Reports must be made confidentially and in writing to the Campus Principal or Head Office.
• Retaliation or victimisation for reporting misconduct is not tolerated.

18. 18. Use of Institutional Branding and Intellectual Property

• All educational materials, presentations, assessments, and resources developed while employed at DMR Institute of Beauty remain the intellectual property of the institution.
• Staff may not reproduce, reuse, or distribute institutional content externally without written approval.