4.2 Explain own rights and expectations as a professional and how to assert them

This guide will help you answer 4.2 Explain own rights and expectations as a professional and how to assert them.

Workers in the children and young people’s workforce have rights that protect them and outline what can be expected from their role. These rights come from law, workplace policies, and professional codes of conduct. They help create safe and fair working conditions.

Examples of rights include fair pay, safe working environments, respect at work, access to training, and protection from discrimination. These rights ensure you can work without fear of harm and carry out your role effectively.

Expectations describe what you should reasonably look for from your employer and colleagues. This includes clear direction, support when dealing with challenging situations, and fair treatment. It also covers having your professional opinion respected and being involved in decisions that affect your work.

Key Legal Rights

Several laws protect you as a worker. Understanding them helps you identify when they are not being upheld.

Main legal rights for this sector include:

Right to equal treatment under the Equality Act 2010
Right to a safe workspace under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Right to fair wages under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998
Right to paid holidays under the Working Time Regulations 1998
Right to be protected from unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996
Right to maternity, paternity, adoption leave and parental leave under employment law

Knowing what the law says about your rights helps you speak up when something is not correct.

Organisational Rights and Expectations

Your organisation will have policies that set standards of conduct and outline what you can expect in your role. These should cover:

A clear job description explaining your duties
Guidance on safe working practices
Equality and diversity policies
Rules on confidentiality and data protection
Complaint and grievance procedures
Access to supervision and professional development

From these policies, you can expect fair treatment, open communication, and consistent support whenever issues arise.

Professional Codes of Conduct

These are written standards from professional bodies or industry organisations that outline how you should act at work. They can include:

Showing respect to children, families, and colleagues
Maintaining confidentiality
Acting with honesty and integrity
Promoting wellbeing and safety
Following safeguarding procedures without delay

You have the right to work in an environment where these codes are applied to everyone, not just you. If you follow them diligently, you can expect your organisation to back you when you act in line with professional requirements.

Respect and Dignity at Work

Every worker has the right to be treated with respect and dignity. This means no bullying, harassment, or discrimination in the workplace. It means your voice is heard and valued, regardless of your position.

Expect to be listened to during meetings, given feedback in a constructive way, and supported when you raise ideas or concerns.

Training and Development

You have the right to access suitable training for your role. This helps you do your job well and stay up to date with best practice. Expect your employer to identify training needs, offer opportunities for professional growth, and support attendance at courses or workshops.

Training rights include:

Induction training when starting your role
Safeguarding training
First aid training
Ongoing continuing professional development (CPD)

Safe Working Conditions

Workers in this sector may face physical, emotional, or environmental risks. Your right to a safe workplace covers all of these. Expect risk assessments to be carried out and updated regularly.

Safe conditions include:

Secure premises
Equipment in good repair
Adequate staffing levels
Clear emergency procedures
Support for your emotional wellbeing

If safe conditions are not met, you have the right to raise concerns without fear of punishment.

Equal Opportunities

You have the right to be treated fairly, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Expect equality in training opportunities, career progression, and workload allocation.

If discrimination occurs, use your right to challenge it through formal channels such as your employer’s grievance process or the independent advisory service ACAS.

Speaking Up and Asserting Rights

Asserting your rights means recognising them and acting when they are ignored or breached. This can be challenging, but it is necessary for fair treatment.

Ways to assert your rights include:

Knowing the relevant laws and workplace policies
Keeping records of incidents or concerns
Using formal procedures such as grievance or complaints processes
Seeking advice from your union or professional body
Speaking calmly but firmly during discussions

Confidence grows with preparation. If you have facts and examples ready, you will be better able to express yourself clearly.

Assertive Communication Skills

Assertiveness helps you state your views politely but firmly without aggression. It means expressing your feelings and needs while respecting others.

Core skills include:

Using “I” statements such as “I feel unsafe when…”
Maintaining eye contact
Speaking with a clear, steady voice
Listening carefully and acknowledging other viewpoints
Repeating your point if needed without raising your voice

In a professional setting, assertiveness encourages mutual respect and problem solving.

Handling Conflict When Asserting Rights

Conflict can arise when rights are discussed. It is important to respond calmly and focus on solutions.

Steps include:

Stay factual and avoid personal criticism
Explain how the situation affects your ability to work
Offer possible ways forward
Agree on actions and timescales
Follow up to check agreed changes are implemented

Staying professional in these moments helps maintain relationships and protects your position.

Using Support Networks

You do not have to assert rights alone. Use the networks available to you.

These can include:

Colleagues
Line managers
Trade unions
Professional associations
Mentors or trusted contacts

Support networks can give advice, share experiences, and attend meetings with you for moral support.

Documenting Rights-Related Issues

Writing records makes it easier to explain concerns later. Documentation shows what happened, when, and who was involved.

When keeping records:

Write dates and times clearly
Describe the incident in factual terms without emotional language
Include names of witnesses
Keep copies of emails or letters
Store records securely

Good documentation backs up your assertions and can lead to quicker resolution.

Being Clear About Expectations

Your expectations should be realistic and linked to your role. They should match organisational and legal guidelines.

Examples of clear expectations:

Receiving clear instructions for each task
Having agreed targets for performance
Being given tools and equipment that work properly
Being supported in safeguarding decisions
Receiving respectful communication from colleagues and managers

When these are unmet, you have grounds to request changes.

Building Confidence to Assert Your Position

Confidence comes through practice and preparation. Before speaking up, remind yourself of your rights and prepare what you want to say.

Helpful steps:

Write down your key points
Think of possible responses and your replies
Practise saying them aloud
Keep a calm and steady tone when speaking

Confidence increases your ability to express yourself and reduces the risk of misunderstanding.

Balancing Assertiveness and Professional Relationships

While you must protect your rights, maintaining good relationships with colleagues and managers is important for a positive working environment.

Balance comes from:

Choosing the right moment to raise concerns
Being polite but firm
Offering constructive suggestions rather than only complaints
Acknowledging positive contributions from others

This way, you remain respected and cooperative even when asserting yourself.

Cultural Sensitivity in Rights Assertion

Workplaces often include diverse backgrounds and cultural views. Being mindful of these helps avoid misunderstanding when discussing rights and expectations.

Tips include:

Use respectful language at all times
Be aware of cultural norms in communication
Listen actively before responding
Avoid making assumptions about attitudes

By showing cultural sensitivity, you strengthen your case and promote inclusivity.

Safeguarding Your Own Wellbeing

Standing up for rights can be tiring. Protect your mental and emotional health during the process.

Ways to protect wellbeing:

Take breaks and rest after stressful meetings
Talk to supportive friends or colleagues
Use employee assistance programmes if available
Avoid carrying work stress into personal time

Strong wellbeing supports resilience, making it easier to continue asserting your position when needed.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your rights and expectations helps you protect yourself and do your job well. It ensures you are treated fairly and allows you to deliver the best possible care and support to children and young people.

Assertiveness is a learned skill. The more you practise, the more confident and clear you will become. By combining legal knowledge, organisational guidance, and respectful communication, you can stand your ground and maintain positive working relationships at the same time.