By following this Code of Conduct your reputation, and the reputation of the charity, will be upheld and protected.

All individuals involved in all activities are expected to:

• Treat everyone with respect;

• Be fair, discreet, considerate and honest in all dealings with others; 

• Refrain from any behaviour which will bring the charity into disrepute;

• The charity will not tolerate discrimination, bullying, verbal or physical abuse, or sexual harassment against any member. A zero tolerance approach is taken.

All existing members of the charity should receive (or have access to) a copy of this Code of Conduct and Behaviour. All potential new members should have an opportunity to read it prior to joining the charity. This Code should be read in conjunction with the EDI Policy and the Safeguarding Policy.

The appendix to this Code sets out clearly what the definitions of bullying and harassment behaviours are.

The Role of the board of Trustees:

• The Board is the strategic decision-making and governance body of the charity. Trustees have a collective responsibility for the strategic oversight of: 

• the operation of the organisation; 

• the development of and compliance with, policies and procedures; 

• and the health and emotional well-being of all members.

All individuals’ role: 

• Set a good example in their own behaviour and conduct;

• Be attentive to and observant of the ways that members interact and keep a regular health check on the overall situation to ensure that it meets the expectations of this Code;

• Be approachable and welcoming so that the individuals feel supported if they need to talk about any issue, particularly around conduct and behaviour.

The Director should:

• Strive to create a good, harmonious, supportive working environment;

• Start the planning process early, involve everyone in the team and be clear about personal expectations;

• Treat individuals and contractors with respect e.g not make them feel vulnerable nor waste their time;

• Be reasonable in their demands on time, energy and enthusiasm of performers and crew;

General Considerations

In addition to the behaviour already outlined all members must be aware that:

• Honesty is expected from everyone involved. Care should be taken of all property whether it belongs to the charity or to others;

• Discretion is expected from all members in relation to projects. Personal information should not be given out or shared unless permission has been given to do so. The equipment of other organisations using the charity must be respected and not interfered with.

Unacceptable use of the internet includes, but is not limited to:

• Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images on the Internet or via the charity email service

• Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else’s password without authorisation

• Sharing confidential material outside of the organisation

• Sending or posting information that is defamatory to the charity, its products/services, members, colleagues and/or customers

• Introducing malicious software onto the charity network and/or jeopardising the security of the organisation’s electronic communications systems

• Useful guidance on safe internet use for children and people around them can be found here:
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers/child-safety-online-a-practical-guide-for-parents-and-carers-whose-children-are-using-social-media

Breach of the Code of Conduct

• If anyone feels that they have been unfairly treated or that this Code of Conduct and Behaviour has been breached in any way, then they are encouraged in the first instance to raise this issue informally with any Board Director.

• Board Directors take the issue of appropriate conduct and behaviour within the charity very seriously and will do all they can to support the complainant and thoroughly investigate the issue to reach a satisfactory resolution.