Grips Branch is committed to fostering a professional, respectful, and inclusive community for all members and stakeholders. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for behaviour within our organisation, as well as at all events, meetings, and online interactions, including messaging, forums, and group use on the website and app.

 

1. Respect and Professionalism

 

We expect all members to:

 

• Treat colleagues, clients, and the public with respect and professionalism.

• Communicate openly and respectfully, addressing concerns constructively.

• Avoid behaviour that could be perceived as harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.

 

2. Inclusivity and Diversity

 

Grips Branch values diversity and promotes an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Members are expected to:

 

• Show respect for diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

• Avoid language or actions that are discriminatory, offensive, or exclusionary.

• Support colleagues in creating an accessible and equitable workplace.

 

3. Safety and Well-being

 

To ensure a safe and healthy working environment, members should:

 

• Follow health and safety guidelines relevant to the workplace and specific job requirements.

• Report unsafe conditions or hazards promptly.

• Take reasonable measures to prevent harm to themselves and others.

 

4. Integrity and Accountability

 

Members are expected to:

 

• Uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all professional interactions.

• Take responsibility for their actions and work to rectify any issues that may arise.

• Refrain from any behaviour that could damage the reputation or integrity of the Grips Branch or its members.

 

5. Confidentiality and Privacy

 

Grips Branch respects the privacy of its members and partners. Members should:

 

• Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information shared within the branch.

• Avoid sharing or disclosing private information without consent.

• Comply with data protection and privacy laws.

 

6. Use of Branch Resources

 

Branch resources are intended for the benefit of all members and should be used responsibly. Members should:

 

• Use resources (e.g., website, communication channels) in alignment with the branch’s purpose and values.

• Avoid misuse or unauthorised use of resources for personal gain or external interests.

 

7. Messaging, Forum, and Group Conduct

 

To maintain a supportive and professional online environment, members are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

 

• Respectful Messaging:

• When messaging other members directly, use a courteous and respectful tone.

• Avoid sending unsolicited messages of a personal or non-professional nature.

• Respect other members’ boundaries and privacy; refrain from spamming, and avoid pressuring for responses.

• Forum Use:

• Discussions in forums should remain constructive, relevant, and focused on industry topics or Grips Branch business.

• Disagreements are natural; however, members must debate ideas respectfully without personal attacks or inflammatory language.

• Avoid posting sensitive or confidential information in public forums and respect the privacy of other members in all interactions.

• Group Conduct:

• Group discussions should be professional, inclusive, and on-topic.

• Use appropriate channels for specific topics to keep discussions organised and relevant.

• Be mindful of group rules and guidelines, as outlined by group admins or moderators.

• Reporting Concerns:

• If you witness or experience inappropriate behaviour in messaging, forums, or groups, please report it to a branch representative or through the designated reporting channel.

 

8. Reporting and Addressing Concerns

 

Grips Branch is committed to handling any reports of misconduct fairly and confidentially. If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this Code of Conduct:

 

• Report concerns to a designated branch representative or through the appropriate reporting channel.

• All reports will be reviewed in a timely manner, with appropriate action taken to address any issues.

 

9. Consequences of Violations

 

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to warnings, suspension, or revocation of membership, depending on the severity of the breach.

 

10. Continuous Improvement

 

We review our Code of Conduct periodically to ensure it reflects our values and meets the needs of our members. Updates will be communicated to all members and will take effect upon posting.

 

Contact

 

For questions about this Code of Conduct or to report concerns, please contact info@gripsbranch.org.uk.