Introduction
In keeping with its values, Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign (hereinafter referred to as ‘BACC’ or ‘the group’) is committed to maintaining the highest degree of ethical conduct amongst everyone carrying out its duties. To help increase understanding, this Code of Conduct details BACC’s expectations of those involved in the group.
Scope and purpose
This Code of Conduct applies to all volunteers, contracted staff and anyone associated with BACC, providing services in any form to the group. Any such individuals are referred to as ‘associates’.
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out the conduct expected of BACC associates whilst performing any duties or services for or with the group. The Code is applicable at all times. Breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in formal cessation of the group’s association with that individual.
Mission Statement
The BACC is a voluntary group run by cycling enthusiasts and local residents. Formed in February 2019, our main aim is to improve & promote safer cycling and the provision of new route infrastructure within Bridgwater and the surrounding areas. We also will support (where applicable) safer walking, the interests of pedestrians and all means of sustainable transport.
The group has four main focus areas. These are, safety (concerning ourselves with vulnerable road users, reduction in speed limits and assessing local areas for personal safety risk), behavioural change (raising awareness of the benefits of cycling and increased physical activity), infrastructure (influencing changes to both existing and new paths and local route mapping), and communications (raising awareness through our website, social media, the local press and any group’s correspondence).
Code of Conduct Standards
As a BACC associate, I will:
Uphold the integrity and reputation of BACC by ensuring that my professional and personal conduct is consistent with BACC’s values and standards.
- I will treat all people fairly with respect and dignity.
- I will seek to ensure that my conduct does not bring BACC into disrepute and does not impact on or undermine my ability to undertake the role for which I am associated with the group.
- I will not undertake duties or work for BACC while under the influence of alcohol or use, or be in possession of, illegal substances.
Not engage in abusive or exploitative conduct.
- I will not engage in sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18). Mistaken belief in the age of a child is not a defence.
- Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance.
- I will not engage in sexual relationships with beneficiaries of assistance, since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics.
- I will not engage in any commercially exploitative activities with children or vulnerable adults including child labour or trafficking.
- I will not physically assault a child or vulnerable adult.
- I will not emotionally or psychologically abuse a child or vulnerable adult.
Ensure the safety, health and welfare of all BACC associates (including volunteers, partners, suppliers and contractors).
- I will adhere to all legal and organisational health and safety requirements in force.
- I will comply with any local security guidelines and be proactive in discussing any necessary changes to such guidelines with other members of BACC.
- I will behave in a manner such as to avoid any unnecessary risk to the safety, health and welfare of myself and others, including partner organisations and communities with whom we work.
Be responsible for the use of information, assets and resources to which I have access by reason of my association with BACC.
- I will ensure that I use BACC assets and resources entrusted to me in a responsible manner and will account for all money and property.
- I will not use BACC IT equipment, software or e-mail and social media platforms to engage in activity that is illegal under local or international law or that encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offence. This includes any material that intimidates or harasses any group based on protected characteristics, or encourages extremism.
- I will not use BACC IT equipment to view, download, create, distribute or save in any format inappropriate or abusive material including but not limited to pornography or depictions of child abuse.
Perform my duties and conduct my private life in a manner that avoids conflicts of interest.
- I will declare any financial, personal or family (or close intimate relationship) interest in matters of official business which may impact on the work of BACC.
- I will not be involved in awarding benefits, contracts for goods or services, employment or promotion within BACC, to any person with whom I have a financial, personal, family (or close intimate relationship) interests.
- I will seek permission before agreeing to being nominated as a prospective candidate or another official role for any political party.
- I will not accept significant gifts or any remuneration from governments, communities with whom we work, donors, suppliers and other persons which have been offered to me as a result of my association with BACC.
Uphold confidentiality.
- I will exercise due care in all matters of official business, and not divulge any confidential information relating to fellow associates, work-related matters or any sensitive information unless legally required to do so.
Complaints and reports
BACC associates are obligated to bring to the attention of the relevant person any potential incident, abuse or concern that they witness, are made aware of, or suspect which appears to breach the Standards contained in this Code.
Associates who have a complaint or concern relating to breach of the Code should report it immediately to the Safeguarding Lead. If the associate does not feel comfortable reporting to the Safeguarding Lead (for example if they feel that the report will not be taken seriously, or if that person is implicated in the concern) they may report to any other appropriate BACC member.