Code of Conduct

Section 1

Introduction

Section 2

Application

• 1.This Code will apply to all resident members of the LDG including those non-ringing members elected under rule 2d.
• 2.The Code relates to the conduct of members. It attempts to set parameters of expected conduct and behaviour for the guidance of members, tower captains and officials of the guild.
• 3.The Code does not relate to standards of ringing other than with respect to members' safety.
• 4.The Code will act as a reference in circumstances where the conduct of a member raises concerns and the potential application of some kind of response from the Guild; for instance informal or formal encouragement to improvement or temporary or permanent exclusion from membership or removal from office.
• 5.Any issue associated with safeguarding must be undertaken in accordance with relevant safeguarding procedures of the Church of England and using the guidance of the Guild Safeguarding Policy. Issues referred to the Guild should be taken up with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and the Guild Safeguarding Coordinator if appropriate.

Section 3

Principles

• 1.All members and officers are expected to follow and comply with the advice provided by the Guild and by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (CCCBR).
• 2.Members are expected to support the objectives of the Guild and not actively undermine or subvert any of those objectives. Nevertheless, it is recognised that Guild objectives should be subject to scrutiny in a manner consistent with Guild rules and this Code of Conduct.
• 3.The Guild considers that good relations between members will assist the Guild to meet its aspirations.
• 4.The Guild recognises that disagreements will occur from time to time and that such dissonance can often be positive, aid communication and help the Guild make progress toward fulfilling its objectives. However the Guild expects its members to manage such disagreement in a respectful manner, for instance through the criticism of ideas rather than individuals.
• 5.The Guild expects members to act lawfully at all times when undertaking activities as Guild members.
• 6.The Guild is particularly concerned to ensure that high standards of conduct, as set out in this code, are maintained by members when utilising social media.

Section 4

Expected Standard of Behaviour

• 1.Support the objectives of the Lincoln Diocesan Guild or, if a member feels they can be improved upon, constructively try to change them in accordance with Guild rules.
• 2.Ring in a safe and responsible manner.
• 3.Be hospitable and welcoming to others in the belfry and at any event associated with ringing.
• 4.Encourage harmony and good fellowship amongst bellringers and those with whom bellringers interact, for instance church incumbents and officials and residents who hear bells being rung.
• 5.Do not bully, intimidate or harass others and report or condemn such behaviour if ever witnessed.
• 6.Abide by, and uphold, legislation and formal guidance provided by the Central Council of Church Bellringers and the Guild. In particular that relating to:
  • i.Safeguarding
  • ii.Health and Safety
  • iii.Data Protection
  • iv.Unlawful discrimination
  • v.Social media use
• 7.Ensure that all the above standards are maintained in all environments including when utilizing social media.

Section 5

Application of Sanctions

• 1.Three members of the Guild shall be appointed by the Master (but not including the Master) to consider allegations of misconduct. One of the three to be appointed Chair.
• 2.The group will hear evidence from the subject and from other members or in some cases non-members, and will invite the subject to make his or her representations before the group decide on what action to take.
• 3.The group is free to adopt whatever approach it thinks fit within the Guild rules, this Code of Conduct and the rules of natural justice. The subject will have the right to speak to the three members together if he/she so wishes. At all times the member will be accorded the right to be accompanied. Any such meetings between panelist and subject should be on neutral ground and reasonable expenses shall be paid by the Guild.
• 4.The group will report their findings to the Guild Committee.
• 5.In cases where the group determine that a request for change is appropriate, they have authority to undertake that action reporting retrospectively to the Guild Committee.
• 6.Where a more serious sanction is determined, the group will report to the Guild Committee. The proposed action will require a two-thirds majority at the Guild Committee.
• 7.In all cases where a sanction is applied, the member in question shall have the right of appeal. Appeals must be lodged with the Master of the Guild within fourteen days of receipt of the sanction applied.
• 8.Appeals will be heard by an Appeals Panel normally within two months of receipt of an appeal. The President of the Guild will chair such an appeal with two further senior members of the Guild not previously involved in the case.
• 9.The outcome of the appeal will be communicated to the member in question as soon as is reasonably possible. No further appeal will be allowed so the decision of the Guild will be final.
• 10.In the event that the subject of discipline is the Guild Master, all appointments to the Appeals Panel will be made by the President.
• 11.All email communication in the process should utilize Guild email addresses and any hard copy correspondence shall be via Registered Mail. Postal expenses to be reimbursed by the Guild.

Section 6

Acknowledgement