The Chartered Institute’s safeguarding principles are:
- Do no harm first. That the Chartered Institute and the profession has to be a place where everyone is safe.
- Believe all those who come forward. Make it safe, simple and supportive if people disclose. Make that process a fair and balanced one.
- Listen, learn and work to share progress openly, honestly and transparently. We know that this is vital to rebuild trust and also to create systemic change.
The Code of Behaviour applies to anyone who engages with the Chartered Institute including, but not limited to, attendance at any events, training courses, National, Regional and Special Interest Group activities and conferences. The Chartered Institute is committed to implementing the Code of Behaviour. Please carefully review the Code of Behaviour as your participation in activities through the Chartered Institute will signify that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by it.
Action will be taken against anyone who does not adhere to this code of behaviour, under the Chartered Institute’s complaints procedures which can be found on our website.
Action will be taken against anyone who does not adhere to this code of behaviour, regardless of their membership status with the Institute and we may involve the relevant authorities subject to the agreement of the complainant.
All speakers, trainers, supporters, donors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and participants must behave in a courteous and respectful manner towards others at all times. They must maintain a professional demeanour and professional conduct, uphold the safeguarding principles and refrain from improper language or conduct. Professional conduct and language shall be determined in the sole reasonable judgment of the Chartered Institute. Speakers, trainers, supporters, donors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and participants will not engage in the following behaviours that are not tolerated by the Chartered Institute including, but not limited to:
- Harassment is any improper or unwelcome conduct that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another person. Harassment in any form because of offensive or discriminatory actions or comments related to a person’s gender, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, appearance or other aspects of identity or protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
- Sexual harassment is a specific form of harassment as defined under the Equality Act (2010) as “unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, which has the purpose or effect of either: (a) violating the complainant's dignity; or (b) creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the complainant.” Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, sexual innuendo, comments about someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, name-calling with a sexual or gender connation, making sexual comments about someone’s appearance, clothing or body parts, sexual jokes and stories, displaying still or moving images or sending emails, texts or social media containing sexual content, making sexual gestures, asking for sexual favours or repeatedly asking someone for a date, unwanted touching, attempted or actual sexual assault or rape.
- Bullying is any “offensive, abusive, malicious or intimidating behaviour or misuse of power with the intention of undermining, humiliating or belittling the person it is being directed towards.” (Equal Opportunities Commission, 2020). This can take place in person and online.
- Threats or incitements of violence against anybody.
- Stalking or deliberate intimidation, including continued one to one communication after a request to cease.
- Publication of confidential or sensitive communication.
- Unwelcome comments regarding another person’s lifestyle choices or practices.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol that mean professional boundaries and behaviours cannot be maintained.
- Consumption or possession of illegal narcotics of any form under any circumstances.
Before taking any photos or videos at our training and events for personal use, you need to obtain the assent of any individuals featured, explaining how they will be used. Images or videos shared on social media should not identify or feature anyone who has not given consent for this to happen. Speakers will be invited to provide consent at the start of their session.
Respect privacy, be mindful or noise and disturbance for neighbours and/or other delegates. Professional boundaries must be maintained at all times by those speaking or delivering training.
If an individual employee of a sponsor or organisational member has a complaint of harassment or bullying made against them during one of our events, we will initiate relevant processes under our Complaints and Disciplinary Rules. If a complaint about the member is upheld, they will not be permitted to take part on any further Chartered Institute events, in addition to any other sanctions imposed by the disciplinary panel. We also request that all sponsors have systems in place to enable complaints to be made and would assess any sponsorship arrangements in place with the company and may terminate these where appropriate.
Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. Action will be taken against anyone who does not adhere to this code of behaviour, regardless of their membership status with the Institute Participants asked to cease any inappropriate behaviour are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behaviour, the event organisers may take action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the training or event with no refund and from participation in future events.
If you experience harassment, bullying or discrimination of any form whilst participating in any Institute event or activity, or if you are made aware that someone else may be affected by inappropriate behaviour, you should contact the Institute. All reports will remain confidential.
Reports of inappropriate behaviour can be made in a number of ways:
1. You may raise a concern or complaint with a Chartered Institute member of staff or volunteers in attendance at Chartered Institute events or training courses. Each event will have a Safeguarding Focal Point/Person. They will refer you to the Head of Professional Conduct or register your complaint or concern on your behalf.
2. You may contact the Chartered Institute Head of Professional Conduct at complaints@ciof.org.uk, or by letter to:
Head of Professional Conduct
Chartered Institute of Fundraising
CAN Mezzanine, 7-14 Great Dover Street
LONDON
SE1 4YR
The Chartered Institute will identify an Investigating Officer who will be your point of contact and advise you on the stages of the Complaint.
3. Confidential Complaints -
Complaints can be reported via our anonmyous incident reportinging tool, Talk to Spot.
Spot will help us surface issues early and manage them without compromising anonymity. A few things to know:
- No one will see what you chat with Spot about unless you decide to submit a report
- Spot may ask for your email address so it can act as a go-between
- No one at Chartered Institute of Fundraising, including HR or leadership, can see that email address
- You can document issues that involve you directly or things that you witness
- If you want to disclose your identity, you can
All reports will be treated in confidence and investigated in accordance with the Chartered Institute’s disciplinary and complaints procedures.
Anyone who experiences harassment may also seek help from other relevant authorities, such as the police, or other legal or support services.
No one should knowingly make a false or misleading claim about prohibited conduct.
Before booking onto, attending or participating in a Chartered Institute - whether virtually or in person - you must be in a position to agree to the following declaration:
I have read carefully and understand the above Code of Behaviour for Training and Events.
I hereby agree to abide by its requirements and commit to upholding the safeguarding principles and standards of conduct required.
I declare that:
- I am not currently suspended due to an investigation by either my employer or the Chartered Institute.
- I have not had allegations of harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct upheld.
- I have not previously been found to have violated any of the behaviours outlined in this Code of Behaviour.
- I have not received sanctions by the Chartered Institute which prevent me from participating in this event / training.
In the event of a violation of this Code of Behaviour I accept that:
- My organisation (if relevant) may be notified of the violation and proposed course of action.
- Support may be withdrawn from me to attend the event, and I may not be invited to future events.
- The Chartered Institute is not liable or responsible for any legal actions brought against me and I will be responsible for all legal costs in such circumstances.
For further information on how your information is used, how we maintain the security of your information and your rights of access to information we hold on you, please see our privacy policy.