Code of Behaviour for Training & Events

The Chartered Institute actively invests in and works to create cultures of reciprocal respect and will not tolerate injustice in any form (including discrimination or harassment).

Anyone who engages with the Chartered Institute who does not act fairly and ethically to support its members and community, is at risk of receiving sanctions in line with the Chartered Institute’s rules and policies.

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.
• Build a safe, simple and supportive environment for people to disclose, including making the process a fair and balanced one where the CIOF and members are held accountable for ensuring everyone is treated with respect. This includes doing all the institute reasonably can to support people in the most vulnerable circumstances.
• Listen, learn and work to share our work and progress openly, honestly and transparently.
  We know this is vital for systemic change because it ensures members can see and hold us accountable for putting in place work which means we're meeting the standards and expectations we (and members) expect of the CIOF.

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.

Where there are allegations or evidence of anyone not adhering to this Code of Behaviour, the CIOF will always respond in line with the Chartered Institute’s complaints procedures. These can be found on our website [insert link].'

Action can be taken against anyone not meeting these standards, regardless of their membership status with the Chartered Institute. This can also involve engaging with relevant authorities in serious incidents.

All speakers, trainers, supporters, donors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and participants must be respectful towards others at all times.

They must maintain professional standards, uphold the safeguarding principles and refrain from improper language or conduct.

Professional conduct and language shall be reasonably determined by the Chartered Institute, supported by the guidance and advice of communities and groups with lived experience, as well as other specialists.

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 private communications.
• Publication of sensitive or triggering materials intended to, or likely to, cause harm, disadvantage or detriment.
• Unwelcome comments regarding another person’s lifestyle choices or practices.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol that mean professional boundaries and behaviours cannot be maintained.
• Consumption, possession, attempts to obtain/use illegal narcotics of any form (under any 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.

Before taking any photos or videos at our training and events, 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 assent for this to happen.

Respect privacy, be mindful of 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 is upheld, they may not be permitted to take part in any further Chartered Institute events, in addition to any other sanctions imposed.

We also require that all sponsors have systems in place to enable complaints to be made and we would assess any sponsorship arrangements in place with the company and may terminate these where appropriate.

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated by the CIOF. Action will be taken against anyone it can evidence or demonstrate has not adhered to this code of behaviour, regardless of their membership status with the Chartered Institute.

Participants asked to cease any types of unfair, disrespectful or harmful behaviour by the CIOF are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in unacceptable behaviour, the event organisers can take reasonable actions, including expulsion from activities (with no refund) as well as banning from participation in future events.

If you experience harassment, bullying or discrimination of any form whilst participating in any Chartered Institute event or activity, or if you are made aware that someone else may be affected by inappropriate behaviour, you should contact the Chartered Institute. All reports will remain confidential, and investigated in accordance with the Chartered Institute’s disciplinary and complaints procedures.

Reports of any breach of this Code can be made in a number of ways:

1. You may raise a concern or complaint with a Chartered Institute member of staff or volunteer in attendance at Chartered Institute events or training courses. Chartered Institute staff and volunteers are all trained in our Complaints procedures and will either help your themselves or refer you to the correct person.
2. You may contact the Chartered Institute’s Head of Professional Conduct at complaints@ciof.org.uk, or by letter to: Head of Professional Conduct, Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Canopi,82 Tanner Street, LONDON, SE1 3GN
3. You can raise a concern through our website here. If you wish, this report can be made anonymously.

All reports will be treated in confidence and investigated in accordance with the Chartered Institute’s disciplinary and complaints procedures here.

Anyone who experiences harassment may also seek help from other relevant authorities, such as the police, or other legal or support services.

All individuals who have complaints made against them will have a fair opportunity to represent themselves.

Before booking onto, attending or participating in a Chartered Institute activity - 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 agree to behave in line with the safeguarding principles and standards of conduct required.
• I am not currently under investigation pending outcome in relation to discrimination, harassment, bullying and or sexual misconduct, by either my employer, the Chartered Institute, a professional body or the Police and I agree that I will immediately notify the Chartered Institute of Fundraising should this change.
• I have not been found guilty nor have any allegations been upheld against me for acting in a way which would be described as harassment, discrimination or relating to sexual misconduct.
• 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. Where they are notified, this will be sent to either the organisations CEO or official Chartered Institute contact at the earliest opportunity.
• 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.