Introduction

This Code of Conduct complements UKSIF’s Statement of Principles for members. Whereas the Statement of Principles applies to member organisations, this Code of Conduct applies to all individuals participating in UKSIF’s activities and aims to create an inclusive environment and to protect all of UKSIF’s stakeholders, including members, staff, partners, suppliers, Board and committee members and contributors, when interacting with UKSIF or attending UKSIF events.

Core principles

This Code of Conduct relates to the following principles under which UKSIF operates. We rely on all stakeholders to help us uphold these principles and create a safe working and participatory environment and to help UKSIF achieve our full potential.

UKSIF requires a culture in which all our activities, including policy development, policy-maker engagement, member engagement, communications, and events, are undertaken collaboratively, ethically, with integrity and transparency, and in compliance with all legal requirements.

We expect all stakeholders to treat others with dignity and respect, behave professionally and contribute in a positive and constructive manner, valuing the diverse contributions of all. We do not tolerate actions that will have a detrimental effect on our reputation, violate the law or impact the dignity or safety of others.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, building teams that represent a broad range of skills, experiences, thoughts, and ideas and creating an environment where every individual feels comfortable being their authentic selves and expressing their views. We give equal opportunity and fair treatment for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or other personal characteristics, political views, status, affiliations, or relationships. We do not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or sexist, racist, homophobic or exclusionary actions or comments.

We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure working and participation environment, and the safeguarding and security of all stakeholders is paramount.

Code of Conduct

UKSIF aims to provide a programme of activities (including events, conferences, forums, working groups, policy exchanges, online discussions, etc) that support our mission to advance sustainable finance, bringing people together to exchange knowledge, network and help shape policy. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to contribute to a safe and supportive environment for UKSIF’s activities.

The code of conduct applies at any UKSIF activity (in-person or electronic) including those taking place on UKSIF premises or at member/third party venues. We share our Code of Conduct on our website and proactively with all those registered to attend events, prior to the event.

All UKSIF stakeholders, including members, staff, partners, suppliers and contributors are expected to understand and comply with this Code of Conduct, associated policies and all applicable laws. If there is any perceived difference between one of our policies and relevant laws, we will always act in accordance with the highest applicable standard.

All those engaging in UKSIF activities are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct, as well as to uphold the expectations of their respective organisations.

All participants should and will be equally committed to the application and promotion of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility during all UKSIF activities.

All participants will give equal opportunity and fair treatment for all regardless of protected characteristics (including age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race, religion, or belief), political views, status or physical appearance.

UKSIF will not tolerate bullying, harassment or sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes. Harassment includes violence, aggression, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo, deliberate intimidation, stalking, and photography or recording of an individual without consent. It also includes offensive comments on social media, by email or other communications media connected to UKSIF activities.

No participant will do anything which may, in the reasonable opinion of UKSIF, damage the reputation of UKSIF or otherwise bring UKSIF into disrepute.

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can seriously impair an individual’s judgement and reactions, leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries occurring. Alcohol and drug abuse or misuse can also have a detrimental effect on performance and behaviour. Consumption of alcohol must be conducted responsibly. UKSIF guarantee a range of non-alcoholic options will be clearly available at all UKSIF activities where alcohol is being served.

UKSIF has a duty to take care of the health and safety of all those participating in UKSIF activities including members, non-members, third parties and UKSIF staff. It is important all those participating in UKSIF activities behave in an appropriate, professional, and responsible manner and that alcohol or drug misuse does not create a health and safety risk. No one should feel pressurised to consume alcohol during any UKSIF activity.

Participants are not permitted to bring in any food or alcohol from outside the premises to any in-person event unless they have permission from the organisers.

Breach of this Code of Conduct and how to report a complaint

In the case where a UKSIF stakeholder wishes to raise a complaint in relation to harassment or bullying or otherwise inappropriate behaviour by someone as part of a UKSIF activity they should speak to the UKSIF Chief Executive or a UKSIF department Head as soon as practically possible.

The complaint will be recorded, following which an assessment will take place and the appropriate next steps will be taken.

Reporting harassment, bullying or any other breach of this Code of Conduct can also be done confidentially by emailing the UKSIF Chief Executive. If the complaint involves the UKSIF Chief Executive, or it is deemed inappropriate to contact the Chief Executive, a report can also be made to the UKSIF Chair. Contact details for both the UKSIF Chair and Chief Executive can be obtained by emailing info@uksif.org.

UKSIF staff members can also make a complaint through UKSIF’s grievance process outlined in UKSIF’s staff handbook.

Participants who are made aware that their behaviour is inappropriate or unacceptable are expected to change such behaviour immediately.

Anyone violating this Code of Conduct may be asked to cease participation in the activity concerned (including being asked to leave an event or removed from a virtual event) at the sole discretion of UKSIF.

In cases where a non-UKSIF staff member has behaved inappropriately, their organisation may be informed. UKSIF may decide to limit or ban participation in future activities. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Any complaints made regarding a UKSIF staff member will be referred to UKSIF’s Grievance and Disciplinary policy as appropriate.

Legal action may be considered if a criminal offence is suspected and, if appropriate, the matter may be reported to the Police or other relevant authorities.