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                 North East Hongkongers Club (NEHK)
                        Member Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all members of North East Hongkongers Club ("the Company"). It aims to promote a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for everyone participating in the Company's activities.

By becoming or remaining a member, each member agrees to comply with this Code, the Company's Articles of Association, policies and any reasonable decisions made by the Board of Directors.

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2. Scope

This Code applies to:

  • all classes of membership;

  • all Company events and activities;

  • online meetings and communications;

  • social media and messaging platforms operated by or associated with the Company;

  • any conduct that could reasonably affect the reputation, safety or operation of the Company.

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3. Expected Standards of Conduct

Members are expected to:

  • Support the Company's aims, objectives and community purposes.

  • Treat everyone with dignity, courtesy and respect regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or background.

  • Behave honestly, responsibly and with integrity.

  • Encourage an inclusive and welcoming community.

  • Respect differing opinions and engage in constructive discussion.

  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

  • Follow reasonable instructions issued by directors, volunteers and event organisers.

  • Protect Company property and use Company resources responsibly.

  • Protect confidential information and personal data.

  • Report safeguarding concerns promptly.

  • Declare any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest.

  • Cooperate with any investigation concerning alleged misconduct.

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4. Unacceptable Conduct

Members must not:

  • Harass, bully, intimidate or threaten another person.

  • Engage in discrimination or victimisation.

  • Use abusive, offensive or aggressive language or behaviour.

  • Commit violence or encourage violence.

  • Damage or misuse Company property.

  • Use Company resources for unlawful or unauthorised purposes.

  • Present personal opinions as official Company positions without authorisation.

  • Misuse membership for personal financial gain unrelated to the Company's purposes.

  • Knowingly provide false or misleading information to the Company.

  • Bring the Company into serious disrepute through misconduct connected with Company activities.

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5. Safeguarding

Members must:

  • help maintain a safe environment for children and adults at risk;

  • follow the Company's Safeguarding Policy;

  • report safeguarding concerns immediately to the designated safeguarding lead or a director;

  • never ignore behaviour that may place another person at risk.

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6. Privacy and Confidentiality

Members must:

  • respect confidential information obtained through Company activities;

  • comply with applicable data protection legislation and Company privacy policies;

  • not disclose personal information without lawful authority or consent unless required by the UK law or safeguarding obligations.

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7. Online and Social Media Conduct

The same standards apply to:

  • WhatsApp groups;

  • Facebook groups;

  • Discord servers;

  • email;

  • online meetings;

  • websites;

  • social media.

Members must not:

  • publish confidential or personal information without permission;

  • post abusive, discriminatory or defamatory material;

  • make knowingly false allegations;

  • impersonate the Company or claim to speak on its behalf without authority;

  • share unlawful content or content creating a significant safeguarding risk.

Constructive discussion and respectful disagreement are encouraged.

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8. Gifts and Hospitality

Members must not solicit or accept gifts, hospitality or benefits that could reasonably be perceived as influencing decisions made on behalf of the Company.

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9. Use of the Company's Name and Logo

Members must not use the Company's name, logo or branding in any publication, fundraising activity or public statement without appropriate authorisation.

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10. Reporting Concerns

Members are encouraged to report suspected breaches of this Code to the Board of Directors or another person authorised by the Company.

Reports will normally be handled confidentially so far as reasonably practicable and in accordance with applicable law.

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11. Consequences of Breach

Failure to comply with this Code may result in action under the Company's Membership Disciplinary Procedure, including:

  • informal advice;

  • verbal or written warning;

  • conditions on membership;

  • temporary restriction from activities;

  • suspension of membership;

  • termination of membership.

No member shall normally have their membership terminated without being informed of the allegation, given a reasonable opportunity to respond, and receiving written notification of the decision, except where immediate action is reasonably necessary to protect people, property or the Company.

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12. Compliance

This Code should be read together with:

  • the Articles of Association;

  • the Membership Policy;

  • the Membership Disciplinary and Appeals Policy;

  • the Safeguarding Policy;

  • the Privacy Notice; and

  • any other policies adopted by the Company.

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