Introduction:
1. The BVRLA is committed to complying with all applicable laws, regulations, regulatory policies and guidelines as may be applicable from time to time including but not limited to competition law and equality law.
2. We are committed to all participants in its events being treated fairly, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, nationality, or belief. Reasonable steps will always be taken to make events as inclusive and accessible as possible.
3. We have a zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination or harassment of any offensive nature towards any person,be that on sexist, racist, exclusionary grounds, or other.
4. We commit to immediate action against offensive, discriminatory, disruptive, or sexual comments, ’jokes, ‘banter’,’ orbehaviour.
5. This Code of Conduct applies to everyone attending our events, meetings and training courses (“Events”) including members, non-members, guests, sponsors, speakers, suppliers, staff, attendees, media, contractors and exhibitors (“Attendees”).
6. This Code of Conduct must be complied with in conjunction with any other BVRLA policies, procedures or rules as may applyfrom time to time.
Code of Conduct Principles:
7. We treat all people with Dignity and Respect:
We behave professionally and respectfully, both at the Event and during any interactions before or after the event. We do not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment, including sexual harassment, or sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments.
8. We are committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:
We create an environment where everyone feels comfortable. We give equal opportunity and fair treatment for all, regardlessof gender, ethnicity, age or other personal characteristics, political views, status, affiliations, or relationships.
9. We create a Safe and Secure working Environment:
We ensure the safety and security of all colleagues, members, and businesses that we work with. We understand and follow the health and safety laws and regulations in all aspects of our work.
Your Responsibilities:
10. All Attendees have a responsibility to take reasonable care of their own safety, and that of others.
11. All Attendees are expected to understand and comply with the code of conduct at all our Events.
12. All Attendees must immediately report any inappropriate behaviour, whether experienced or witnessed, to the event or meeting organisers, or, post-event, by email using the address [email protected] or by raising orally with a member of the BVRLA team.
Reporting and Action:
13. If Attendees become aware of an incident after the Event itself this must still be reported by email [email protected].
14. All reports will be investigated where possible and appropriate action taken. Disclosures will be treated professionally and sensitively.
15. Breaches of this Code of Conduct will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and the BVRLA may elect to take one or more of the following actions:
- Address the incident with the individual(s) and/or their company representative.
- Inform venue security.
- Expel Attendees from the Event without warning or refund.
- Prevent future attendance to BVRLA Events.
Competition Law:
16. All Events are subject to the application of competition law and therefore must be conducted in compliance with competition law.
17. Attendees are reminded that failure to comply with competition law may bring with it serious consequences for them as individuals and their companies. Such consequences include heavy fines and, in certain cases, the imposition of criminalpenalties and sentences.
18. Attendees must refrain from exchanging any commercially sensitive or strategic information between competitors, either directly or indirectly via a third party, can result in an anti- competitive agreement.