Code of Conduct & Behaviours Statement

Purpose of this statement:

This Behaviours Statement and Code of Conduct is relevant to GBCC Members and Board and Committee representatives and covers the associated implementation and review process. The statement is based on best practice documents issued by the British Chambers of Commerce or sourced from comparable Chambers of Commerce, adapted to reflect the GBCC’s structure and processes. They follow discussion at Board relating to ongoing governance improvements and an imperative for ensuring the highest quality behavioural standards.

Publication & Process:

The GBCC will publish the Behaviours Statement and Code of Conduct in an easily accessible location on the GBCC website. It is intended to issue a communication to all Members and Chamber Representatives highlighting that the above are now in force.
All Members and Chamber Representatives joining the Chamber will be prompted to confirm that they have “read and accept” the GBCC’s Behaviour Statement as part of the new member sign up process.
Any complaints or concerns received will be referred to CFO to lead a review following the GBCC complaints process, with engagement with Director of Membership as appropriate.

All individuals that submit complaints or concerns should expect to:

• Within 3 working days: receive acknowledgement and confirmation of who is reviewing the complaint/concern
• Within 10 working days: receive a full response addressing the complaint or concern raised and any steps taken (as appropriate) or notification that more time is required to investigate the complaint or concern raised and a timeframe within which they can expect a further update.

All complaints and concerns raised and their outcomes will be recorded by the GBCC CFO as part of the GBCC’s complaints management process.
Any complaints or concerns received which relate to a GBCC member of staff will be referred to the Chamber’s HR provider to review under the Chamber’s internal Conduct, Performance & Grievance policy.

Members or Chamber Representatives found to have breached the Code of Conduct will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with responses ranging from:
During investigation:

• No direct contact with the Member or Chamber Representative where the incident reported is not grounds for a complaint or breach of code of conduct.
• Where the matter merits further investigation, invitation to the Member or Chamber Representative to participate in the review process by providing their perspective on the matters raised.

GBCC Code of Conduct & Behaviours Statement updated December 2024

Concluding investigation:

• Confirmation that the complaint/concern has not been upheld.
• Confirmation that the complaint/concern has been upheld with one of the following responses:
  • Formal warning
  • Revoking of GBCC membership or relationship
  • Other as appropriate

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Behaviour Statement

1. Maintain high standards of personal conduct at all times. GBCC will not tolerate any behaviour from Members, Board & Committee Representatives (including those representing them or acting on their behalf) that breaches our core values or Code of Conduct.
2. Never treat a Member or Chamber representative disrespectfully or in any manner that would cause another to feel uncomfortable, unsafe or threatened.
3. Never treat Members or Chamber Representatives with bias or prejudice. We expect GBCC Members and Representatives to treat others professionally, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, nationality or belief. GBCC will not tolerate harassment, including sexual harassment, or bullying in any form. We take action to prevent sexual harassment from occurring and have clear reporting procedures for our staff to make a complaint about sexual harassment.
4. Never knowingly cause, encourage, or permit others to break the GBCC code of conduct.
5. Where alcohol is served at our events it should be drunk in moderation. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited and this or any other criminal offence will be reported to the police or other relevant authorities.

GBCC will listen to any concerns raised willingly and in confidence. Any breach of the code of conduct by GBCC Members or Representatives should be reported to the GBCC’s CFO Helen Bates on h.bates@birmingham-chamber.com or feedback@birmingham-chamber.com.

INTRODUCTION

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CODE

CODE OF CONDUCT

1. To endeavour to engage with the benefits and services offered by the Chamber as frequently as possible or practicable to seek to ensure that the full value of membership is derived, and to pay membership and any service-related fees within 30 days of invoice.
2. To maintain the highest standards of conduct when engaging in Chamber events and activities in a professional and dignified manner, acting with integrity and respect when interacting with Chamber invitees and guests, other Members and their guests and Chamber staff, and the general public. Where alcohol is served at our events, its consumption by staff or guests is entirely voluntary and it should be consumed in moderation. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited and this or any other criminal offence will be reported to the police or other relevant authorities.
3. Not to publicly speak or to comment on behalf of the Chamber (or to hold itself/themself out as having authority to do so) unless specifically and previously requested or instructed or otherwise having obtained prior written consent to do so from the Chief Executive, the Board or, in the case of Presidents and committee members, the relevant Head of Division.
4. Not to act in such a way that the Board deems, in the Board’s reasonable opinion, to be injurious or prejudicial to the character or interests or reputation of the Chamber or bringing the Chamber into disrepute by association.
5. To respect and comply with reasonable requests or directions given by Chamber staff, office bearers or third parties – for example, at Chamber events – and not to act in such a way at any Chamber event or activity that would be likely to cause injury or harm to self or to others.
6. To respect the confidentiality requirements and privacy policies of the Chamber, and any confidentiality requirements requested to be observed by Members, Chamber Representatives, Chamber invitees, and other guests in relation to any Chamber events or activities.
7. To respect the rights of Chamber staff, office bearers, Members and non-member participants to enjoy a safe environment when working for, or attending or participating in events, meetings or activities hosted or facilitated by the Chamber, free from harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse or discrimination and, in particular, not to use threatening behaviour towards nor harass any member of Chamber staff or any Member, invitee, guest or other non-member participant. To understand that how, and in what context, certain behaviours are exhibited can be as important as what is communicating, given that disrespect, bullying and harassment can be physical, verbal and non-verbal conduct. To accept bullying and harassment can be: a) a one-off incident, b) part of a cumulative course of conduct; or c) a pattern of behaviour.
8. To ensure that communication with Chamber employees, office bearers and Members is measured, reasonable and professional and devoid of any comments against any of them which are of a personal nature.
9. Not to issue or publish – whether via email, phone, SMS/messaging, social media or similar platform – any malicious, inflammatory, defamatory, abusive or threatening messages or statements in relation to the Chamber or its Members, invitees or guests.
10. To respect any requests not to take recordings or photographs when participating in Chamber events (or in other activities run or coordinated by the Chamber) whether online or in person.
11. To act in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations governing any activities undertaken by them as a Member or Representative of the Chamber. This includes taking responsibility for ensuring any utilisation of Chamber Member benefits is in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations governing your business, products or services.
12. To abide by the Chamber’s Articles of Association and any rules, codes, conflict of interest guidelines, bye-laws or other policies as may be issued by the Chamber from time to time, together with any updates thereto.

PRIVACY, CONDUCT, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND USE OF TRADEMARKS

1. To comply with all relevant data protection laws, rules and regulations and not to share personal information to any third party without prior consent of that individual.
2. Not to share commissioned research and reports or other intellectual properly without the prior written consent of the Chamber.
3. Not to spam or use any information in a manner that may be deemed inappropriate or harmful to the Chamber and/or its reputation.
4. That should you wish to share information that you may feel is relevant to all or certain members, please liaise with your relationship manager in the first instance to discuss an appropriate approach.
5. The Member or Chamber Representative shall comply with the Chamber’s rules in respect of trade mark rights, whether registered or unregistered, together with all similar or equivalent intellectual property rights or forms of protection, and will only use such materials (such as the “Proud to be a member of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce” kitemark), for so long as the Member is in membership of the Chamber.

UPDATES TO THIS CODE