Code of Conduct: Student Groups

SBSU is committed to ensuring that all students can take advantage of all activities and opportunities that exist and enjoy a positive experience whilst studying at London South Bank.

We want to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff and visitors and we expect all of our members to uphold these principles and ensure that the environment with SBSU is welcoming to all. This code of conduct sets out what behaviours that student groups must avoid and how individual members of student groups are expected to behave. It will also outline how the union will deal with any breaches of this code of conduct. 

All affiliated groups of SBSU have a duty to uphold positive behaviours and SBSU reserves the right to issue sanctions to any student groups or individual members of those groups if this code of conduct is breached. This policy covers the behaviours of all student and associate members of SBSU affiliated student groups.

Expectations of Student Groups

All members participating in any SBSU activity or event are required to accept and adhere to the following terms and conditions:

• Members will conduct themselves at all times to ensure that their actions, or perceived actions, do not bring either the university or SBSU into disrepute; this includes but is not limited to poor behaviour, misuse of facilities or non-adherence of relevant SBSU policies
• All activities, meetings, trips, events (with or without guest speakers) must not take place without SBSU approval. A risk assessment must be completed and the SBSU Health & Safety policies and procedures must be adhered to and any incidents, accidents and near misses must be reported
• Members are required to ensure that any consumption of alcohol at any time during a social activity is within the bounds of social responsibility.
• Members will uphold the law of the land and avoid bringing the University, SBSU and other members into disrepute.
• Members must inform and gain approval from SBSU of all visiting speakers who intend to speak at an event organised by an activity; the processes and associated timelines for completion of this are outlined in the SBSU External Speakers Policy
• It is strictly forbidden for any SBSU affiliated groups to have a bank account outside SBSU. All money should be deposited with SBSU. Any member who becomes aware of an external bank account should inform SBSU immediately.
• You must hold an official SBSU email address for all club/society activity and you are not allowed to conduct club and society activity on a private email address. 
• Sports Clubs and Societies Representatives should lead by example, maintain a professional standard of behaviour and ensure that they maintain appropriate levels of conduct and confidentiality, particularly in regards to current Data Protection Legislation.
• All activities within the Students’ Union diverse range of student groups are inclusive to all students who may wish to participate in them and that students are free to participate in activities in a safe, non--threatening and enjoyable environment. The groups should ensure that all members are free from ‘peer pressure’, bullying and harassment, whether intended or not, when participating in group activities
• All activities that take place, abide by the University and Students’ Union Health and Safety Policy.
• All activities are inclusive and accessible to all SBSU students. 
• Individual members should Conduct themselves in a respectful, reasonable and responsible manner and conduct themselves in a manner of mutual respect and understanding for all members of the University and wider community. 
• During social events, to be aware of the behaviour of their members and how it impacts others, particularly members of the local community.
• To abide by any restrictions on the consumption of alcohol when using Union vehicles or during travel to activities using external travel companies
• Comply with the Union financial policies governing the use of funds to clubs and societies. 
• Report any concerns for the health and safety or welfare of its members

What isn't acceptable behaviour

The following behaviours are considered unacceptable and would constitute a breach of this code of conduct. This list is not exhaustive and can include any action that SBSU deems to be unacceptable behaviour.

• Any discrimination, bullying or harassment of any group or individual on the grounds of any protected characteristic.  This includes any behaviour, verbal or physical, which may be interpreted as sexual harassment.
• Violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening, abusive or offensive behaviour to any student, staff member, visitor to the Union or member of the public.
• Abusive, threatening or offensive language (verbal or written, including via social media and instant messaging) to any student, staff member, visitor to the Union or member of the public. This includes any behaviour which may be interpreted as bullying.
• Action likely to cause injury or impair safety on Union or University premises or at events or activities organised by, or on behalf of the Union
• Damage to, misuse, or defacement of, Union (including group) or University property or in the local community caused intentionally or recklessly.
• Theft of Union (including group) or University property or in the local community.
• Behaviour which could bring the Union or the University into disrepute;
• Failure to abide by other Union and University policies and procedures
• Compete in a manner of good sporting conduct regardless of the nature of the competition, when representing the Union and the University in a sports fixture. This includes those participating in activity and spectators
• Failure to operate within the rules of the sport/ activity including any national guidelines which govern the sport/ activity
• Carrying out, taking part in or promoting ‘initiation’ ceremonies. 
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during any event or activity where such behaviour could be deemed unacceptable, unprofessional or detrimental to the Union or University. 

Equal Opportunities

All activities have a duty to provide a safe space for their members and should proactively encourage a diverse and anti-discriminatory environment. All activities have the responsibility to report any untoward behaviour to the Students’ Union in the first instance, in accordance with the Complaints Policy. Any members involved in discriminatory behaviour or actions will be in breach of this policy and therefore subject to disciplinary action. All activities have a duty to provide a safe space for their members and should proactively encourage a diverse and anti-discriminatory environment. All activities have the responsibility to report any untoward behaviour to the Students’ Union in the first instance, in accordance with the Complaints Policy. Any members involved in discriminatory behaviour or actions will be in breach of this policy and therefore subject to disciplinary action.

Complaints and Disciplinary

Any breach of this code of conduct may result in Students’ Union or University level disciplinary action. Each of these can lead to one or more sanctions which may include a ban, removal of a student from a student group, temporary or permanent removal of some or all group rights and privileges, or suspending or revoking a Student Group’s affiliation to SBSU. More serious breaches can lead to Union and/or University disciplinary action which may impose disciplinary sanctions which affect an individual's right to be a member of any student group, to be a member of SBSU or to continue their study at University and can also impose fines. If the incident occurred at the end of an academic year the sanction(s) may be levied to the following year.

Complaints and disciplinary matters shall be conducted in accordance with the Student Groups Complaints and Disciplinary procedures and the Union's Bye-Laws. Please note the Students’ Union may suspend all functions of a club and/or individual members alleged to be in breach of this policy until disciplinary proceedings have been concluded. 

Should a student group wish to raise a complaint then they should follow the Complaints Procedure set out in the Union's Bye-Law.