CODE OF CONDUCT

Introduction

Code Of Conduct

Introduction

The Lancaster and Morecambe Walking and Social Group is an organisation which encourages the responsible enjoyment of the countryside accessible from Lancaster and Morecambe as well as on organised excursions across the United Kingdom. The group allows members to walk in the company of fellow members and guests who possess a shared love of the scenery and the outdoors. It is entirely dependent on the voluntary efforts and generous participation of its committee members, walk leaders and organisers of social events.

Conduct of Members

Group members must behave in a manner that is respectful to everyone whether on walks, at social events or in meetings associated with the group. There is a collective responsibility to ensure everyone is safe and enjoying the walk or event.

All members and guests have a right to be safe from inappropriate, discriminatory, or offensive language or behaviours, including those that are threatening, bullying, or behaving in a manner that constitutes harassment.

The group should not be brought into disrepute by the actions, omissions or behaviour of any member or guest attending any group event. The group will not tolerate such behaviour.

Should a member of the group wish to raise a complaint against another member or guest, then they must raise the matter with the Chair (or Vice Chair) in the first instance. Any member may also raise an issue with the Chair (or Vice Chair) if they become aware of an incident or witness an incident that they believe contravenes this Code of Conduct. The Chair (or Vice Chair) should consider the matter and, if they believe the matter is of a minor nature, and they believe it can be dealt with informally, they should agree with the complainant a course of action that should be taken. If agreement cannot be reached, then the Chair (or Vice Chair) may wish to involve another committee member in a decision as to how the matter should be resolved or escalated to a panel as described below.

If the issue is of a more serious nature, then the chair (or Vice Chair) must form a panel of three group officers or committee members to investigate the matter and agree how the issue is to be handled. The panel must consist of those not directly involved in the complaint and the investigation must include discussion (verbal or written as deemed appropriate) with the complainant as well as both or all parties directly involved in the incident.

Sanctions open to the panel include (in order of severity), but are not restricted to:

• Verbal warning

• Written warning

• Final written warning

• Suspension of group membership for a defined period

• Permanent termination of group membership

Where suspension or termination of membership includes a period which includes a holiday organised by the group, then the panel (in consultation with the Treasurer) must consider whether it is appropriate to refund the cost of the holiday to them. Membership fees paid will not be refunded for temporary or permanent suspension.

An appeal must be received in writing by the group Chair (or Vice Chair) within seven days of being advised of the decision and will be handled by the Chair (or Vice Chair) and two other members of the committee who were not involved in the decision.

Walk Leaders’ Jurisdiction

Walk leading is carried out by volunteers and requires careful planning to ensure the success and enjoyment of the walk and the safety of participants. The walk leader is, in most cases, the one who is best placed to make decisions relating to the walk both in advance and on the day of the walk.

Where a deviation to the programmed walk is required, the leader must endeavour to take account of the level of difficulty advertised as well as the distance. Where possible those on the walk should be advised at the start of the walk (or before) of any changes to the planned walk.

Occasionally variations from the given route may occur during the walk itself for a variety of reasons beyond the control of the walk leader (such as flooding or fallen trees). It is at the discretion of the walk leader to alter the route accordingly. Those on the walk are required to observe and adhere to the guidance and instructions of the walk leader. The leader has ultimate discretion within this Code to make all key decisions affecting the walk.

Where a leader, for whatever reason, is unsure of the best way to go, they should consult with at least two experienced walkers on the walk and agree the best course of action. Following that discussion, the walk leader will then make their decision as to the way forward.

Where an individual or individuals on a walk feel that they cannot complete the walk via the planned route, either due to health or safety reasons, they must advise the walk leader by the most expeditious means (this may be by advising the back marker or another in possession of a radio). The walk leader must ascertain the concerns of the individual(s) and work to address the issues before continuing. Options include, but are not limited to:

• The individual returning to the start via the route already travelled. The individual(s) should normally be accompanied by an experienced walker or walk leader.

• The whole group returning to the start via the route travelled.

• The group splitting into two or more groups. Each group should be led by an experienced walk leader. The walk leaders must agree the routes that they will take and agree a rendezvous location before splitting up.

Where possible, and if the deviation will mean that they are likely to remain within range, each walk leader should have a radio and where possible live locations should be shared using WhatsApp.

Where an individual or individuals have raised concerns on the grounds of health or safety then they must agree with the course of action taken.

If a walker or walkers decides to deviate from the route without agreement from the walk leader, then they are deemed to have acted outside of the rules of the group, and they must be aware that may not be covered by the group’s insurance.