Code Of Conduct

Cambridge University Hillwalking Club
CODE OF CONDUCT
Version 2023-09-15

Introduction

The Cambridge University Hillwalking Club (CUHWC, The Club) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience. 

All those involved in CUHWC activities are therefore required to adhere to the standards of behaviour – set out within this Code of Conduct - and to support the mission of CUHWC. This Code of Conduct has been developed to ensure fairness, honesty and positive behaviour in relation to the conduct of all those representing CUHWC.

Our Commitment

CUHWC respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person involved in its activities. CUHWC is committed to Club members enjoying hillwalking in an environment free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment and abuse. CUHWC believes that it is the responsibility of all of its members to challenge discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.

Affiliations

CUHWC is affiliated with the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and registered with the University of Cambridge Sport Service. The Club’s Code of Conduct is in addition, and by no means replaces the standards set by the student’s individual college and the overarching University regulations.

Standards Of Behavior

Members of CUHWC are solely responsible for their conduct on trips and Club events, and when representing the Club. Members must therefore:

  • Respect the rights, dignity and values of others;
  • Treat facilities, staff and students at the University of Cambridge and other institutions with respect and abide by any rules that may apply;
  • Be aware of how their actions may be perceived by others; 
  • Maintain high standards of personal behaviour at all times; 
  • Conduct themselves in a reasonable manner relating to offensive language and temperament;
  • Refrain from any form of bullying or harassment of others. Harassment is any offensive conduct based on a person’s race, sex, gender identity, national origin, colour, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion or any other status protected by law.
  • Respect the decisions of the Executive Committee, making all appeals through the appropriate formal process and respecting the final decision; 
  • Not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination if witnessed;
  • Refrain from the use of and involvement with illegal substances at all times;
  • Not act in an unlawful manner;
  • Not encourage or pressure others into acting against the Code; 
  • Understand the repercussions of any breaches of this Code of Conduct.

Health and Safety

CUHWC is strongly committed to encouraging members to take part, but the health, well-being and safety of each individual is always our paramount concern. The Club will therefore take all reasonable steps to ensure that all its activities are safe in line with the Club Safety Policy.

To support the Club, all members are expected to:

  • Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or don’t do;
  • Co-operate with the Club on health and safety issues;
  • Correctly use all equipment provided by the Club;
  • Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare;
  • Ensure that they update the Club and instructors with any medical information or changes to emergency contact details.

Publications, Internet, and Social Media

CUHWC wishes to promote the Club positively both within the University and externally. It recognises that its publications, online, print and social media are important tools in recruiting new members and engaging with alumni and potential sponsors. It is the responsibility of all CUHWC members to manage their personal social media presence responsibly. As such, all members are responsible for ensuring that they:

  • Refrain from publishing comments about other Clubs, players or judges and any controversial or potentially inflammatory subjects;
  • Avoid hostile or harassing communications in any posts or other online communications. 
  • Identify all copyrighted or borrowed material with citations and links. When publishing direct paraphrased quotes, thoughts, ideas, photos or videos, give credit to the original publisher or author;
  • Review responses to online posts and resolve any concerns before they are posted.

Social Events

Social functions form an important part of a Club’s activities. CUHWC is committed to ensuring that all students are able and encouraged to participate in student activities in an atmosphere free from discrimination or fear. As such, CUHWC will aim to organise a range of social events that are as inclusive as possible. Members should be aware that:

  • Participation in any form of social activity is completely optional;
  • They must not force others to participate in initiations and/or other social and sporting events run by CUHWC;
  • Members must be made aware that they can opt-out of social activities without fear of undue pressure, reprisal or any other form of discrimination at any point.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

CUHWC complaints and disciplinary procedures, detailed in the Club Constitution, may be applied when a member breaches the Code of Conduct, engages in any activity that adversely affects the smooth running of the Club or brings the CUHWC into disrepute.

In the case of serious misconduct, the Club Executive Committee, in consultation with the Senior Treasurer, may suspend a member pending the outcome of an investigation.

Welfare

CUHWC takes the welfare of its members seriously. Any member of the Club that has any concerns regarding their welfare or those of others involved in Club activities can discuss these, in confidence, with the Club Social and Welfare Secretary(s) who can be contacted via the website.