Code of Conduct

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.

Standards of Behaviour

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;

  • Not act in any way that is, or could be deemed as, discriminatory. Discriminatory behaviour may include giving different treatment to an individual or group based on a protected characteristic, such as: race, sex, gender identity, national origin, colour, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion or any other status protected by law;

  • Refrain from any form of violence (*refer to Annexe 1: Types of Violence), 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.

  • Not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of violence bullying, harassment or discrimination if witnessed. It is not the responsibility of Club members to judge whether or not a welfare violation has taken place but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns that they may have.

  • Refrain from the use of and involvement with illegal or prohibited substances at all times;

  • Respect the decisions of the Executive Committee, making all appeals through the appropriate formal process and respecting the final decision; 

  • 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.