Union of Students Code of Conduct

What is the Union Code of Conduct?

• This Code of Conduct sets out the minimum standards of conduct and behaviour expected by all persons on the Union’s premises, attending Union events and taking part in Union opportunities.
• This has been written with the aim of ensuring that all members have the best possible experience whilst studying at the University of Derby.
• The Code helps the Union facilitate an environment where all users of the Union’s services, representatives, visitors, any member of the University community or any member of the communities in which our members live are treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
• Any breach of this code will be seen as a serious matter and the Union may take disciplinary action against the individual or group.
• The list in the code is not exhaustive and other acts deemed by the Union to be unacceptable may be treated in the same way as breaches of the code

Who does the code apply to?

• All members of the Union of Students
• All Union Societies and Student Led Services
• All elected representatives, including Part Time Officers and Programme Reps
• Any visitor to the Union of Students premises

When does the code apply?

This code applies to any action taken:

• On Union and University premises
• Whilst using Union facilities
• When competing, representing or purporting to represent the Union
• Whilst on Union business
• Whilst undertaking any activity supported by the Union, including travelling to and from competition/events in University or external transport
• Whether in person, in writing including on social media or by a physical act of gesture
• Social events organised under the umbrella of the University of Derby, the Union, or constituent Union Clubs.

Terms of the Code of Conduct

All Union members must:

• Adhere to the constitution, general rules, regulations and policies of the Union of Students
• Not engage in any activity or behaviour likely to bring the Union and University into disrepute whether on or off the Union and Universities property. Act responsibly at all times when participating in activities and to avoid actions which could bring the University of Derby into disrepute
• Be aware of how their actions may be perceived by others
• Conduct themselves in a reasonable and responsible manner that shall not offend others and shall not use foul and abusive language either orally, in writing or by expression or by engaging in any form of discriminatory or anti-social behaviour.
• Conduct themselves in a manner of mutual respect and a understanding for all members of the Union, University and wider communities.
• Conduct themselves in a manner that ensures the Union is an open, inclusive and supportive space for all students in which no forms of discrimination are tolerated.
• Treat facilities, staff and students at the University of Derby and other institutions with respect and abide by any rules that may apply
• Refrain from any form of harassment of others and respect the rights, dignity and values of others
• Not encourage or pressure others into acting against this code
• During social events, especially those involving the consumption of alcohol, be aware of behaviour and its potential impact on others, particularly members of the local community
• Not act in an unlawful manner
• Not engage in any activity which results in transient noise in off-campus areas
• Understand the repercussions of any breaches of this Code.

Scope

This code applies to any action taken:

• On Union and University premises
• Whilst using Union facilities
• When representing or purporting to represent the Union
• Whilst on Union business
• Whilst undertaking any activity supported by the Union
• Whether in person, in writing including on social media or by a physical act of gesture

Additional Misconduct

The following are examples of additional misconduct that is likely to lead to disciplinary action and is not exhaustive.

• Misuse of unauthorised use of Union premises and property, including equipment owned by the Union
• Failure to comply with Union financial procedures
• Damage to, defacement of, or misappropriation of Union property or the property of the other members of the Union, whether caused intentionally or unintentionally
• Making defamatory or maliciously false statements about any member of the University community
• Any action likely to cause injury or acting without due regard to the safety of others
• Disorderly, threatening, bullying or offensive behaviour or harassment whether physically or verbally whilst representing or purporting to represent the Union on or off Union premises
• Any breach of the Union’s Equality and Diversity Policy
• Any breach of the Union’s Safeguarding Policy
• Any breach of the Union’s Zero Tolerance Policy
• Any breach of the Union’s Social Media Policy
• Any breach of the Union’s External Speakers

The following are examples of misconduct which shall be considered by the Union to constitute an act of serious misconduct;

• acting to, or with intent to, commit theft, fraud, deceit, deception or dishonesty in relation to the Union, its staff and members or while representing or purporting to represent the Union;
• discrimination, harassment, victimisation of others on the grounds of their age, disability, gender, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010 and any subsequent legislation as may be applied;
• the use, possession or supply of illegal drugs on Union premises or while representing or purporting to represent the Union;
• committing a criminal offence if relevant to the Union or to the members’ standing as a member of the University community;
• physical or sexual violence towards others, or the threat of physical or sexual violence;
• persistent or repeated acts of misconduct over an extended period;
• failure to report a criminal conviction or driving disqualification to the Union.

Sanctions for breaching the Code

• An allegation of a breach in the Code of Conduct shall be dealt with under the appropriate Disciplinary Procedure.
• The provisions laid out in this Code of Conduct do not preclude action being taken by the University under their conduct and disciplinary procedures or referral to the police where criminal activity is suspected.