Connect NE CIC Code of Conduct

1. Introduction & Purpose

Statement of Commitment: Connect NE CIC is dedicated to creating an environment that is collaborative, inclusive, and professional for everyone involved, including staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, and beneficiaries.
Purpose: This Code establishes the ethical and professional standards of behavior required to advance the company's social mission and maintain public trust.
Our Mission: Connect NE CIC exists to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing across our region. Through social meet-ups, walk-and-talk groups, book clubs, skills sharing, and welfare support, we help members build confidence, improve mental and physical health, and strengthen community connections. Our mission is simple: to make sure no one in the North East ever feels alone.
Scope: This Code applies to all Connect NE CIC activities, events (in-person and online), official communications, and interactions on digital platforms.

All individuals representing or engaging with Connect NE CIC must embody the following values:

Value	Standard of Conduct
Respect & Inclusion	Treat all people with dignity, fairness, and courtesy, valuing the diversity of our community. Maintain a safe space free from harassment or discrimination.
Integrity & Honesty	Act truthfully, ethically, and in good faith in all professional and financial dealings. Ensure transparency in decision-making and reporting.
Professionalism	Conduct all activities with competence, skill, and due diligence. Assume positive intent and seek to resolve conflicts constructively. Use the CIC's resources responsibly and effectively solely to further the company's social objectives.

Connect NE CIC has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

Discrimination: Any conduct based on a protected characteristic (e.g., age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity).
Harassment/Bullying: Intimidation, verbal abuse, offensive jokes, excessive profanity, unwelcome attention, or any action that creates a hostile or offensive environment.
Physical Conduct: Threats of violence, aggressive behavior, or inappropriate physical contact.
Disruption: Sustained or deliberate interruption of events, meetings, or official communications.
Retaliation: Taking adverse action against anyone who raises a concern or participates in an investigation in good faith.

Avoid any situation where personal interests or external commitments conflict with the interests of Connect NE CIC.
Disclose any potential, real, or apparent conflict of interest immediately to the Board of Directors or a designated manager.

Maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, financial, or strategic information related to Connect NE CIC or its partners.
Handle all personal data in strict accordance with relevant Data Protection laws (e.g., GDPR in the UK). Do not misuse or improperly share confidential information for personal gain.

Adhere to all local and national laws, including CIC-specific regulations and UK company law.
Comply with all company policies, including finance, safeguarding, and health and safety.

Immediate Contact: Insert name/title and contact info for the primary contact (e.g., "The Chair of the Board" or "Designated Ethics Officer").
Safety First: If an emergency or illegal activity, contact law enforcement immediately.
Confidentiality: All reports will be handled confidentially, with information shared only as necessary to conduct a fair investigation.

Connect NE CIC will investigate all reports promptly and impartially. Violations may result in: