Code of Conduct
Introduction
The CBI serves as the catalyst between industry and government to drive positive change, speaking for businesses of all sizes and sectors across the whole economy, in every UK region and nation, ensuring sustainable growth for the benefit of society. We strive to support its members and others to achieve this vision, through driving collective focus, providing specialist knowledge and skills, and championing business so that it can lead the changes that are all around us.
How we go about this, day to day, is guided by a common set of principles and beliefs and requires a culture in which all our professional activities, including policy development, campaigning, member engagement, communication, and events, are undertaken collaboratively, ethically, with integrity and transparency, and in compliance with all legal requirements.
Key Principles
Principle 1: We treat all people with dignity and respect.
We behave professionally and contribute in a positive and constructive manner.
We communicate in a professional manner, with civility and respect, valuing the diverse contributions of all.
We do not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments.
Principle 2: We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
We build teams that represent a broad range of skills, experiences, thoughts, and ideas.
We create an environment where every individual feels comfortable being their authentic selves and expressing their views.
We give equal opportunity and fair treatment for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age or other personal characteristics, political views, status, affiliations, or relationships.
Principle 3: We support the health and wellbeing of the individuals we work with.
We ensure that all individuals feel appropriately engaged, supported and welcomed at work.
We create a positive working environment that allows individuals to be at their best, where they receive fair recognition and competitive rewards for their skills, contribution and services.
We have a policy that sets out expectations for the consumption and misuse of drugs and alcohol and we do not tolerate actions that will have a detrimental effect on our reputation, violate the law, impact the safety of others or cause inappropriate conduct.
Principle 4: We create a safe and secure working environment.
We ensure that safeguarding and security of colleagues, members, and businesses that we partner with is paramount.
We understand and follow the health and safety laws and regulations in all aspects of our work.
We have processes in place to deal with unexpected events or emergencies.
This Code applies to all colleagues at the CBI, including consultants, contractors, temporary workers, as well as our members, and the businesses that we choose to partner with, through events and other activities. We are each responsible for ensuring we remain familiar with this Code, its principles and associated policies, and for completing any training provided.
Conduct at CBI Events
The CBI aims to provide a programme of events that supports our aspiration to champion business, bringing people together to exchange knowledge, to network and to influence policy. It is a collective responsibility to contribute to a safe and supportive environment at events.
The code of conduct applies at any CBI event (in-person & virtual) taking place on CBI premises or at member/third party venues. We share our Code of Conduct with all those registered to attend events, prior to the event.
All attendees, including members, non-members, guests, speakers, sponsors, suppliers, and staff are expected to understand and comply with the code of conduct, associated policies and all applicable laws. If there is any perceived difference between one of our policies and relevant laws, we will always act in accordance with the highest applicable standard. Attendees bringing guests to events should share relevant pre-event communications if we do not have their contact details to also ensure their understanding and compliance.
All those attending CBI events are expected to adhere to the key principles in this Code of Conduct during any in-person and/or virtual event, as well as uphold the expectations of their respective organisations.
All attendees should and will be equally committed to the application and promotion of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility at all our events.
All attendees will give equal opportunity and fair treatment for all regardless protected characteristics (including age, sex, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race, religion, or belief), political views, status or physical appearance.
The CBI will not tolerate bullying, harassment or sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes. Harassment includes violence, aggression, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo, deliberate intimidation, stalking, and photography or recording of an individual without consent. It also includes offensive comments related.
No attendee will do anything which may, in the reasonable opinion of the CBI, damage the reputation of the CBI or otherwise bring the CBI into disrepute.
Consumption of alcohol and misuse of drugs
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can seriously impair an individual’s judgement and reactions leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries occurring. Alcohol and drug abuse misuse can also have a detrimental effect on work performance and behaviour.
The CBI has a duty to take care of the health and safety of all those participating and attending CBI events including members, non-members, third parties and CBI staff. It is important all those attending CBI events behave in an appropriate, professional, and responsible manner at work and that alcohol or drug misuse does not create a health and safety risk.
Consumption of alcohol must be conducted responsibly, and only when permitted as part of an in-person event.
CBI guarantee a range of non-alcoholic options will be clearly available at all CBI events.
Attendees are not permitted to bring in any food or alcohol from outside the premises to any in-person event unless they have permission from the organisers.
Breach of the Policy and how to report a complaint
It is the responsibility of the CBI to ensure there is a designated person at each of its events to be a first point of contact for any complaints made by attendees, which includes CBI staff, members and third parties. The designated person will be stated in pre-event communications and/or on the day.
In the case where an attendee wishes to raise a complaint in relation to harassment or bullying or otherwise inappropriate behaviour by someone at the event they should speak to the designated person as soon as practically possible.
The designated person will record the complaint, in accordance with the CBI’s Complaints Process, following which an assessment will take place and the appropriate next steps will be taken.
Reporting an offense can be conducted anonymously and confidentially by completing this form, which is shared with CBI HR.
Attendees who are made aware that their behaviour is inappropriate/unacceptable are expected to change such behaviour immediately.
Anyone violating the code of conduct may be asked to leave an event at the sole discretion of the organisers without a refund or removed from a virtual event.
In cases where a non-CBI staff member has behaved inappropriately, their organisation may be informed. The CBI may decide to limit or ban attendance at future events. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Any complaints made regarding a CBI staff member will be referred to the CBI’s Grievance and Disciplinary policy as appropriate.
Legal action may be considered if a criminal offence is suspected and, if appropriate, the matter may be reported to the Police or other relevant authorities.