General Code of Conduct

North London Sailing Association (NLSA): General Code of Conduct 

Scope

This Code sets out the standards of conduct members of NLSA can reasonably expect from one another and are expected to observe themselves. It applies to NLSA sailing sessions, sailing weekends and trips, social activities, use of NLSA boats and equipment, and NLSA communication channels.

Members representing NLSA at another venue or organisation are expected to observe the same standards.

Our ethos and shared values

NLSA is a volunteer-run sailing club. We aim to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive, sociable and enjoyable environment in which people can sail, learn and take part in club life. 

Our shared values are to:

• Help each other

• Share responsibility, including helping with boats and equipment

• Value and support our volunteers

• Keep the club sociable, fun and friendly

• Be inclusive and diverse

We expect all members to show reasonable tolerance, consideration and respect towards one another.

Members and their guests are expected to

• Treat other members, instructors, staff and other water users with respect, consideration and without discrimination.

• Avoid abusive, threatening, bullying, discriminatory, intimidating or disrespectful behaviour.

• Respect the personal boundaries and the property and belongings of others.

• Follow the NLSA Constitution, General Code of Conduct (this document), Brightlingsea code of conduct (when on Brightlingsea trips) and relevant safety, safeguarding and operating procedures. 

• Put safety first and follow reasonable safety and operational instructions given by the Senior Instructor or other person responsible for an NLSA activity.

• Raise safety concerns promptly and appropriately to a person in charge. 

• When possible, help with the shared work of club sailing, including preparing, launching, recovering, maintaining and putting away boats and equipment.

• Recognise and respect the contribution made by members who volunteer their time to run and support the club.

• Use NLSA WhatsApp groups, email and other club communication channels considerately and avoid using them to pursue personal disputes.

• Raise serious concerns or unresolved disputes through the appropriate club procedure (see below). 

Procedure for raising concerns about conduct

Where appropriate, members are encouraged to resolve minor disagreements informally and respectfully.

More serious concerns, repeated inappropriate behaviour, or matters that cannot reasonably be resolved informally should be raised with the Committee in accordance with NLSA’s complaints and disciplinary procedure. These concerns can be emailed to committee@northlondonsailing.org. 

A complaint does not itself establish that this Code has been breached. Any alleged breach will be considered fairly and impartially, and any action taken will be proportionate and consistent with the NLSA Constitution and applicable procedures.

Consequences of failing to comply with the Code of  Conduct

Failure to uphold this Code of Conduct may result in action by the Committee to protect the safety and well-being of NLSA’s members and volunteers. Proportional actions may include, but are not limited to, formal warnings, restrictions on attending sailing sessions, club activities or social events, suspension of club communication access, or the formal termination of membership. 

The club also reserves the authority to review and address any behaviour (including any behaviour not explicitly listed here) that negatively impacts the organisation or its membership. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Disruptive, disorderly, or unsafe behaviour during club activities or on club grounds.

• Actions that interfere with effective club operations or compromise safety.

• Behaviour that affects the club’s reputation and/or standing.

• Conduct that severely undermines member wellbeing, experience or retention. 

In all cases, the Committee retains the absolute discretion to take necessary action to safeguard the club’s operations, reputation, and members. 

Adoption

This Code was adopted by the NLSA Committee on 28th October 2026 and applies from that date.

It will be reviewed periodically alongside the NLSA Constitution and other club policies.