Disciplinary Procedure

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

1. Introduction 

The disciplinary procedure for North London Sailing Association (NLSA)  applies to all members of the NLSA and aims to ensure that all members are treated fairly and  consistently in regard to their conduct. The procedure may be reviewed and amended by  the committee from time to time to meet any change in requirements. 

2. Principles 

• No disciplinary action will be taken until an investigation has been undertaken by a person/persons, appointed by the committee, who will not be involved in any subsequent disciplinary decision. 

• Disciplinary matters will be concluded without undue delay. 

• Disciplinary matters will be treated confidentially and only those directly involved in the procedure will be informed. 

• The committee will appoint a smaller panel to conduct the hearing, with a right of appeal (if the club/class association’s procedure includes a right of appeal) to a further panel of committee members who have not been involved in the original hearing. 

• A member who is the subject of disciplinary action will be advised in writing of the nature of the complaint against them, and will be allowed sufficient time to prepare for a disciplinary hearing, and will be given the opportunity to their case. 

• The member will have the right to be accompanied by a fellow member, or by another representative (but not a legal representative) at the discretion of the committee/panel. 

• The member will have the right to appeal (if the procedure includes a right of appeal) against any sanction or penalty imposed, and for that appeal to be heard by a panel of committee members not involved in the original disciplinary hearing. 

• A proper record will be kept of any disciplinary decision, taking into account the need for confidentiality. 

• A complainant will be informed when the matter is concluded, but does not have the right to be informed of the nature of any sanction or penalty imposed. 

Examples of misconduct offences include but are not limited to the following: 

• Failure to comply with club/class association rules, byelaws, regulations, policies or codes of conduct, including health and safety and safeguarding policies. 

• Failure to pay membership subscriptions, boat fees or other monies owed to the club/class association within a reasonable time. 

• Theft or misappropriation. 

• Deliberate damage to the property of the club/class association or a member. 

• Assault on or deliberate injury to a member, guest or employee. 

• Foul, abusive or discriminatory language or behaviour or harassment. 

• Harming or placing at risk of harm a child or young person aged under 18 or a vulnerable person. 

• Conduct, whether within or outside the club/class association, which might bring it into disrepute by association. 

3. Procedure 

1. Receipt of complaint 

A complaint is received by NL:SA and passed to the Chair and acknowledged. 

The Chair informs the committee that a complaint has been received and appoints a member to investigate it. If the presence at the NLSA of the member who is the subject of  the complaint may put others at risk, their membership and/or attendance may be temporarily suspended pending the investigation and the outcome of any subsequent disciplinary hearing. 

2. Investigation 

The matter is investigated; this may include speaking to the complainant and gathering statements from any witnesses.  In the case of failure to make a payment, it may involve checking the club’s financial records. 

If, during the course of the investigation, it appears that the member may have committed a criminal offence, this may be reported to the Police and the internal disciplinary procedure will be put on hold until any Police investigation and subsequent prosecution has been concluded. 

3. Hearing 

If appropriate, the Chair appoints [X] number of committee members to make up a Disciplinary Committee, (the member who conducted the investigation may be asked to present the case on behalf of the club/class association), excluding any member who is related to either the complainant or the member who is the subject of the complaint, and any member who has been involved in a previous disciplinary action involving the same member.   

The date, time and venue for the disciplinary hearing are decided, allowing sufficient time for the member to prepare their case. 

The member is informed in writing of the nature of the complaint, is asked to attend the disciplinary hearing, informed of their right to be accompanied and provided with copies of this procedure, any relevant documents and witness statements.   

If the member is unable, for good reason, to attend on the appointed date, the  Disciplinary Committee should endeavour to agree a suitable alternative date.  If the member is unable to agree a mutually acceptable date within a reasonable period, the hearing may take place in their absence. 

No witnesses or statements should be introduced at the hearing without prior notice and copies of all written evidence must be produced for consideration prior to the hearing, to be available in advance to the parties.  

 The Disciplinary Committee may adjourn the hearing to allow further evidence to be referred to if the Disciplinary Committee considers it fair to do so.  

4. Decision 

The Disciplinary Committee decides whether misconduct has taken place, and if so decides on an appropriate and proportionate sanction or penalty.  

 After the Disciplinary Committee has reached a decision, the subject of the complaint will be notified in writing of such decision and informed of any penalties within 7 days of the decision being reached, penalties will be effective from the date of the decision.  If relevant, the member should be informed of his right of appeal and the timescales involved. 

A record is made of the disciplinary decision. 

5. Appeal 

An appeal may be made on the following grounds:  

• the club/class association has failed to follow a fair process; and/or  

• the member feels that the sanction is disproportionate to the offence 

If an appeal is to be made then written notice of appeal by way of email to the Secretary must be given by the member, within [28 days] of being notified of the decision. No appeal will be valid or considered after that period has elapsed.  

The  member must give full written grounds for the appeal, stating exactly what is being appealed against and the reasons for this. 

An appeal hearing will be convened as soon as practicable and will consist of an Appeal Committee of [3 members] who did not take part in the first hearing and who will elect their own Chairperson (who will have the casting vote). 

New evidence cannot be presented at the appeal hearing. The Appeal Committee shall have power to uphold the original decision, reverse it, or reduce the penalty but may not increase it. The decision of the Appeal Committee is final and binding on the parties.

The appeal decision is final. 

(6) Conclusion 

The complainant is informed that the matter has been concluded.