GSEN Membership Code of Conduct

The membership of GSEN share a common commitment through this statement of ethical practices to promote the highest possible standards of membership conduct.

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. The Glasgow Social Enterprise Network (GSEN) is a membership organisation of social enterprise leaders within the Greater Glasgow area. Its membership includes start up social enterprises, established social enterprises and associates.
   2. Adherence to the standards of conduct, competence and practice set out in this Code of Conduct ("the Code of Conduct") are fundamental requirements of membership of the GSEN. The Code of Conduct sets high standards for GSEN members.
2. THE PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
   1. Through this Code, GSEN can ensure that the highest standards are consistently maintained amongst its members.
3. PROFESSIONAL VALUES
   1. Members are required to act in accordance with the following professional values:
      1. To act collegially by sharing knowledge and experience
      2. To define in advance by mutual agreement and to abide by the terms of all business transactions among ourselves and with others
      3. To endeavour in good faith to resolve amongst ourselves any dispute that arises from our professional interactions
4. RESPECT
   1. Members must be respectful to each other and shall not intentionally seek to damage another member's reputation or business.
5. MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
   1. Members shall assist each other in every practical way and shall conduct themselves loyally towards their fellow members and GSEN.
6. GSEN ACTIVITIES
   1. Members should be aware that GSEN activities, although mostly free at the point of use, are financed through the GSEN budget and are developed in accordance to participant numbers, Accordingly, members who confirm their participation in GSEN activities, through any means ie doodle poll, email etc, are expected to take part in these activities. In the event that members can no longer attend it is expected that sufficient notice should be given.*
7. INTEGRITY WHEN ENGAGING WITH GSEN
   1. When engaging with GSEN members are expected to act with integrity in all their professional and business activities. This means acting with honesty, fairness and impartiality at all times and not allowing themselves to be improperly influenced either by self-interest or the interests of others.
   2. Members should avoid actions or situations that are inconsistent with their professional obligations. If members find themselves in such a situation, they should remove themselves from it as soon as possible.
   3. Members should seek appropriate advice from the GSEN Manager or GSEN Chair (where appropriate) when faced with a situation that they recognise as being outside their own or their company's/organisation's experience, knowledge or competence.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY
   1. Members shall maintain complete confidentiality at all times and treat any information that may come to them in the course of their work as privileged information, not to be communicated to any third party without prior authority. They shall also require all those assisting them in their work to be similarly bound.
9. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
   1. Members shall carry out all work entrusted to them with complete impartiality and shall disclose any business, financial or other interest that might affect this impartiality.
10. BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
    1. All members must commit themselves to uphold and maintain the standards set out in the Code.
    2. A breach of the Code of Conduct or a dispute that cannot be resolved satisfactorily by the member(s) acting in good faith under clause 2.2 above, which come to GSEN's attention, howsoever it comes to the GSEN's attention, including by written communication, by telephone or via a third party, suggesting that a member's conduct may not be compliant with the Code of Conduct, will be reviewed by the GSEN Strategic and Finance Group.
    3. Any member found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct may be subject to the removal from membership.
11. AMENDMENTS
    1. This Code may be amended from time to time by a majority decision of the GSEN's members present or represented at Network meetings, provided that due notice in writing is given. This Code of Conduct is a guideline and does not represent the entire scope of good conduct and ethical behaviour. Acceptance of and adherence to this Code is a condition of membership. * In 2016 the majority of GSEN meetings will include catering which is normally confirmed within 24 hours prior to the event. If your circumstances change without notice, the network will incur an unnecessary cost