Code of Conduct

©2026 Hellenic Cultural Society of Bristol "Methexis" , Inc. All rights reserved.

Hellenic Cultural Society of Bristol

METHEXIS

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct for Trustees, Volunteers, Employees outlines the expected standards of behaviour for anyone associated with the Hellenic Cultural Society of Bristol “Methexis”. All individuals should be aware and adhere to this Code of Conduct.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations:

All trustees, volunteers, employees, and contractors must comply with the laws and regulations governing charities, including but not limited to the Charity Commission guidelines and relevant UK legislation.

Mission Alignment:

Trustees, volunteers, employees, and contractors should work towards advancing the education of the public in Bristol and the surrounding area on Greek arts and culture, in particular though not limited to the art of dance, through the provision of workshops, classes and performances.

Code of Conduct for Volunteers, Employees and Contractors:

Volunteers, Employees and Contractors should maintain the highest standards of behaviour in the performance of their duties by:

• • Fulfilling their role as outlined in their written volunteer role description to a satisfactory standard.

  • Performing their role to the best of their ability in a safe, efficient and competent way.

  • Acting honestly and responsibly and with integrity.

  • Ensuring of being aware of and in compliance with the charity's policies and procedures.

  • Undertake any necessary training for their role.

  • Listening to and respecting other staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, stakeholders and other trustees as long as other charity’s members in general.

  • Promoting relationships that are based in trust, honesty, openness and respect.

  • Treating everyone equally and fairly without prejudice and discrimination.

  • Ensuring language is appropriate and not offensive or discriminatory.

  • Ensuring any equipment is used safely and for its intended purpose.

  • Challenging any unacceptable behaviour and report any breaches of this Code of Conduct or any other concerns to the board of Trustees

  • Reporting any allegations \ suspicions of abuse or fraud.

  • Addressing any issues or difficulties regarding any aspect of their role or how they are managed in line with charity’s grievance procedures.

  • Ensuring confidentiality is maintained at all times.

  • Respecting everyone's right to personal privacy, political or religious views, by ensuring that any personal information is kept secure and not disclosed.

  • Meeting deadlines and task commitments and providing sufficient notice in case they will not be performed so that alternative arrangements can be made.

  • Acting in a way that is in line with the purpose and values of the charity as well as

  • enhancing the work of the charity.

Volunteers, Employees and Contractors are expected NOT to:

• • Bring the charity into disrepute (including through the use of email, social media and other internet sites, engaging with media etc.).

  • Allow concerns or allegations to go unreported.

  • Engage in any activity that may cause physical or mental harm or distress to another person (such as verbal abuse, physical abuse, assault, bullying, or discrimination or harassment).

  • Be affected by alcohol, drugs, or medication which will affect their abilities to carry out their duties and responsibilities while fulfilling their role. Should this occur, they must notify the Board of Trustees so that alternative arrangements can be made.

  • Develop inappropriate relationships such as contact with children or vulnerable people that is not part of the work of the trust or agreed with the trustees.

  • Share personal contact details or have contact with a beneficiary or vulnerable person via a personal social media account.

  • Act in a way that can be perceived as threatening or intrusive.

  • Engage in any illegal activity while carrying out their role.

Code of conduct for Trustees

Trustees are ultimately responsible for the Hellenic Cultural Society of Bristol "Methexis".

As trustees, collectively and individually they have to:

• • Share mutual understanding and commitment to the charity’s purposes and articulate these clearly.

  • Act legally and properly, with integrity, honesty, within the law and our governing document and in the charity's best interests at all times.

  • Make sure that the charity’s values are reflected in all of its work, and that the ethos and culture of the organisation underpin the delivery of all activities.

  • Create a safe space in which everyone is encouraged and feels able to speak freely.

  • Avoid conflicts and disclose any actual or potential conflicts to the Chair of the board of Trustees, dealing with these in line with the charity’s governing document and regularly reviewed policies.

  • Ensure that the charity doesn’t act illegally. It also considers following non-binding rules, codes and standards, for example regulatory guidance, the ‘Nolan Principles’ or ‘Charity Ethical Principles’ and other good practice initiatives that promote confidence in charities and create a supportive environment.

  • Promote a clear, agreed, and effective approach to supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organisation and in its practices.

  • Develop a culture of openness within the charity

  • Lead the organisation in being transparent and accountable.

  • Positively challenge each other , but avoid being confrontational.

  • Work as an effective team where different opinions may arise; take time to consider the range of perspectives and outcomes while respecting all viewpoints and the value of compromise.

  • Give sufficient time to the charity to carry out responsibilities effectively.

  • Make sure that everyone complies with the policies and procedures.

  • If there are employees/contractors, make sure that there are proper arrangements for their appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, remuneration and if necessary, dismissal.

  • Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information obtained in the course of duties, including but not limited to personal data and internal discussions.

This Code of Conduct shall be enforced consistently and fairly. Any breaches of this Code shall be investigated promptly and appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of involvement with the Hellenic Cultural Society of Bristol “Methexis”, may be taken. The Board of Trustees shall periodically review and update this Code to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance.

For inquiries, please contact:

Organisation name: Hellenic Cultural Society of Bristol “Methexis”

Email : methexis.bristol@gmail.com

Telephone : 07842631873

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Hellenic Cultural Society of Bristol Methexis.