Code of conduct for u3a members

u3a members are expected to conduct themselves in line with the Movement’s Guiding Principles. They are also expected to treat each other with dignity and respect. Specifically:

  • Members are expected to know, follow and promote the Principles of the u3a Movement at every opportunity.
  • Members must always act in the best interests of Chiltern u3a (Cu3a) and the u3a Movement, strive to uphold its reputation and never do anything which could bring their own, another u3a or the u3a Movement into disrepute or expose it to undue risk.
  • Members are expected to use Cu3a’s resources responsibly and only to further its stated charitable objects/purposes.
  • Members are expected to reflect the current organisational policy of Cu3a, regardless of whether it conflicts with their personal views.
  • Members are expected to abide by Cu3a’s procedures and practices.
  • Members are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect at all times.

Click here for the full policy and links to relevant National u3a documents

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Chiltern u3a (Cu3a) is a learning co-operative and membership charity which enables members in their third age to share educational, creative and leisure activities. Members of each u3a draw upon their knowledge, skills and experience to teach and learn from each other (peer to peer learning). Cu3a recognises that some people are particularly likely to experience discrimination and harassment and is committed to making sure that Cu3a is as inclusive and welcoming as possible.

This policy has been drawn up to comply with the Equality Act 2010. The Act stipulates that organisations cannot treat someone unfairly on the basis of what it calls ‘protected characteristics’,

Cu3a will strive to ensure that members do not experience discrimination on the basis of their protected characteristics. This will include ensuring equal access to groups and behaviour between members and by committee members and convenors.

All Cu3a members commit to upholding the national Members’ Code of Conduct’ , the overriding principle of which is ‘ Members are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect at all times’. Additionally, the Third Age Trust is currently [August 2022] offering ‘Attitudes and Bias Awareness training workshops’ that can be signed up to on their website. Should any difficulties arise in a group that cannot be resolved amongst the members, contact the Groups’ Coordinator.

Cu3a wants everyone to feel welcome. Here's what we shall do:

  • Public activities will be in places that everyone can access.
  • At our main meetings, we'll help people with disabilities (like giving front seats to those who can't hear or see well).
  • Speakers will know that there might be people with disabilities and will make sure everyone can understand them.
  • People who help our members can come to meetings. If they're paid, they need to have insurance. Paid carers without insurance can join Cu3a (free of charge) so they are insured.
  • Assistance dogs can come if the place allows it, after we talk to everyone and get approval.
  • For active groups, we'll explain what they do so members can decide if it's for them.
  • If asked, we'll plan walks where assistance dogs can come with their owners.
  • Our Group Coordinators help with accessibility. If members need changes to join an activity, they should talk to them.

We have meetings in homes, and we can't force changes there. But if someone asks, we'll try to find another place that's affordable and accessible. We won’t change the meeting time, day, or place if it could end the group.

 

Click here for the full policy

Safeguarding policy

This Policy and Procedure is written to enable Chiltern U3A (CU3A) to act appropriately whenever instances, or allegations of, actual abuse or neglect come to its attention. Cu3a recognises that some people are potentially at risk of abuse and neglect. Abuse and neglect can take place in a person’s own home, in the home of a carer, family member or friend, and within any form of institution e.g. hospitals, residential care or nursing home.

Where abuse or neglect is suspected, Cu3a will aim to respond to the situation in a way which is caring, effective and enabling. Cu3a also recognises that abuse and neglect can be perpetrated by volunteers, other users of services, relatives, friends and neighbours. Cu3a acknowledges that the reasons for abuse and neglect occurring may not be fully understood and vary with each incident, often dependent on risk factors Cu3a will neither condone nor tolerate any form of abuse or neglect and believes that everyone should be able and, where necessary enabled, to live in an environment which is safe.

Click here for the full safeguarding policy

Health and safety policy

Click here for the Chiltern u3a constitution