FLA Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct promotes a culture where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
In line with these values, we want to ensure everyone attending our events, meetings and training courses feels welcome, comfortable and safe. Our members’ role in maintaining high standards of behaviour is crucial to this commitment.
Should a situation of inappropriate behaviour arise, we have a discreet and confidential process for reporting incidents and will address issues in line with our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment.
Our commitment includes:
- Zero tolerance for inappropriate actions, discrimination or harassment based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, or sexual identity.
- Immediate action against offensive, discriminatory, disruptive, or sexual comments, ’jokes, ‘banter’,’ or behaviour.
- Encouraging reports of such behaviour to the FLA for appropriate action.
Code of Conduct Principles:
- Respect and Dignity: Treat every individual with respect and dignity. There is no place in our industry for bullying, harassment, sexist or exclusionary remarks.
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Support a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and comfortable.
- Professional Manner: Communicate in a professional manner, with civility and respect.
- Safety and Security: Ensure the safety and security of all members, guests, colleagues and businesses we work with.
Your responsibilities:
- Follow the Code of Conduct Principles at all FLA events, training courses and meetings.
- The consumption of alcohol must be conducted responsibly and only when permitted as part of an in-person event. The use of drugs is strictly prohibited.
- Immediately report any inappropriate behaviour, whether experienced or witnessed, to the event or meeting organisers, or, post-event, by email -using the address confidential@fla.org.uk, or by raising orally with the Director General or other Senior Leadership Team members.
Reporting and Action
- Complaints can be made confidentially and will be always treated with the utmost discretion. The views of complainants will be taken into account before action is taken.
- Immediate complaints are encouraged, but post-event complaints can be submitted anonymously and confidentially by emailing confidential@fla.org.uk.
- All complaints will be investigated where possible, and appropriate action taken.
- Immediate action may include removal from the event.
- Subsequent action following a breach of the Code of Conduct may include:
- Limiting or banning attendance at future FLA events.
- Informing the individual’s organisation or other relevant authorities, as appropriate.
This will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Competition Law
All FLA meetings and events, including social events, are subject to the application of competition law and therefore must be conducted in compliance with Competition Law. In particular, members must not make any agreement with other members (either directly or indirectly through the FLA) on what prices/terms they will transact with customers/brokers/suppliers, and must not disclose any information (either directly or indirectly through the FLA) which is commercially sensitive to their own organisation, or which could be strategically useful to other members.
If a member considers that another member has disclosed/intends to disclose such information they should object to its disclosure and seek legal advice. Examples of such information include any reference to pricing, margins, discounts, trading terms, use of third-party suppliers, market share, employee pay/terms, customer lists, new product plans etc.
Members are reminded that failure to comply with competition law may bring with it serious consequences for them as individuals and their companies (as well as the FLA itself). Such consequences include heavy fines and, in certain cases, the imposition of criminal penalties and sentences.