Introduction
The reputation of CAMRA is impacted by the behaviour of all members in all settings and our role as ambassadors of the industry means we have to hold ourselves to the highest standards. Whether it is accepting a discount through presenting a membership card, attending a branch meeting or social where you are identifiable as part of CAMRA, disclosing your membership status when commenting online, or even providing feedback on the quality of a pint, your actions reflect on our whole membership.
We recognise that in a diverse organisation a range of different life experiences and individual characteristics may lead to interpersonal disputes or clashes. The Complaints and Disciplinary procedures are not intended to act as referee in these disputes unless either (or both) members involved clearly breach one or more elements of this Code of Conduct.
Ultimately, our members and volunteers want to have a fun and enjoyable experience when participating in our activities. This document is designed to support this by providing clear expectations and how to address situations when those expectations are not met.
Much of our activity, in person or online, takes place in view of the public, many of whom are potential CAMRA members. The behaviour of members may influence the decision of others to join or support the organisation in other ways.
Even though most of our activities take place in social settings, CAMRA is still considered an ‘employer’, and not only for our staff. Our unpaid volunteers at events are also under the protection of workplace legislation. Therefore, members must consider whether their actions would be considered appropriate in a work setting.
Staff working for CAMRA have the right to go about their roles with dignity and not be subject to any behaviour that could lead to a complaint about their treatment as an employee.
The nature of our organisation means alcohol consumption is often present, but it is not inevitable. Actions may be aggravated by drinking but alcohol is not a mitigating factor.
Staff working in hospitality must be treated courteously and with respect and will be supported to raise complaints should any members not do so.
Members must declare conflicts of interest at the appropriate times when participating in activity that might benefit that interest.
Members must not imply that any pub or club, brewery or producer, might be negatively affected with respect to CAMRA publications, awards, or other accolades when providing feedback.
If there is a significant issue that might cause reputational damage to CAMRA then the Branch Chair, BLO, or appropriate individual is to be informed so they can take action.
Breaches of this Code of Conduct should be reported via the online form or via a Branch Chair, Festival Organiser, Regional Director, or other person of authority who will complete the form on the complainant’s behalf.
The online form to raise feedback or a complaint is here: camra.org.uk/feedback-and-complaints
The Member and Volunteer Experience Policy, and other associated documents, are in the Volunteer Resources Area of the website here: camra.org.uk/important-documents
Setting-specific conduct: in person
Events
The Festival Code of Conduct is reviewed regularly and should be referred to for conduct at CAMRA-run and relevant ‘in association’ festivals.
Branch activity such as socials
Hosts must be treated with respect and causing disruption to other customers’ enjoyment avoided.
Free drinks must not be requested or expected when delivering CAMRA material to pubs or clubs.
Meetings
When attending any CAMRA meetings, members will:
- Respect the Chair and fellow attendees at the meeting and follow the notified agenda, including the ‘raising of any other business’.
- Be mindful of alcohol consumption and how that affects participation in meetings.
- If there have been difficult conversations or interactions at the meeting, not allow them to continue afterwards, especially in the host venue.
- Understand that published minutes of meetings will be the official record and attendees must not share other information with third parties.
Setting-specific conduct: as a patron
Discounts (including vouchers)
Members will follow policy on discounts as covered in the Member and Volunteer Experience Policy.
Feedback on products
If a product does not meet the expected standard a polite question such as ‘when did this go on?’ is a suitable approach and an offered replacement is sufficient.
Other feedback
If the issue can be easily remedied have a discreet word with a staff member.
If it is a more significant issue, consider raising it in writing and make the Branch Chair aware if you refer to CAMRA when submitting.
General conduct
If you are clearly identifiable as CAMRA members, please be aware of your surroundings and moderate behaviour accordingly. Speaking loudly and negatively about individuals or businesses can lead to negative perceptions of our organisation.
Setting-specific conduct: online
The use of external social media is vital for CAMRA’s engagement with the public and is a way to share the full range of activity we undertake. Content on our central social media channels, including replying to comments, is managed by staff members therefore interacting with ‘CAMRA’ online must be treated as an interaction with a staff member.
When interacting on external sites be mindful that non-members will be reading and forming views on the organisation.
Comments should:
- Follow the community standards of the hosting site.
- Remain on topic.
- Not be discriminatory to those featured in the post.
- Not reference individuals unless they are directly referenced in the post.
- Be truthful and accurately reflect current policy as set out in the Volunteer Resources’ Area of the CAMRA website.
The ability to comment on external CAMRA social media is not a direct member benefit therefore can be withdrawn without notice if guidelines are breached repeatedly.
In addition, comments that risk causing reputational damage to CAMRA can be raised in a complaint against a member.
‘Internal’ social media e.g. Discourse
All users of Discourse will follow the terms of use and reacquaint themselves with them on a regular basis.
Although access to Discourse is through a member log in, it should still be considered a public space.
External publication of discussions on Discourse will be considered a breach of the Member and Volunteer Experience Policy relating to acting in a way detrimental to the Campaign.
Members must remain cordial when engaging on Discourse.
Discourse admins and moderators are in place to ensure the terms of use are followed and must be treated with respect.
WhatsApp and other interpersonal electronic communication
WhatsApp groups for CAMRA activity should remain professional and relevant to the business being conducted. Users must not share inappropriate content, have discussions about members, or say anything that would not be suitable for a branch or other meeting.
Communications should adhere to data protection regulations and guidance as set out in the Commercial Policy.
Setting-specific conduct: external engagement
Only members who are authorised through their branch and position should speak to the media on behalf of CAMRA.
- If a response is in relation to a specific local area but comes from a different spokesperson (e.g. CAMRA Chairman as the issue is of UK-wide importance) the RD or branch should be informed and the response shared for information.
- If it a regional or local enquiry, the RD and local branch should be the main contact and advice on CAMRA policies and relevant messages can be provided by the Campaigns and Communications Team.
- Regional or local issues should preferably be answered locally and not the Chairman or an NE member.
- Local branches may wish to seek RD input before responding to queries, and help is always available from the Campaigns and Communications Team.
References to policy must reflect the current version in the Volunteer Resources Area of the website.
CAMRA stationery must be used for official communication and not for personal use.
Further resources
Download our Members Code of Conduct here. Associated documents can be found here, in the Volunteer Resources Area of the website.
If you are looking for our Festival Code of Conduct, which covers everyone who attends our events rather than just our members, then you can find it here.
