Last Updated July 2023
1. Purpose
Our Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour that support our values. The BCA welcomes open debate and free exchange of ideas. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture in which every member feels able to contribute, knowing that their points of view will be valued, and differences of opinion will be respected. Members must conduct themselves so as to promote the ethos of the BCA – a home for chiropractors who put patients first - and maintain the individual and collective reputation of the BCA and its members. Every BCA member is bound by this Code of Conduct when conducting external work with stakeholders or engaging with fellow members and staff.
Importantly, this Code of Conduct is not intended to replace any other professional Codes that members may be signed up to, such as the General Chiropractic Council’s Code or the Royal College of Chiropractors Standards. This BCA Code of Conduct is intended to be additional, complementary, and mutually reinforcing.
2. Definitions
- "the Code" means this Code of Conduct.
- "the BCA" means the British Chiropractic Association.
- "Misconduct" means conduct by a member which is contrary to the provisions of the Code.
- “BCA business” includes, but is not limited to, BCA meetings, BCA events, BCA accounts on social media, when representing the BCA at external events, and other activity that relates to or focuses upon the BCA.
- “Member” includes all BCA members, directors, representatives, observers and lay members on BCA committees.
3. Responsibilities of the BCA
3.1 The BCA recognises that it has a reciprocal duty of care towards members.
3.2 This Code of Conduct will not be applied unreasonably or disproportionately.
3.3 The BCA will support members and staff who challenge poor conduct and behaviours.
3.4 Contravention of the Code may lead to a member being subject to investigation as part of the BCA’s Disciplinary Procedure.
3.5 The BCA offers pastoral support for all parties to a complaint as appropriate.
4. Responsibilities of a Member
4.1 Members must promote the success of the BCA for the benefit of its members, and exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence in all their duties.
4.2 Members are expected to maintain a high standard of personal conduct and to treat staff and other members with respect. Members should display the same duty of care towards one another as they would towards patients and in the workplace.
4.3 Discrimination: The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation because they have any of the nine protected characteristics as defined under the Act (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation). Discrimination, direct or indirect, harassment and victimisation in relation to any of the protected characteristics is against the law and will not be tolerated. Bullying includes behaviour that is intimidating, malicious, offensive or insulting. It may be an abuse or misuse of power and it may be unwarranted and unwelcome. Harassment is unwanted by the recipient, and it has the purpose or the effect of violating their dignity or creating a hostile, intimidating, offensive, degrading or humiliating environment for them. Sexual harassment is separately defined in the Equality Act 2010 as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has the same purpose or effect. Staff and members must be able to carry out their work free from discrimination or being put at a disadvantage. Members are asked to treat everyone with civility and respect.
4.4 Elections: The BCA can only function with the contributions of those members who seek election as representatives. In order that elected representatives work together effectively on standing for election, members agree to uphold the principles outlined in this Code of Conduct. Candidates will abide by electoral rules and respect other candidates. Members will not put undue pressure on other members or staff to favour a particular candidate.
4.5 Conflicts of Interest: A conflict of interest is the risk that an individual’s ability to apply judgement in a matter pertaining to the BCA could be influenced by a secondary interest. Members must declare any relevant conflict of interest before a debate or a decision is made. Where a potential conflict of interest exists, this may limit that individual’s participation in debate and/or decision-making.
4.6 Confidentiality: Information about, or held by the BCA, that is not expressly put into the public domain, may only be given to others if they are entitled to receive it and must not be used except for the benefit of the BCA and with permission of the information owner.
4.7 Public Comment: Members should follow the advice of the Director of Marketing or CEO, or in their absence the President, before accepting, in a BCA capacity, meetings, interviews or requests for information from the media, key stakeholders, or members of UK parliaments or assemblies.
4.8 Social Media and Messaging Apps, including any online content on websites or in emails: Members must consider carefully before publishing or submitting content when operating in a BCA capacity or engaging with a BCA owned forum. The BCA is not responsible for any content not owned or published by the BCA. Members are deemed to be speaking in a BCA capacity when any comments they make are done so using their BCA position, role or title. Please refer to the definition of ‘BCA Business’ in the introduction to this Code of Conduct for further guidance. When representing themselves personally, not the BCA, members should carefully manage any interactions taking place on BCA forums and platforms. This Code applies to personal interactions and views if taking place on BCA forums. The BCA does not accept responsibility for members’ interactions on forums not held by the BCA.
Social media and instant messaging are available 24/7 but cannot be monitored around the clock, due to limited staff resources. Therefore, members are asked to notify the BCA staff of any misconduct, which will then be dealt with as soon as possible within a reasonable timeframe.
4.9 Staff: BCA staff have a level of legal protection provided by employment law. Members must at all times respect and support BCA staff in any interaction with them.
4.10 BCA Trademarks: The BCA owns a number of trademarks including its name, branding and logos. Trademarks enhance and protect the value of the brand. Anyone wishing to use BCA trademarks or its name in their own work must seek permission from the BCA in advance.
5. Shared Responsibility
5.1 To protect the reputation and integrity of the BCA, members have a responsibility to demonstrate cohesion and to contribute constructively to debate. In the interests of its members, and for the benefit of the Association more generally, the BCA’s influence with external stakeholders should be maximised by ensuring, whenever possible, that it presents a clear and unequivocal position externally.
5.2 Issues are determined by consensus or by majority voting. The ability to act effectively on the basis of such a decision requires that members of the BCA work in a coordinated fashion towards the agreed end, with members taking shared responsibility for the decision. When a democratic decision has been made, it is important that representatives do not undermine it.
6. Relationships with Third Parties
6.1 Members may come into contact with a wide range of suppliers of goods and services including professional advisers and business consultants (e.g. insurance, employment advice). Suppliers must be treated with courtesy and fairness at all times.
6.2 In relation to the Bribery Act 2010, members are required to disclose any acceptance of gifts or hospitality given by third parties in circumstances that could be seen as relevant to BCA business.
6.3 Any offers of third-party sponsorship and co-branding of activities and events must be referred to the Director of Development for management.
7. How to Raise Concerns about a Member
If you are not sure of the best approach to take regarding your concerns, please contact the BCA via the enquiries@chiropractic-uk.co.uk to outline your concerns and then enable potential ways forward to be explored. The BCA recognises the importance of challenging poor behaviours. Our preferred approach is to address poor behaviour informally through support, training and feedback. If a formal route is required, it will be through the BCA’s Disciplinary Procedure.
Complaints against members must not be raised in an open forum, such as via social media or in a meeting. Concerns may be raised by the individual affected by the complaint or by staff or members who have witnessed poor behaviour.
8. How to Raise Concerns about a Member of Staff
Concerns about staff must be raised directly with the Chief Executive, or in their absence, the relevant staff director or the BCA President. Concerns must not be raised in an open forum.