Code of Conduct for Visitors, Participants and Members of the Public

1. Our Commitment

Latheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Development Company (LLCCDC) is dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone in our community. Whether you are visiting our community centre, attending a workshop, or participating in a community event, we expect all visitors, volunteers, and staff to treat one another with dignity, respect, and kindness.

2. Who This Policy Applies To

This Code of Conduct applies to all members of the public attending:

• Seaview House and all related community spaces.
• Scheduled events, workshops, public meetings, and activities run or hosted by LLCCDC.
• Online or virtual events organised by the LLCCDC.

3. Expected Standards of Behaviour

When attending our space or events, we ask that you:

• Show Respect: Treat fellow visitors, staff, volunteers, and guest speakers with courtesy and consideration.
• Be Inclusive: Respect people of all backgrounds, ages, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, abilities, beliefs, and socioeconomic statuses.
• Communicate Constructively: Express views and feedback calmly and constructively. Listen when others are speaking.
• Respect the Environment: Keep spaces clean and tidy, clean up after yourself, and respect LLCCDC property, equipment, and venue amenities.
• Follow Safety Guidelines: Adhere to venue rules, fire safety protocols, and health and safety instructions given by staff or event facilitators.
• Respect Privacy: Do not photograph, film, or record other participants without their explicit consent (and the consent of a parent/guardian for under-18s).

4. Unacceptable Behaviour

To ensure a safe environment, the following behaviours will not be tolerated in any LLCCDC space or event:

• Harassment & Discrimination: Offensive, derogatory, or discriminatory comments or actions related to race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or appearance.
• Aggression & Bullying: Verbal abuse, shouting, swearing, physical threats, intimidation, or persistent disruption.
• Substance Use: Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while in community areas or non-alcohol events. Smoking or vaping inside facilities (or outside permitted designated areas).
• Damage to Property: Wilful damage, theft, or misuse of venue property, equipment, or personal belongings of others.
• Unsafe Conduct: Failure to comply with staff safety instructions or engaging in dangerous behaviour.

5. How We Handle Breaches of Conduct

If a participant or visitor acts in a way that violates this policy, staff or event leaders may take any of the following steps, depending on the severity of the situation:

1. Verbal Reminder: An informal request to adjust behaviour or de-escalate a dispute.
2. Formal Warning: A conversation with a staff member explaining why the behaviour is unacceptable and requiring immediate compliance.
3. Removal: Direct an individual or group to leave the premises immediately if disruptive or abusive behaviour continues.
4. Temporary or Permanent Exclusion: For serious or repeated breaches, LLCCDC reserves the right to ban individuals from future events or access to facilities.
5. Police Involvement: If a breach involves illegal activity, violent threats, or severe harassment, emergency services will be contacted.

6. Breaches & Escalation Process

Repeated or serious breaches of this Code of Conduct will be handled through a structured operational review:

1. Initial Review: The Centre Manager will review reports and maintain a log of incidents.
2. Sanctions: Depending on the severity of the breach, LLCCDC reserves the right to issue a temporary suspension or a permanent ban from premises and activities.
3. Appeals: Sanctions imposed by management may be appealed in writing to the Centre Manager within 14 days.

7. Interpersonal & Personal Disputes Between Facility Users

LLCCDC recognises that shared community spaces can sometimes give rise to disagreements between individual users or groups.

If there is a disagreement, a personal argument, a difference of opinion, or a private conflict between two people using the same space (and no rules are being broken):

• Who handles it: The individuals involved.
• LLCCDC’s role: Staff will generally step in only to de-escalate if the dispute causes a breach of the peace or affects other patrons. They will not take sides or arbitrate personal grievances.

To ensure our spaces remain positive environments, the following rules apply to personal or interpersonal disputes:

1. Self-Management & Respect: Users are expected to resolve personal differences civilly and privately off-premises. Shared facilities must not be used as a forum for personal grievances, arguments, or public confrontation.
2. Neutral Role: LLCCDC and its staff act strictly as facility providers. Staff will not act as personal mediators, arbitrate personal arguments, or take sides in private disputes between users that do not violate LLCCDC rules or safety standards.
3. Breach of the Peace: If a personal disagreement escalates into shouting, disruption, harassment, or physical confrontation, it becomes a violation of this Code of Conduct. Staff will intervene solely to de-escalate the situation and restore order.
4. Shared Resource Conflicts: If a dispute arises over shared resources (e.g., room access, equipment usage, or booking overlap), users must report the issue to on-duty staff, who will make a binding operational decision regarding facility use.

6. How to Report a Concern

If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, or feel unsafe at any time, please notify a member of staff or an event facilitator immediately.

If you wish to make a formal report after an event:

• Phone: 01593 721230
• In Person / Post: Seaview House, Harbour Road, Lybster, KW3 6AH
• Email: Complete the contact form below

All reports will be taken seriously, handled promptly, and treated with appropriate confidentiality.