Members Code of Conduct

All students are members of the union, and we expect all members to abide by our Code of Conduct.

The Code sets out the procedures to be followed in the case of disciplinary action against an individual member. The code concerns the disciplinary rules and procedures that operate within the Union. The Union believes that rules and procedures are necessary for promoting orderly relations as well as fairness and consistency in the treatment of individuals.

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Disciplinary action may be taken in respect of any breach of discipline:

• On the Union premises;
• While the member is using the Union facilities or at a Union event;
• While a member is representing or acting on behalf of the Union at any event of whatever kind and wherever held;
• In relation to actions or incidents between two or more representatives of the Union in any or none of the settings above, or in relation to actions or incidents between the Union’s representatives and other members, staff or stakeholders.
• Any of the above where an interaction or incident is on social media
• Where a complaint is made about a group activity, including socials, demonstrations, and activity that can be classed as organised by the Union or any union group or in that groups name, a group of members may be subject to disciplinary action and penalties.

Any questions about the Code, or to make a complaint about another member under the Code, contact the Democracy & Governance Coordinator.

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Union Council meeting rules - on Microsoft Teams

Use of Teams The functions of a Teams meeting will be regulated in their use to ensure the meeting runs as smoothly as possible, and to make it clear to the chair and deputy who would like to speak.

Use of the chat box

The chat box should only be used to state the following:

• Speaking for motion
• Speaking against motion
• Propose amendment to motion
• Speaking for amendment
• Speaking against amendment
• Call quorum
• Challenge the chair’s ruling
• Matter breaks articles of association
• Point of clarification to chair
• Point of clarification to proposer
• Point of clarification to speaker x (insert name)
• Procedural motion: move to vote
• Procedural motion: consider item in parts
• Procedural motion: reduce number and/or duration of speeches
• Procedural motion: send to referendum
• Procedural motion: refer to later meeting or committee
• Procedural motion: item to not be considered
• Procedural motion: temporarily adjourn meeting
• Procedural motion: move item to top of agenda
• Procedural motion: refer item to assembly or caucus
• Speaking for procedural motion
• Speaking against procedural motion
• Refer matter to Democratic Procedures Committee

The chat box should not be used for any other purpose by councilors. It may be used by the chair/deputy and union support staff to communicate useful information (I.e., links to Slido). Members should refrain from small talk during the meeting. Any questions councilors feel they still need to ask that does not fit into these rules (for example technology issues) can be asked on the Union Council Team page (general) which will be monitored. Use of camera and microphone Councilors should only turn on their camera or microphone when they are called to speak, and they should remain off at all other times. The use of camera when speaking is optional. The chair (or deputy) and union support staff may have their microphone and/or camera on at other times when this is used to aid the flow of the meeting. The chair, deputy and support staff will turn off microphones and cameras via meeting controls if these are still switched on outside of speaking.

Speaking When the chair calls you to speak:

1. Turn on your microphone (optional camera), check it is turned on in both Teams and your computer settings.

2. Introduce yourself with your name, pronouns and your role (that you are using to speak in this capacity). The chair will prompt you to provide this information if it is missed.

3. The chair will invite you to continue and begin your time.

4. Speak about your point.

5. When finished, turn off your microphone (and camera). Addressing other councilors The way we speak about and refer to other councilors in the meeting is important to ensuring everyone is comfortable to contribute their ideas.

We will adopt gender-neutral language throughout the meetings - this means:

• Refer to everyone using they/them/their(s) pronouns unless they have stated otherwise in their introduction, in which case use the pronouns they gave.
• If someone introduces themself with a name that does not match their Teams display, try your best to remember this and use the name given. We understand it can be difficult to remember in a large meeting, but it will be greatly appreciated if you do.Do not use titles when referring to councilors. Display names do not include titles, and assuming one based on display name/voice/appearance/pronouns may be incorrect. It is best to avoid use of titles in any capacity so that everyone is comfortable.
• Try to avoid group gendered terms where possible, for example say “hello everyone” instead of “hello ladies and gentlemen”.

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