Member Code of Conduct

Standards of behaviour for all SUBS community members

Version 1.0 — May 2025

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all members of the Submariners United in Business CIC community, at events, online, and in all interactions connected with SUBS. It is designed to ensure that SUBS remains a safe, respectful and productive environment for everyone.

By joining the SUBS community, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Failure to do so may result in removal from the community.

2. Our Values

SUBS is built on the values that submariners bring from their service:

  • Integrity — acting with honesty and transparency in all dealings

  • Respect — treating every person with dignity, regardless of background or rank

  • Teamwork — supporting each other and working collaboratively

  • Excellence — striving to add value and make a positive contribution

  • Confidentiality — respecting sensitive information shared within the community

3. Expected Behaviour

All SUBS members are expected to:

  • Treat fellow members, guests and SUBS staff with courtesy and respect at all times

  • Engage honestly and transparently in all community interactions

  • Respect the confidentiality of information shared within the SUBS community — what's shared in SUBS, stays in SUBS

  • Disclose any conflicts of interest when relevant to community activities

  • Be clear when representing your own views as distinct from those of SUBS

  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

  • Not use SUBS membership or community access for unsolicited advertising or sales

  • Respect diversity and inclusion, welcoming colleagues from all backgrounds

4. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are not acceptable within the SUBS community and may result in removal:

  • Bullying, harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour in any form

  • Discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic (see our EDI Policy)

  • Sharing false, misleading or defamatory statements about other members or SUBS

  • Misrepresenting your military background, business credentials or identity

  • Sharing sensitive or classified information relating to the armed forces

  • Using the community to solicit investments, loans or financial transactions

  • Engaging in spam or mass unsolicited commercial messaging

  • Reposting or sharing private communications without the originator's consent

  • Any behaviour that brings the Submarine Service or SUBS into disrepute

5. Events and In-Person Conduct

At SUBS events, members and guests are additionally expected to:

  • Follow all venue rules and instructions from event organisers

  • Drink responsibly — excessive alcohol consumption that leads to disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated

  • Respect the privacy of other attendees, including not photographing or recording others without consent

  • Wear any required identification or name badge

6. Online and Social Media Conduct

When engaging in SUBS online communities or representing SUBS on social media:

  • Be professional and constructive in all online communications

  • Do not share content from private SUBS channels publicly without permission

  • If you identify yourself as a SUBS member on personal social media, ensure your conduct reflects well on the organisation

  • Do not engage in trolling, flame wars, or personal attacks online

7. Reporting a Breach

If you believe a fellow member or attendee is breaching this Code of Conduct, please report this to the SUBS team via www.subs.org.uk/contact. All reports will be handled confidentially and in accordance with our Complaints Policy.

SUBS reserves the right to take immediate action, including removal from an event or the community, in cases of serious breach.

8. Consequences

Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in:

  • A formal warning

  • Temporary suspension from the community

  • Permanent removal from the community

  • Referral to appropriate authorities where the conduct constitutes a criminal matter

9. Review

This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually and updated as the community grows and evolves. Members will be notified of significant changes.

10. Contact

For questions about this Code of Conduct or to report a concern, please contact us at: www.subs.org.uk/contact