BFC Code of Conduct

British Fashion Council (company number 02050620) and British Fashion Council Foundation (11917315) (‘we’ ‘us’ ‘our’), strive to provide a respectful, safe and welcoming environment to all our members, patrons, partners, suppliers, scholars and beneficiaries (‘BFC Community’ ‘you’) and others who may come into contact with us through our activities. [Staff (including contractors) are directed to the Staff Conduct Policy below].

1. Purpose
• The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out the behavioural expectations of those involved in the BFC Community and to specify our policies and procedures for responding to complaints about conduct that does not comply with this Code. It also covers how a complaint under this Code should be brought to our attention.
2. Who it applies to and when
• This Code of Conduct applies to everyone in the BFC Community.
• It applies while you are a participant of the BFC Community and covers behaviour that occurs within the context of your activities and dealings with members of the BFC Community (including us) as well as outside of it, if relevant (as determined by us).
• By participating in the BFC Community you agree to comply with this Code of Conduct.
3. Minimum expected standards
• You agree to, as applicable to your role in the BFC Community:
• maintain the highest standards of professional endeavour, integrity, confidentiality and financial proprietary;
• ensure that all conduct is honest, fair, equal, non-discriminatory and law abiding;
• apply the same professional standards regardless of an individual’s gender, race, ethnicity, religion or beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or age;
• adhere to our and any other relevant organisation’s arrangements, rules, procedures and functions and not to commit or be party to any act or omission (including any fraudulent or dishonest act) that results or may result in a breach of these;
• not partake in any activity or behaviour that amounts to Prohibited Conduct or knowingly or recklessly act in a manner inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or cause or permit others to do so;
• ensure that the good name and reputation of the British Fashion Council and the British Fashion Council Foundation is not brought into disrepute through professional or personal actions or omissions or direct or indirect comments, howsoever communicated (including online);
• ensure safe working environments, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination; and
• unless agreed otherwise specifically in writing, maintain absolute confidentiality of our sensitive, valuable or confidential information (unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing) and not to disclose or authorise to be disclosed or use for personal gain or to benefit a third party any of our confidential information;
• ‘Prohibited Conduct’ inconsistent with the standards expected of participants of the BFC Community includes:
• Lying, fraud, bribery or corruption;
• Harassment or discrimination;
• Sexual harassment or sexual assault;
• Violence
• Bullying or any other coercive or abusive behaviour;
• Theft (including of intellectual property);
• Using or benefiting from slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, child labour or human trafficking – whether directly or within your supply chain (if applicable);
• Conduct which may affect our financial wellbeing;
• Other criminal conduct;
• Conflicts of interest; and/or
• Misuse of the British Fashion Council or British Fashion Council Foundation name, logo or affiliation.
• The list of Prohibited Conduct above is indicative and not exhaustive and represents the minimum of conduct which all members of the BFC Community are expected to observe both in spirit and to the letter.
• Members of the BFC Community are responsible for any acts of their employees, agents and sub-contractors which are contrary to this Code of Conduct.
4. Reporting misconduct
• Any individual who wishes to report misconduct by a designer, designer led business or individual associated with a designer brand’s business should contact Yvie Hutton: yvie.hutton@britishfashioncouncil.com.
  For any other misconduct relating to any other individual or business should contact Laura Strain:  laura.strain@britishfashioncouncil.com.
• Individuals may request confidentiality when reporting misconduct. We will respect privacy and confidentiality if reasonably possible, but it may not always be possible including if there is significant risk of harm or where legal obligations require otherwise.
5. Investigating reports of misconduct
• We will decide in our discretion whether it is appropriate for any investigation to be undertaken following receipt of a misconduct report (except if required otherwise by law, such as in the case of criminal activity).
• Where an investigation is commenced, we will notify you of the process and proposed next steps, in accordance with our policies and procedures.  
6. Consequences of failure to comply with this Code
• Any failure to comply with this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously, and we may consider taking further action in relation to the relevant member of the BFC Community, where appropriate.
• Any decision by us relating to redress and / or sanction will be proportionate to the seriousness of the misconduct and may, without limitation (and if applicable), include warnings or an official reprimand, exclusion from the BFC Community, temporary suspension or permanent cessation of grant funding, removal of membership, refused access to our events, cessation of commercial partnerships, termination of contracts underpinning our relationship and, where appropriate or required by law, formal reporting to the appropriate authorities and / or the Charities Commission.
• Criminal activity will be reported to the relevant authorities and dealt with in accordance with applicable laws.

Last reviewed: August 2024