Concerns and complaints will always be taken seriously; they will always be explored thoroughly and responded to in good time.

If you have a complaint or grievance against an individual club member, or the club in general, try to sort out the problem informally before taking further action. This can be done by talking to the individual(s) concerned, possibly with help from a committee or other club member.

If you cannot solve the issue in this way, you may wish to raise the complaint formally by reporting it verbally or by text, to a committee member (in which case, make it absolutely clear that you wish the matter to be taken further), or by an email sent to the club.

You will then be asked to submit a written statement outlining the facts of the matter (if this has not been made clear in your email). Receipt of your complaint will be acknowledged within a week.

A member of the committee, usually the chairperson, will investigate the matter and attempt to resolve the issue and, where agreed on by all parties, will offer to mediate. The outcome will be communicated to you as soon as possible.

If the chairperson deems it appropriate, he or she may decide to convene a meeting consisting of 3 or 4 committee members to assist in finding a solution.

Should your grievance involve the chairperson, another committee member will handle the proceedings.

If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome, you have the right of appeal and another committee member not previously involved in proceedings will be appointed to deal with the grievance, following the procedure above.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

Should you, in the capacity of a member of Buckingham and Stowe Running Club, at any time, be the subject of a complaint from another club member or member of the public in general, then the following procedure will be followed.

You will be made aware of the nature of the complaint and be invited to resolve the matter yourself to everyone’s satisfaction. Should this not be possible or the outcome be deemed unsatisfactory to anyone involved, then the club chairperson will attempt to mediate and reach a conclusion which is acceptable to all. Where even this fails, the committee will meet and decide the outcome, if necessary inviting any individuals concerned to attend.

In extreme circumstances, an individual may be dismissed from the club and any full months of the annual membership fee remaining will be refunded.

The committee’s decision is final and there will be no right of appeal.

Our code of conduct can be found on our website …

https://buckinghamrunningclub.com/colibri-wp/membership-information/code-of-practice/