Code of Conduct

Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce aims to support its members. Therefore, the reputation of the Stowmarket Chamber of Commerce is vitally important. This code of conduct outlines how each member maintains that reputation so that all members are best served. The behaviour and reputation of Stowmarket Chamber members reflects on the reputation of the Chamber.

The Purpose of this Code

This Code outlines what actions the Chamber may have to take in the unfortunate situation if the actions of a member put that reputation at risk. This is not an exhaustive list of obligations and the Chamber can take other actions in line with its Memorandum or Articles of Association.

Some Definitions for this Code

• Member – formal member of the Chamber (individual or firm) listed in the Register of Members
• Chamber – means the Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce and consists of Officers and Members.

Member’s Obligations

1. The member shall always act in the best interests of the Chamber and will not do anything that is likely to have a negative effect on the name, reputation or goodwill of Stowmarket Chamber.
2. Members must promote the good image of the Chamber through ethical and honest advertising and business practices in their own business.

Stowmarket Chamber of Commerce CODE OF MEMBERSHIP

Criminal Offences

• If a member is charged with a criminal offence, then the Chamber may, at its own option, suspend the membership of that member, and such suspension may be with immediate effect.
• If a member is convicted of a criminal offence, then the Chamber may, at its own option, terminate the membership of that member, and such termination may be with immediate effect.

Insolvency, Bankruptcy and Death

• If a member is adjudged insolvent or bankrupt, or enters receivership or administrative receivership, or makes a composition or arrangement with their creditors under the provisions of any statute or rule of law, then the Chamber may, at its own option, terminate the membership of that member, and such termination may be with immediate effect.
• An individual member shall cease to be a Member on his/her death or if he/she becomes mentally infirm.

Payments

Any member overdue on their subscription, or any other payment to the Chamber, may, at the Chamber’s option, have their membership suspended (until full payment has been made) or terminated. In both instances, the Member remains liable to the Chamber for the arrears.

Possible Sanctions

Failure by the member to comply with any element of this Code will provide sufficient grounds for the Chamber to terminate the membership of that Member.

Effect of Suspension and Termination

• A member who has had their membership suspended is not entitled to any refund of their subscription to the Chamber for the period of the suspension.
• A member who has had their membership terminated is not entitled to any refund of their subscription to the Chamber.
• Any sanction or remedial action at the disposal of the Chamber under this Code is an additional right to any alternative sanction, remedial action, legal action, or other action that the Chamber may take in respect of that Member.
• Any person or organisation shall, on ceasing to be a Member, forfeit all rights to utilise, without limitation, the name, insignia, logo, goodwill, products or services of the Chamber in connection with their business, personal or social activities.

Changes to the Code

This Code may be changed from time to time by the Chamber. The Chamber will provide each Member with reasonable notice that the Code has changed, together with details of where the Member can view such changes.

By clicking this link you can download a copy of this Code of Conduct.

Version 1 – September 2024