Purpose

HertSquad Club Sport aims to provide a welcoming, inclusive and positive experience for all 
University of Hertfordshire students who choose to participate. This Code of Conduct sets out 
the behaviour expected of all Club Sport members, particularly during club social events, 
induction activities and club activity.

It applies to club-related behaviour on and off campus, online and in the wider community, 
including travel, fixtures, tours and social events. Informal or unofficial events clearly 
connected to the club are also covered. All members are expected to follow this Code of 
Conduct and contribute to an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and able to 
participate.

Expected Behaviour

Club Sport members must show respect towards other students, University staff, officials, 
opponents, volunteers, facility staff and members of the public with respect. Discriminatory, 
threatening, intimidating, abusive or otherwise inappropriate behaviour is not acceptable. 
Behaviour may breach this Code of Conduct if it causes, or could cause, distress or harm, 
regardless of intention.

Members must not pressure anyone to disclose personal information or share comments, 
photographs, videos or other content that humiliates someone or compromises their dignity 
or privacy.

Club representatives have a duty of care to all members and must consider members’ safety, 
wellbeing and experience when organising activities. Committee members and 
representatives must promote a positive club culture, challenge inappropriate behaviour and 
give HertSquad accurate information about planned activities and social events.

Initiations

Under no circumstances should a club undertake an ‘initiation ceremony’ or make 
membership, participation or selection conditional on completing initiation-style activities.
An initiation is any activity in which a student or group of students, often new members, are 
expected or pressured to participate to gain acceptance, credibility, status, selection or entry 
within a club. This includes activities described as voluntary where direct or indirect peer 
pressure may make members feel they have to participate.

Initiation-style activities may include humiliating, degrading, dangerous or discriminatory 
behaviour; enforced clothing or nudity; consuming food, alcohol or other substances; 
excessive physical activity; or activities designed to create a hierarchy between members.

Voluntary Participation

Attendance and participation in club activities, social events and online activities must be 
voluntary. Non-attendance at social events must not affect a member’s access to club 
activities, democracy or competitions.


Food and drink, including alcohol, must never be compulsory. Members must not be 
pressured to consume anything, explain why they are not drinking, or consume a particular 
type or quantity of drink. Clubs must not organise or promote excessive drinking. Organisers 
must make clear that attendance, participation and consumption are voluntary.

Unacceptable Conduct

Club activities, social events and online activity must not involve:

  • Sexual or sexually degrading behaviour
  • Illegal activity or the use of illegal drugs
  • Behaviour that causes, or has the potential to cause, harm to another person or damage to property
  • Behaviour that promotes or glorifies discrimination
  • Behaviour that is disrespectful or discriminatory towards any religion, faith, culture, caste or protected characteristic
  • Behaviour that could bring HertSquad Club Sport or the University of Hertfordshire into disrepute.

This list is not exhaustive. HertSquad may investigate any club-related behaviour that appears 
inconsistent with the standards set out in this Code.

Reporting Concerns

If you experience, witness or are concerned about behaviour or activity that may breach this 
Code of Conduct, you should report it as soon as possible. You do not need to be directly 
involved to raise a concern.

Report to HertSquad: Complete the HertSquad Reporting Form. You can also speak to a 
member of the HertSquad team directly but the reporting form must also be completed to 
ensure there is an accurate record of your concern. 

Report through Speak Up: You can also report a concern, incident or misconduct through the 
University of Hertfordshire's confidential Speak Up service. You can use Speak Up to report 
something you have experienced, witnessed or are concerned about.

You can:

  • Report anonymously.
  • Provide your contact details to receive support and updates.
  • Report a concern on behalf of someone else, although you should obtain their consent where possible.

Anonymous reports help the University understand concerns across its community. However, 
if you do not provide your contact details, the University will not be able to contact you, 
provide updates or take action that requires your involvement.

If you provide your contact details, a specialist team will review your report and aim to 
respond within five working days. They will explain the options available, discuss appropriate 
support and outline any investigation process. Making a report does not automatically begin 
a formal complaint.

Reports will be handled confidentially, although information may need to be shared with 
appropriate staff to provide support or investigate a concern. No one should be victimised or 
treated unfairly for raising a genuine concern or supporting an investigation. Retaliation may 
itself breach this Code.

Investigation and Precautionary Measures

When a report is received, HertSquad may temporarily restrict a member or club from Club 
Sport activity while the matter is investigated, where appropriate and in line with University 
guidance. Restrictions may include training, competitions, social events or meetings. These 
restrictions are precautionary to protect all parties and does not constitute a finding of 
misconduct or guilt. 

If the available evidence does not establish a breach, the matter will be closed and any 
restrictions reviewed or removed. If a breach is established, action will reflect the seriousness 
and circumstances of the incident.

Potential Sanctions

A breach of this Code of Conduct may result in one or more of the following:

  • HertSquad Club Sport financial and staff support withdrawn
  • Member(s), team(s) or club removal from specific matches or competitions
  • Withdrawal of training or competition facilities
  • Suspension or closure of the club
  • Referral to the University of Hertfordshire’s student disciplinary procedure
  • Referral to the police, where appropriate

Sanctions will depend on the circumstances and seriousness of the incident. Where 
appropriate, sanctions may be applied in the following academic year if an incident occurs 
towards the end of the academic year.

Club Management Plans

Where HertSquad identifies concerns about a club’s culture, activities or social events, it may 
also introduce a Club Management Plan. This may require event approval, meetings with 
HertSquad, communication with members, increased supervision or other conditions needed 
to manage risk and support a positive club culture.

Member Responsibility

By becoming a HertSquad Club Sport member, you are expected to understand and follow 
this Code of Conduct, treat others with respect and report concerns where you believe it has 
been breached.

Together, we are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive and positive Club Sport 
environment for everyone.

Club Committee Member Declaration

By ticking the box below, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to follow this Code 
of Conduct and any future updates communicated by HertSquad.

As a member of my sports club committee, I understand my responsibility to uphold these 
standards and contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful club environment.

☐ I agree to the HertSquad Code of Conduct and understand my responsibilities as a club 
committee member.

Please complete and return this declaration to HertSquad Club Sport.