page under construction 2/10/25
UKBBF Terms and Conditions
UKBBF Governance
Members’ Code of Conduct
Context
The UKBBF is a business-to-business hub to support businesses integrate nature into their value chain and decision making and to bring businesses together to seek new sustainable business opportunities.
Its activities include facilitating knowledge sharing between business, including through public and members-only webinars and meetings; developing web-based materials for sharing documents; developing innovative ways for knowledge sharing; and identifying potential commercial opportunities and innovations across all sectors.
UKBBF members cooperate, work collaboratively and exchange information at a pre – competitive level for the greater good of business and biodiversity.
Values and behaviours (how we work together)
UKBBF has key values and behaviours we ask all members to respect.
• Planet and people before brand: The UKBBF is not to be used as a platform for brand interest, though open discussion about individual initiatives relevant to the purpose of the UKBBF is always welcome.
• Collaboration over competition: The UKBBF is a non competitive space working together for the benefit of businesses as a whole, operating within the Chatham House Rule to encourage inclusive and open dialogue in meetings.
• Mutual Respect: We are from all different backgrounds, specialisms, and experiences. Members must remain respectful of the views of others which may be in direct contrast with their own, and provide space for other members to speak on topics, if desired.
Members must, at all times:
• Act with honesty and transparency.
• Declare openly and immediately any conflicts of interest which could represent an actual or perceived conflict with the work of the UKBBF.
• Advance the work of the UKBBF in an unbiasedway.
• Be always thoughtful of each other and continuously strive to work in a positive, respectful and trusting fashion.
• Listen activelywith an open mind, respecting who is talking and letting others finish their thoughts.
• Be mindful of making assumptions about what people do/don’t know.
• Avoid invalidating someone’s factual representation.
• Be present and engaged: participate in discussions.
• Maintain confidentiality on any information shared by other members
External communications
UKBBF members should understand
- That an individual member does not have the right, unless otherwise approved in writing by a UKBBF Director, to make statements or express opinions on behalf of the UKBBF.
- That it is unethical for members to publicly criticize, canvass or reveal the views of other members which have been expressed at UKBBF meetings.
- That they are required to keep confidential any and all information of a confidential or proprietary nature relating to the UKBBF, its activities, or any member.
- The appropriate use of UKBBF logos – i.e., UKBBF logo is not allowed on product packaging.
Members are expected to:
- Agree to abide by the UKBBF Code of Conduct.
- Understand that membership is not an endorsement of the environmental or social performance of a company’s products or the company itself, and members will not position their membership as such.
- Understand that involvement in any conduct or activity which might by association bring the UKBBF into disrepute is inconsistent with continued UKBBF membership.
Competition law
Whilst the UKBBF may not technically be a trade association (defined as an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry), it shares some of the attributes of a trade association.
It is likely that members will participate in meetings involving other parties, who are or may be in competition with one another in their markets.
There is a risk that UKBBF could be seen as infringing competition law, which would threaten serious consequences for both UKBBF and its members.
The UKBBF and its members should be aware of the guidance issued by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) concerning competition law as it applies to trade associations and also their “Green Agreements Guidance” which helps businesses understand how they can collaborate on environmental sustainability goals without breaking the law.
Links here:
CMA launches Green Agreements Guidance to help businesses co-operate on environmental goals – GOV.UK
Termination of membership
If a member is in breach of any of the clauses set out in this Code of Conduct, the UKBBF Board of Directors reserves the right to terminate their membership immediately, without refund.
Revised 2/12/24 KM
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