HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION
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This Code of Conduct applies to all Board Directors and Committee Members of Hull City Ladies.
It outlines the standards of behaviour, professionalism, integrity, and accountability expected of those holding governance roles within the Club. Individuals in these positions act in a position of trust and are responsible for setting the culture, values, and strategic direction of Hull City Ladies.
This Code forms part of the Club’s governance framework and supports compliance with FA Minimum Standards, safeguarding requirements, and good practice in football governance.
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness.
ROLE OF THE BOARD AND COMMITTEE
Board and Committee Members are responsible for the effective governance of Hull City Ladies and must act at all times in the best interests of the Club.
This includes responsibility for:
- Strategic leadership and long-term planning
- Financial oversight and sustainability
- Safeguarding, welfare, and equality
- Compliance with FA Rules, Regulations, and Minimum Standards
- Protecting the reputation and integrity of the Club
Board and Committee Members must understand the distinction between governance responsibilities and day-to-day operational management, and avoid inappropriate involvement in operational matters unless authorised.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
All Board and Committee Members are expected to:
- Act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism
- Treat others with dignity, fairness, and respect
- Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on Hull City Ladies
- Avoid behaviour that could bring the Club or the game into disrepute
Bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY AND DECISION-MAKING
Board and Committee Members are expected to:
- Prepare for and attend meetings regularly
- Participate constructively and respectfully in discussions
- Support collective decisions once made
- Avoid undermining agreed decisions publicly or privately
Where disagreement exists, this must be handled professionally and through appropriate governance channels.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Board and Committee Members must act solely in the interests of Hull City Ladies.
A conflict of interest may arise where personal, professional, or financial interests interfere, or appear to interfere, with an individual’s responsibilities to the Club.
Members must:
- Declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest promptly
- Withdraw from discussions or decisions where a conflict exists
- Act transparently and in accordance with Club procedures
The appearance of a conflict of interest is treated as seriously as an actual conflict.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION
Board and Committee Members will have access to confidential and sensitive information relating to players, staff, finances, and Club operations.
Members must:
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- Not disclose confidential information without proper authority
- Use information only for legitimate Club purposes
- Comply with data protection legislation and Club policies
These obligations continue after leaving a governance role
SAFEGUARDING AND WELFARE
Hull City Ladies is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk, in line with FA safeguarding policies and procedures.
Board and Committee Members must:
- Champion safeguarding as a governance priority
- Complete all required safeguarding training
- Support the Welfare Officer and Safeguarding Lead
- Report safeguarding concerns immediately via the appropriate Club channels
- Never attempt to investigate safeguarding concerns personally
Safeguarding is a collective responsibility and integral to effective governance.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Club is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its activity.
Board and Committee Members must:
- Promote inclusive and respectful environments
- Challenge discrimination, harassment, or exclusion
- Ensure decisions and policies reflect fair and equitable practice
COMMUNICATION AND REPRESENTATION
Board and Committee Members represent Hull City Ladies in all settings.
Members must:
- Communicate responsibly, professionally, and accurately
- Use agreed Club communication channels
- Avoid unauthorised statements to media or on social media
- Ensure public comments align with Club values and agreed decisions
Online conduct must reflect the responsibilities of a leadership role.
BETTING AND GAMBLING
Under FA Rules, Board and Committee Members are classed as Participants in the Game.
Members must not:
- Bet, directly or indirectly, on football matches or competitions anywhere in the world
- Provide inside information for betting purposes
Any breach of FA betting regulations may result in disciplinary action by the Club and referral to The FA.
USE OF CLUB RESOURCES
Board and Committee Members must:
- Use Club resources responsibly and for authorised purposes only
- Avoid personal use of Club assets without approval
- Act prudently in relation to the Club’s financial and physical resources
BREACHES OF THIS CODE
Any alleged breach of this Code of Conduct will be managed fairly and proportionately.
Action may include:
- Informal discussion or guidance
- Formal warning
- Removal from Board or Committee position
- Referral to The FA or other relevant authorities
REVIEW
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required, to reflect changes in FA guidance, legislation, or Club governance requirements.
BOARD & COMMITTEE CODE OF CONDUCT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT
I confirm that I have received, read, and understood the Hull City Ladies Board and Committee Code of Conduct.
I agree to comply with the standards, responsibilities, and expectations outlined within this document and understand that failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
I acknowledge my responsibility to act in the best interests of Hull City Ladies and in accordance with FA Rules, safeguarding requirements, and Club policies.
Name: __________________________________________
Role (Board / Committee): ________________________
Signature: ______________________________________
Date: _________________________________________