Grievance Procedure

Intention

The Staff of We Canddo DIY have the authority to ban anyone from entering the space and the authority to strip anyone of their membership. This must only be done in circumstances where this authority is best for We Canddo DIY and its members as a whole.

This policy will only be applied to members who demonstrate unwillingness to address behaviour which has caused offence, harm or distress to another member, members, visitors or affiliates of We Canddo DIY; or has threatened the safety of the space. This may be behaviour directly targeting or witnessed by any individual. Our rules clearly state that in the event of certain behaviour being reported that a ban is possible. Throughout the process, all efforts will be made to keep clear and constructive communication between the staff, the offending party, and any other affected parties.

In very serious cases, staff members may invoke temporary access bans until the issue is resolved. Should a staff member become the focus of a complaint, they will not be included in their normal capacity during the grievance process.

Introduction

• This policy applies to members, guests and attendees of events that use We Canddo DIY or its online meeting places and social media platforms.

• Any person may be banned from the space if they violate existing policies or if they have the potential to harm other users of the space.

• Before the formal banning procedure is started, the staff must make every attempt to resolve the issue informally.

Process

• Should a staff member become the focus of a complaint, they will not be included in their normal capacity during the grievance process.

• Where possible the offending party must be given at least two written warnings before being banned unless the staff member determine there is a continuing threat to the safety of members. At every stage, it must be made clear to the party where they are in this process.

• At every stage, a quorum of staff members must be in agreement that allowing the user to continue to use the space would not be in the best interest of the organisation.

• Should a quorum of staff members be unattainable, then a general meeting will be called at the first opportunity, with the only agenda item to be appointing enough members as temporary staff members to enable an investigation of the complaint. The remit of these members will be limited to the investigation, and they will be required to step down upon completion of the investigation

• At every stage, the staff members must make their reasoning available to the offending party. They must also make as much detail as is appropriate available to all members but may hold back information if it is decided it is in the best interests of the space and its membership.

• By default, a ban will be for a year. At their discretion, the staff can issue a reduced or extended ban period.

• Bans of more than one year may only be issued in extreme circumstances. The staff members must review these bans yearly.

• If the offending party is a member, their membership could also be revoked.

• When a person is banned, their right to access We Canddo DIY and its social media and communication platforms can be revoked. Any entry to the space without the prior, express permission of staff will be considered trespass.

• The staff members must seek feedback from the community to ensure this process remains fair and balanced.

Grievance – When a member wishes to complain about the conduct of another member.

1. The member raising the grievance must submit their concern in writing to staff.

2. The staff members will designate one staff member to take the lead.

3. The responding member must be informed of the content of the grievance and given an opportunity to respond via the coordinating staff member.

4. If the response is satisfactory to the aggrieved member, the matter will be closed.

5. If the response is not satisfactory, the members will be invited to meet with at least 2 staff members for mediation.

6. The outcome of the meeting will be either resolution or escalation to disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Procedure – When a members conduct has breached the rules or expected standards of behaviour to a level that requires action be taken.

1. On the first instance, a staff member will issue a warning to the member. This will stand for 6 months.

2. On a repeat within the warning period, a staff member will issue a one month ban with a probation period of 6 months following the ban.

3. On a repeat with the probation period, a staff member will revoke membership and issue a permanent ban.

In extreme cases, a ban can be issued at any time by a vote of staff members. A simple majority of current staff members must vote in favour of the ban for it to be enacted.

A record will be kept to keep track of warnings and probations. After 6 months have passed without incident, the record will be completely deleted.

The membership maintains responsibility for noticing and reporting breaches.