The Network Collective Code of Conduct for Customer Engagement
Purpose
This Code of Conduct sets out the expectations for respectful, safe, and professional behaviour in all interactions between The Network Collective and our customers and their representatives.
This document is grounded in UK legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and other relevant guidance on workplace conduct and safeguarding. We are committed to maintaining a working environment free from harassment, discrimination, bullying, or any other inappropriate conduct.
- Mutual Respect and Professionalism
All individuals involved in any engagement, including consultants, customers, and third-party representatives, are expected to:
- Act with respect, integrity, and professionalism at all times.
- Communicate in a clear, honest, and courteous manner.
- Collaborate in a constructive and inclusive way.
- Respect the confidentiality, privacy, and intellectual property of all parties.
- Ensure a safe and dignified working environment for everyone involved.
- Zero Tolerance for Harassment and Discrimination
We operate a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of harassment and discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010, which protects individuals from unfair treatment on the basis of protected characteristics including:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Sexual Harassment
In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, sexual harassment is defined as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. This includes:
- Unwelcome sexual comments, jokes, or gestures
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Unsolicited advances or sexual propositions
- Sharing or displaying sexually explicit materials
- Persistent and unwanted attention
Sexual harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances, whether perpetrated by a consultant, a customer or a customer representative.
- Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, all parties involved in a working relationship have a duty to maintain a working environment that is safe and does not pose a risk to health or wellbeing.
We reserve the right to remove consultants from an engagement if their safety, dignity, or mental wellbeing is at risk due to the behaviour of a customer or customer representative.
- Reporting and Escalation
Network Collective Responsibility for Investigating Reports
If a customer or customer representative is concerned about the conduct of a Network Collective employee, a report should be made to TNC’s Director of Internal Operations, Lizzie Waterhouse, at lizzie.waterhouse@networkcollective.co.uk.
In this event, prompt action will be taken. This will include a thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with our internal policies and procedures.
We will keep you informed of the outcome, where appropriate, and of any steps taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your representatives moving forward.
Customer Responsibility for Investigating Reports
In the event that a report is made concerning the conduct of a customer representative, we expect the customer organisation to take the matter seriously, conduct a prompt and thorough investigation, and take appropriate and proportionate action in accordance with their internal policies and procedures.
We also expect to be kept informed of the outcome, where appropriate, and of any steps taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our consultants moving forward.
- Breaches and Consequences
Breaches of this Code of Conduct — by any party — may result in appropriate consequences, including:
For Consultants:
- Verbal or written warnings
- Removal from customer engagement
- Termination of employment or contract
For Customers or Representatives:
- Escalation to senior stakeholders
- Changes to the TNC personnel engaged with the customer
We reserve the right to withdraw consultants if we determine that continued engagement may compromise our team’s safety, dignity, or professional integrity.
- Agreement and Acknowledgment
By engaging with The Network Collective, both our consultants and customer representatives agree to uphold the principles in this Code of Conduct. This mutual commitment is essential to ensuring safe, respectful, and productive relationships in every engagement.
Further Guidance
This Code should be read alongside our:
- Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
- Complaints and Whistleblowing Policy
Copies are available on request.