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Member Code of Conduct

Purpose & scope

This code of conduct sets out the expected standards of behaviour for all members, representatives, and guests participating in any online or face-to-face event, meeting, conference, working group, or activity organised or endorsed by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). 

This code operates alongside the CEA’s Articles of Association, Byelaws, and all applicable UK legislation, including competition law and equality legislation.

Expected standards of professional behaviour

Members must:

  • Conduct themselves with professionalism, courtesy, and integrity at all times.
  • Treat all participants respectfully, fostering an environment that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to open and constructive discussion.
  • Ensure all interactions - formal and informal - reflect positively on the CEA and the industries it represents.
  • Follow reasonable directions from CEA staff, officers, and event organisers.
Compliance with UK Competition Law

Members must strictly comply with the UK Competition Act 1998 and all relevant CMA guidance when participating in CEA events. Specifically, members must not:

  • Discuss or exchange competitively sensitive information (e.g. pricing, margins, future business strategy, costs, customer allocation, supply agreements).
  • Enter into any agreement or understanding - express or implied - that could restrict, distort, or prevent competition.
  • Engage in conversations that could be perceived as collusive, anti-competitive, or intended to influence market behaviour.

Where discussions risk straying into sensitive areas, members must immediately raise concerns and ensure the conversation is redirected or ceased.

Acknowledgement & investigation

The CEA is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.

Members must not make statements or behave in ways relating to any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, including but not limited to: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

This includes:

  • Derogatory, offensive, or stereotypical remarks.
  • Humour or “banter” targeting any protected group.
  • Behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or humiliating environment.
Confidentiality & privacy

Members must respect confidentiality obligations as set out in the Articles and Byelaws and must not disclose sensitive information obtained through CEA participation unless explicitly permitted.

Conflicts of interest

Members must act in the best interests of the CEA when participating in its activities and must declare any actual or potential conflict of interest to the CEA as soon as it arises. 

Alcohol and social activities

At any social event connected with an CEA event, members are expected to behave responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption is not an excuse for unprofessional or inappropriate conduct. 

Reporting concerns

 Any member who observes or experiences conduct inconsistent with this code should report it promptly to a CEA staff member. Reports will be handled sensitively and in accordance with established procedures. 

Consequences of breach

Failure to comply with this code may result in actions as permitted under the CEA’s Articles and Byelaws, which may include:

  • Verbal or written warnings
  • Removal from an event
  • Suspension or termination of membership
  • Referral to relevant regulatory or legal authorities if required.
Acknowledgement

Participation in any CEA event constitutes acceptance of this code and agreement to abide by its requirements.

This code may be amended from time to time by the CEA Board in accordance with its governance documents.