Last reviewed 22 July 2026.
The Mens Group is committed to a welcoming, inclusive and respectful community. This code applies at our events, in our WhatsApp community, in email and social-media conversations connected with the group, and whenever somebody is representing The Mens Group.
Respect everyone
Treat other members, volunteers, organisers, venue staff and members of the public with dignity and courtesy. Harassment, discrimination, bullying, hate speech and personal attacks are not acceptable. This includes conduct connected with race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, body or appearance, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected or personal characteristic.
Friendly banter is only friendly when everyone involved is comfortable with it. Consider the effect of your words, especially with people you do not know well, and stop when asked.
Consent and personal boundaries
- Do not make unwanted romantic or sexual advances, sexual comments or intrusive personal remarks.
- Consent must be clear, freely given and specific. It can be withdrawn at any time.
- Do not pressure anyone to drink, disclose personal information, move a conversation into private messages or take part in an activity.
- Sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate material must not be posted in our community spaces.
Privacy and confidentiality
Do not share another person's contact details, photographs, messages, private conversations or other personal information without permission. Never threaten to expose, maliciously distribute or use somebody's information or intimate content. Ask before photographing people at events and respect anyone who does not want to appear online.
Keep the community safe and lawful
Illegal activity is not permitted. This includes arranging the supply of illegal substances, sharing illegal sexual material, threatening violence, fraud or any other criminal activity. Jokes and memes can still cause alarm or harm; moderators may remove ambiguous material and will act when there is a genuine safety concern.
Do not deliberately disrupt events or online conversations. Volunteers put time and care into organising activities, and everyone should be able to take part without intimidation or persistent interruption.
Bullying, rumours and public disputes
Do not spread rumours, target another person's reputation or encourage a group to isolate or attack somebody. Constructive disagreement and feedback are welcome, but keep it respectful and focused on the issue. If a disagreement becomes personal or disruptive, pause the public discussion and contact the committee.
Contentious political discussion must not dominate group spaces or make others feel unwelcome. Organisers may redirect or end a discussion when that is needed to keep an event or community conversation inclusive.
Advertising, fundraising and financial safety
Ask the committee before advertising a business, paid service, fundraiser, raffle, employment opportunity or item for sale. We do not allow scams, unauthorised gambling, advertising of sexual services or attempts to exploit members for financial gain. Legitimate community and charitable notices may be approved when they are relevant and transparent.
Reporting a concern
If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, tell an organiser when it is safe to do so or use our contact form to report a concern. Written reports help the committee understand what happened; include dates, messages or other evidence when you can do so safely. You will not be penalised for making a good-faith report.
The committee will consider reports as promptly, fairly and confidentially as circumstances allow. Information may need to be shared with the people handling the report, with somebody who is the subject of it so they can respond, or with relevant authorities where safety or law requires it. If somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.
Possible action
The response will depend on the seriousness, context and any pattern of behaviour. It may include:
- informal guidance or a written warning;
- removal of content or limits on participation;
- temporary suspension from online spaces or events;
- permanent removal from the community and future invitations; or
- contacting a venue, safeguarding service or relevant authority where necessary.
The purpose of this code is to protect a community built on respect, understanding and friendship. By taking part, every member helps make that possible.