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Committee Member & Director Code of conduct

NORTON ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB

COMMITTEE MEMBER & DIRECTOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 1 July 2026

Review Date: Annually

Approved By: Board of Directors

 

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish the standards of behaviour expected of all Directors, Committee Members and Officers of Norton Athletic Football Club.

The Club is committed to operating with integrity, transparency and accountability whilst pursuing its long-term vision of becoming one of the leading community football clubs in Norfolk.

Every Director, Officer and Committee Member is expected to act in the best interests of the Club at all times.

 

2. APPLICATION

This Code applies to:

  • Directors
  • Committee Members
  • Officers
  • Trustees
  • Co-opted Members
  • Sub-Committee Members

The standards contained within this Code apply both during and outside formal meetings whenever an individual is acting on behalf of the Club.

 

3. CORE PRINCIPLES

All Committee Members and Directors shall:

  • Act honestly.
  • Act with integrity.
  • Act in good faith.
  • Promote the Club’s objectives.
  • Support Club growth.
  • Respect confidentiality.
  • Promote positive relationships.
  • Exercise sound judgement.

The interests of Norton Athletic FC shall always take precedence over personal interests.

 

4. DUTY TO THE CLUB

Committee Members and Directors shall:

  • Act in the best interests of the Club.
  • Support the Club’s strategic objectives.
  • Promote sustainability.
  • Support community engagement.
  • Protect Club assets.
  • Encourage growth and development.

The Club’s long-term success should guide all decision making.

 

5. COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Once a decision has been properly made, all Directors and Committee Members shall support that decision publicly.

Constructive challenge is encouraged during discussions.

Undermining agreed decisions outside meetings is not acceptable.

 

6. ATTENDANCE

Directors and Committee Members should:

  • Attend meetings regularly.
  • Participate actively.
  • Review circulated documents.
  • Respond to communications promptly.

The Club relies upon active participation from its leadership team.

 

7. DELEGATED AUTHORITY

The Club operates a Delegated Authority Framework to support efficient decision making.

Directors and Committee Members shall:

  • Respect delegated authority.
  • Support efficient governance.
  • Avoid unnecessary delays.
  • Recognise the authority granted to the Executive Leadership Team.

The Club seeks to balance accountability with progress.

 

8. DEEMED APPROVAL PROCESS

The Club operates a deemed approval process.

Where proposals are circulated electronically:

  • Members shall review proposals promptly.
  • Objections should be raised within the specified period.
  • Failure to respond may result in deemed approval.

This process is intended to support efficient governance and avoid unnecessary delays to Club development.

 

9. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Directors and Committee Members must:

  • Declare conflicts of interest.
  • Update declarations regularly.
  • Avoid participating where conflicts require withdrawal.

The Club’s Conflict of Interest Policy shall apply at all times.

 

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

Directors and Committee Members may have access to confidential information including:

  • Financial information
  • Sponsorship negotiations
  • Grant applications
  • Personnel matters
  • Development plans
  • Lease discussions
  • Commercial opportunities

Confidential information must not be disclosed without authority.

Confidentiality obligations continue after leaving office.

 

11. RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOUR

Committee Members and Directors shall:

  • Treat others respectfully.
  • Listen to differing views.
  • Promote constructive discussion.
  • Avoid personal attacks.
  • Support a positive culture.

The Club’s leadership should set the standard for behaviour throughout the organisation.

 

12. RELATIONSHIPS WITH VOLUNTEERS

The Club depends upon volunteers.

Directors and Committee Members shall:

  • Respect volunteers.
  • Support volunteer development.
  • Recognise volunteer contributions.
  • Encourage participation.

Volunteers should feel valued and appreciated.

 

13. RELATIONSHIPS WITH PLAYERS

Directors and Committee Members shall:

  • Support player welfare.
  • Promote safeguarding.
  • Respect football operations.
  • Encourage player development.

The welfare of participants remains a key priority.

 

14. RELATIONSHIPS WITH SPONSORS

Sponsors are important stakeholders.

Directors and Committee Members shall:

  • Treat sponsors professionally.
  • Protect sponsor relationships.
  • Promote sponsorship value.
  • Support commercial growth.

The Club seeks to build long-term partnerships with sponsors.

 

15. SOCIAL MEDIA

Directors and Committee Members are ambassadors of Norton Athletic FC.

They shall not:

  • Criticise the Club publicly.
  • Criticise volunteers publicly.
  • Publish confidential information.
  • Damage the reputation of the Club.

They are encouraged to positively promote:

  • Club achievements
  • Sponsorship opportunities
  • Fundraising campaigns
  • Community initiatives
  • Club events

 

16. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Directors and Committee Members shall:

  • Promote prudent financial management.
  • Follow financial procedures.
  • Respect approved budgets.
  • Support sustainable growth.

The Club’s Financial Regulations Policy shall apply.

 

17. DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

The leadership team shall actively support:

  • Membership growth
  • Sponsorship growth
  • Fundraising
  • Clubhouse development
  • Facility improvements
  • Grant applications
  • Community engagement

The Club’s ambition is to build a sustainable long-term future for football in Norton Subcourse and the surrounding area.

 

18. STRATEGIC PROJECTS

The Club may pursue significant projects including:

  • Clubhouse improvements
  • Car park improvements
  • Floodlighting
  • Additional football facilities
  • Artificial playing surfaces
  • Community infrastructure

Directors and Committee Members should support strategic projects that further the Club’s objectives.

 

19. GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY

Any significant gifts or hospitality received as a result of Club activities should be declared.

Directors and Committee Members shall avoid situations that could compromise impartial decision making.

 

20. BREACHES OF THIS CODE

Breaches may result in:

  • Informal guidance
  • Formal warning
  • Removal from responsibilities
  • Suspension
  • Removal from office

The severity of any action shall reflect the seriousness of the breach.

 

21. COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

The Club exists to benefit both football and the wider community.

Directors and Committee Members shall support:

  • Community engagement
  • Grassroots football
  • Inclusion
  • Health and wellbeing initiatives
  • Long-term sustainability

 

22. COMMITMENT

By accepting a role as a Director, Officer or Committee Member, individuals agree to:

  • Uphold this Code.
  • Act in the Club’s best interests.
  • Support Club objectives.
  • Promote good governance.
  • Help deliver the long-term vision of Norton Athletic FC.

 

23. REVIEW

This Code shall be reviewed annually.

The Board may amend the Code to reflect:

  • Changes in governance requirements.
  • CASC requirements.
  • FA guidance.
  • Club growth and development.

Approved by Norton Athletic Football Club

Version 1.0

Effective from 1 July 2026

Review Date: Annually

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