All members of Reform Jersey are expected to behave in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

The Management Committee may supplement or amend the code of conduct at any time.  If the code of conduct is supplemented or amended all Party members will be informed and the updated codes of conduct will be posted on our website.

Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination

Reform Jersey is a party of equality.  We have fought, and will continue to fight for, a society that provides equal opportunities for all. One of our core beliefs is that no one should feel disadvantaged, discriminated against or harassed due to their gender either inside the party or in the wider society.

We understand that sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that takes place when someone is subjected to unwelcome and unwanted sexual behaviour, or other conduct related to their gender. This can range from inappropriate comments to assault.  It can be verbal, non-verbal or physical, and can take place both in person or online. Reform Jersey will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.

Racism

Reform Jersey is an anti-racist party, committed to combating and campaigning against all forms of racism. We will not tolerate racism in any form inside or outside the party.

We will ensure that the party is a welcoming home to members of all communities, with no place for any prejudice or discrimination based on race, ethnicity or religion. Reform Jersey welcomes all who share our aims and values, and encourages political debate and campaigns around the vital issues, policies and injustices. Any behaviour or use of language which targets or intimidates members of ethnic or religious communities, or incites racism, or undermines the party’s  ability to campaign against any form of racism, is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated.

Social Media Policy

One of Reform Jersey’s core beliefs is that all people should be treated with dignity and respect. This applies to all our dealings with people, offline and online. Everyone should feel able to take part in discussion about our party, country and world. We want to maximise this debate, including critical discussion, as long as it does not result in the exclusion of others. Abusing someone online is just as serious as doing so face to face. We stand against all forms of abuse and will take action against those who commit it. Harassment, intimidation, hateful language and bullying are never acceptable, nor is any form of discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

It is perfectly possible to have vehement disagreements without descending into personal abuse, shaming people or exhibiting bullying behaviour. Forcefully made points and criticisms of the political views of others are totally legitimate, personal attacks are not.

Derogatory descriptions of the positions of others should be avoided. Anonymous accounts or otherwise hiding one’s identity for the purpose of abusing others is never permissible. The use of sexualised language or imagery, and unwelcome sexual attention or advances are not acceptable, nor is the publishing of others’ private information without their explicit permission.

We should not give voice to those who persistently engage in abuse and should avoid sharing their content, even when the item in question is unproblematic. Those who consistently abuse other or spread hate should be shunned and not engaged with in a way that ignores this behaviour. We all have a responsibility to challenge abuse and to stand in solidarity with victims of it. We should attempt to educate and discourage abusers rather than responding in kind.

We encourage the reporting of abusive behaviour to Reform Jersey, administrators of the relevant website or social media platform, and where appropriate, to the police. This is a collective responsibility and should not be limited to those who have been subjected to abuse. Trolling, or otherwise disrupting the ability of others to debate is not acceptable, nor is consistently mentioning or making contact with others when this is unwelcome.

Principles for Reform Jersey’s use of Social Media

1. We are direct, confident and proud in what we have to say - we speak boldly and with clear intention.
2. We are clear about our position and our policies, and will give our members and supporters the language and tools to disseminate these.
3. Collective action is at the heart of what we do. Our members and supporters are crucial to all our achievements and their contributions, from canvassing to online activism, are valued and acknowledged.
4. We seek to break down the wall that creates ‘us’ and ‘them’. When we say ‘we’ that means the party and those who share our values, not an exclusive group.
5. We want debate and discussion to flourish on our social media pages and will encourage feedback wherever appropriate.
6. We make legitimate criticisms based on policy and political actions, never making personal attacks.
7. We use accessible language and avoid jargon that could exclude or alienate.
8. We put the stories and experiences of people first. We prioritise the issues that affect people in their everyday lives, rather than providing news for a select few.
9. We know that not everyone will agree with us. Constructive criticism is welcome, but we want to create a welcoming space for our supporters, so if comments on our social media pages become abusive we will report and delete them.

Support for Party Candidates standing in Public Elections

In accordance with our Constitution, a party member will be automatically stripped of their membership should they undertake to stand in a public election to the States Assembly against an endorsed party candidate.

Members should not be signatories on a nomination paper for a candidate being proposed in opposition to an endorsed party candidate.

Members should not canvass for, or publicly support, a candidate standing in opposition to an endorsed party candidate.

Support for other political parties

Should other political parties be formed on the Island.  Members should not join, or publicly support, another political party.  If a member wishes to join another political party, they should first resign their membership of Reform Jersey.