We aim to provide a sociable, friendly and inclusive environment for walking and social events
for all our members. MAD Walkers is a part (group MR50) of the Ramblers, which is a charitable
organisation (England & Wales No. 1093577). MAD Walkers has a particular focus on encouraging
people based in and around Manchester in their 20s and 30s to walk, in addition to the wider
charitable aims of the Ramblers (more details at
www.ramblers.org.uk).
Here, we outline the Code of Conduct we request of all our members including Committee Members
and Event Organisers.
-
Please be polite and friendly – both to existing and potential members and to members of the
public we encounter on MAD Walkers Events.
-
Please feel free to come along to two or three walks to try out MAD Walkers to see if it is
right for you. If you wish to continue walking with the group we ask that you join the
Ramblers and put MAD Walkers (MR50) as your local group.
-
We ask that members keep their membership up to date for as long as they participate in our
activities.
-
Our Events usually require mobility and a degree of physical fitness, dependent on the nature
of the Event. We endeavour to provide detailed information on the nature of each Event. Please
consider this carefully when selecting which Events to attend – particularly in relation to
weekends away, as some may be very challenging. Please also respect the decision of the Event
Organiser - they are making the decision for the benefit of the whole group.
-
Please recognise that whilst we are able to provide a comprehensive and informative calendar
of Events for our members, our Committee and Event Organisers are unpaid volunteers who devote
a considerable amount of their own time for the benefit of the entire group. Things will not
always go according to plan, so please try to be understanding and supportive when such
incidences occur.
-
Please consider volunteering to help the group in future by leading or back-marking a walk,
which will help support the group’s continued success. Please get in touch with the relevant
Event Coordinator (walks, weekends or socials) if you are interested in volunteering. You
might also like to consider standing for a position on the Committee, which is voted in at our
AGM.
-
Respect the privacy of all members. Members who provide contact details for activities they
organise ask that these are used only for purposes related to that activity and not divulged
beyond the membership.
-
Respect all other MAD Walkers members and their differing backgrounds and walking abilities.
Discrimination on the grounds of sex, physical or mental impairment, ethnicity, sexuality,
religion, age or nationality will not be tolerated. Likewise, any sexual or other harassment
(verbal or physical), bullying, victimisation, or behaviour that is threatening, intimidating
or aggressive is unacceptable and will be considered in the light of our complaints procedure
and, if necessary, exclusion policy.
-
Please feel free to provide feedback on activities, as we are always looking to improve the
group’s Events for members. If necessary, please use the complaints procedure if you feel that
a member of MAD Walkers may have breached these Guiding Principles, or that their behaviour
has become a concern. All complaints and concerns will be dealt with in confidence by the
current Committee, Greater Manchester and High Peak Area Executive Committee or by the
Ramblers Association Central Office Complaints Procedure (detailed at
www.ramblers.org.uk).
