Community Guidelines

Kent Tamang Hyulba is a community committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all its members. We are guided by the principles of equality, safety, and transparency, as enshrined in UK law. To uphold these values, we have established the following guidelines:

1. Respectful Conduct

• Treat all members with courtesy and respect: Engage in constructive dialogue, avoiding personal attacks, offensive language, or any form of harassment.
• Value diversity: Embrace the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our members, fostering a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels welcome.
• Online etiquette: Maintain respectful communication on all online platforms associated with the community, including social media groups and forums. Adhere to our social media policy (see below).

2. Equality and Non-Discrimination

• Equality for all: Kent Tamang Hyulba upholds the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that all members are treated equally regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
  

• No tolerance for discrimination: Any form of discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated. We encourage members to report any incidents promptly (see Reporting Procedures below).

3. Safety and Well-being

• Safeguarding vulnerable individuals: We prioritise the safety and well-being of all members, particularly children and vulnerable adults. Our safeguarding policies are in accordance with UK legislation and best practices.
• Responsible data handling: We comply with the UK’s data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal data is collected and processed lawfully, transparently, and for specific, legitimate purposes.
  

4. Transparency and Accountability

• Open communication: We maintain open communication channels to ensure that members are informed about community activities, decisions, and finances.
• Accessible governing documents: Our Constitution, Meeting Minutes, and other relevant documents are readily available to all members, promoting transparency and accountability.

5. Community Property

• Shared ownership: All property, whether physical or digital, acquired or created under the name of Kent Tamang Hyulba belongs to the community as a whole. This includes, but is not limited to, funds, equipment, online platforms, and intellectual property.
• No personal claims: No individual member can claim ownership or exclusive rights to any community property. All assets are managed for the collective benefit of the community, in accordance with our Constitution and financial procedures.

6. Social Media Policy

• Responsible online behavior: Members are expected to use social media responsibly and respectfully. Avoid posting offensive content, engaging in cyberbullying, or spreading misinformation.
• Privacy considerations: Be mindful of sharing personal information online and respect the privacy of others.
• Community representation: When participating in online discussions or posting content related to the community, ensure that your actions reflect positively on Kent Tamang Hyulba.

7. Reporting Procedures

• Report concerns: If you experience or witness any behavior that violates these guidelines, please report it promptly to a community coordinator or via our designated reporting channels.
• Confidentiality: All reports will be treated confidentially. We will take appropriate action to address concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of our members.

8. Consequences of Violations

• Breaches of guidelines: Any breaches of these guidelines may result in consequences, including warnings, temporary or permanent bans from community activities, or, in severe cases, involvement of the appropriate authorities.

Remember:

• These guidelines are subject to review and may be updated periodically.
• We encourage all members to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and contribute to creating a positive and inclusive community environment.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that Kent Tamang Hyulba remains a safe, welcoming, and thriving community for all.

Section 4 of the Public Order Act 1986 deals with fear or provocation of violence. It’s an offence committed when someone:

1. Uses threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour towards another person; OR
2. Distributes or displays to another person any writing, sign, or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive, or insulting.

Key elements of the offence:

• Intention:  The person must intend their words or behaviour to cause the other person to believe that immediate unlawful violence will be used against them, or to provoke the immediate use of unlawful violence.
• Public or private place: The offence can be committed in either a public or private place, except when both parties are inside a dwelling (e.g., a house).
• Objective test:  The words or behaviour must be such that a reasonable person would likely feel threatened or provoked to violence.

Examples:

•  Shouting aggressive threats at someone in the street.
• Displaying a threatening message on a placard directed at a particular person.
• Sending abusive messages online that make the recipient fear immediate violence.

Penalties:

A person guilty of an offence under Section 4 is liable on summary conviction to:

• Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, OR
• A fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (currently £5,000), OR 
• Both.

Important points:

• It’s not necessary for actual violence to occur. The offence is complete if the person’s words or behaviour cause fear of violence or are likely to provoke violence.
• Freedom of speech is not absolute. While people have the right to express themselves, this right is limited when it comes to threatening or abusive behaviour that could lead to violence.
• Context matters.  The police and courts will consider the context in which the words or behaviour were used when deciding whether an offence has been committed.

If you believe you have been the victim of an offence under Section 4 of the Public Order Act, or if you have witnessed such an offence, you should report it to the police.

Date: 20th January 2023