Sanctuary Runners Code of Conduct for Participants

We believe the Sanctuary Runners community should provide a positive, respectful and inclusive experience for everyone. Sanctuary Runners is committed to providing a friendly, supportive, safe, genuine, and welcoming environment for all participants and expects everyone to treat each other with respect and courtesy. 

Sanctuary Runners Aim: The core aim of Sanctuary Runners is to bring local residents and people from a migrant background together to build friendships and better understanding, through the action of running, jogging or walking side-by-side.

Sanctuary Runners Belief: At Sanctuary Runners everyone is equal, and participants’ actions and conduct should reflect this. Sanctuary Runners is focused primarily on solidarity rather than charity – and we are apolitical. We are not a campaign group and our focus is on running/jogging/walking together.

The following Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for members’ behaviour. 

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every member of Sanctuary Runners.
  • Treat everyone equally, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, gender, race, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.
  • Refrain from acts of intimidation, harassment and abuse and promote a safe sport environment 
  • Be responsible in opposing discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.
  • Comply with the Sanctuary Runners’ safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes our supervision policy.
    •  All children under the age of 12 whether walking, jogging or running or waiting for a parent/guardian who is walking, jogging or running, must be within arm’s reach of their parent, guardian or responsible adult of the parent’s choosing at all times. Children between the ages of 12 -17 years old may run, walk or jog by themselves provided that they are accompanied to the event by a parent, guardian or responsible adult of the parent’s choosing.
  • Do not use the Sanctuary Runners for the purpose of recruitment to a political/religious/campaign group or for the purpose of controlling/monitoring local migrants.
  • Do not use the group network, including WhatsApp groups, to sell or promote individual causes.
  • Do not use the Sanctuary Runners, or photos of the Sanctuary Runners, for personal or political gain.
  • Do not take videos or photographs of children or vulnerable adults without first seeking permission of a parent or guardian.
    • Online and social media values should be consistent with those of Sanctuary Runners. 
    • Do not post indecent, offensive, discriminatory or defamatory content online.
    • Be clear when you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of the Sanctuary Runners. 
    • Ensure you follow directions from the Group Lead at your weekly run or walk.
  • Any incidents of misconduct should be reported to the Group Lead. 

Breach of the Code

If the Group Lead has any concerns about your conduct while running with, or whilst being part of Sanctuary Runners, they will make a report to the Sanctuary Runners Disciplinary Panel. The Panel will discuss the concern / report with you and if you are found to be in breach of the Code of conduct, you will be issued with a warning to discontinue the behaviour or conduct. Egregious breaches or the continuation of any inappropriate behaviour will result in you being asked to leave Sanctuary Runners. 

Group leads and volunteers are also members of Sanctuary Runners and subject to this Code of Conduct and the disciplinary procedure described above. Concerns about the behaviour of Group Leads or volunteers can be reported to any Regional Development Officer or the Ireland Lead.