Purpose

This Code of Conduct sets out the expectations of all Members of Family Business UK. It reflects our shared commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive and respectful community of family businesses, dedicated to long-term success and responsible stewardship in privately owned and multi-generation companies.

In joining FBUK membership, you are required to comply with this Code of Conduct and uphold the standards expected of FBUK members. Specifically:

Respect & Integrity

  • Treat all FBUK Members, Employees, Corporate Partners, Advisors and other stakeholders with courtesy, professionalism and respect.
  • Honour confidentiality in all discussions and respect the sensitivity of shared family and business information.
  • Act with honesty, transparency, and fairness in all dealings within the community.

Collaboration & Contribution

  • Actively engage in events, forums, and initiatives whenever possible.
  • Share knowledge, experiences, and insights generously – our strength lies in learning from one another.
  • Celebrate diversity and approach differing viewpoints with respect, curiosity and openness.

Stewardship & Responsibility

  • Uphold the values of long-term thinking and responsible leadership that define family businesses.
  • Represent your family business and Family Business UK with dignity and professionalism.
  • Avoid any actions or behaviours that might bring disrepute to FBUK, our network, Members, or our mission.

Confidentiality & Trust

  • Respect the ‘Chatham House’ rule during gatherings and forums, unless otherwise stated and agreed in advance – whereby information shared is non-attributable and the identity of speakers, other participants and the context within which it is shared, must not be revealed.
  • Safeguard all personal and commercial information entrusted within the FBUK network and community.
  • Seek permission before sharing any Member’s story, quote, or business detail outside the group.
  • Seek permission before sharing any Member’s contact information outside the group, including but not limited to their email address and mobile number in line with GDPR.

Ethical Conduct in Business

  • Commit to fair, ethical, and sustainable practices and behaviour at all times.
  • Promote good governance within your own business and advocate for the same across the network.
  • Be open to constructive feedback and continuous learning.

Solicitation & Commercial Conduct

  • Members must not use Family Business UK’s network, events or platforms for aggressive, persistent or self-interested causes – including legal and commercial activity.
  • Any approaches to Members, of this nature, must be given prior authorisation by the CEO or Chair of FBUK. Approved approaches must be transparent and aligned with FBUK’s ethos of trust, respect and inclusivity.

Membership Fees

  • Members are required to pay all membership fees and charges by the due date.
  • Family Business UK reserves the right to suspend, terminate, or refuse to renew membership where fees remain unpaid after reasonable reminders and attempts to resolve the matter.

If a Member is found to breach this Code of Conduct, or fails to meet the conditions of membership (including payment of membership fees), their membership may be suspended or FBUK may refuse to renew membership. FBUK will first aim to communicate where a breach has taken place with the Member before taking any action in order to attempt to resolve the issue.

If you feel a member has broken the Code of Conduct while participating in activities described as part of their membership of FBUK, you should write to our membership team in order to identify the member and provide an account of the incident. We take all breaches in Code of Conduct seriously and will discuss and address the issue with confidentiality.

FBUK reserves the right to update these policies

Contact information

If you have any questions about these policies, please contact us via email at info@familybusiness.org.uk