Welfare

Policies

New for 2024.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Any breach of this Code should be reported to British Skydiving via the [email protected] email address. When making a report, the complainant should supply as much information as possible, in particularly ensuring that the subject of concern is a member of British Skydiving. The email will be acknowledged, and the matter referred to the British Skydiving Safeguarding & Compliance Manager.

Details of how a Code breach will be dealt with can be found in the BS Disciplinary procedures and/or the BS Safeguarding procedures.

‘Whistle-blower’ is a term commonly used to describe a person who alerts an authority to acts of wrongdoing, usually by someone within the authority’s jurisdiction. Whistle-blowers are witnesses to a malpractice and must not be penalised for any disclosure of information, in fact certain categories of whistle-blowers are protected by the law’. British Skydiving is committed to encouraging a culture of openness: to uphold the reputation of the organisation, maintain the sport’s and the public’s confidence, and to protect its members (i.e. skydivers, judges, instructors, drop zones, staff, officials, volunteers etc.).

It is in the interests of the sport and its membership that individuals with genuine concerns are able to raise them in a confidential and effective way. This policy outlines the mechanism by which serious concerns can be lodged with British Skydiving and addressed appropriately. Anyone approaching British Skydiving, in good faith, with information regarding matters of wrongdoing, such as fraud, misappropriation, bad practice in child (and/or vulnerable adult) protection or safety, discrimination or breach of codes of conduct, by staff (including contractors) or volunteers working for British Skydiving, will have the matter dealt with in an appropriate manner with a duty of care to all those involved. Where the initial investigation identifies there are issues or concerns that are covered by other policies of British Skydiving, for example a safeguarding or employment matter, the complainant will be advised of this and the matter will be dealt with under that policy.

How we use your information

This Privacy Policy tells you what to expect when British Skydiving collects personal information. It applies to information we collect about:

for people who use our services, eg members, and non-members who contact us for information or to subscribe to any of our services or publications
visitors to our websites

- Privacy Policy

- How we use your information

- Members/Non-Members

- Visitors to our websites

Updating your details

Privacy Notice for British Skydiving members, etc

We are committed to respecting your privacy. This notice explains how we may use personal information we collect and process before, during and after your membership with us; how we comply with the law on data protection; what your rights are; and that, for the purposes of data protection, that we are the controller of your personal information.

British Skydiving is the trading name of the British Parachute Association (BPA) and is the not-for-profit National Governing Body (NGB) of skydiving (sport parachuting).

References to ‘we’, ‘our’ or ‘us’ in this privacy notice are to British Parachute Association Ltd. (British Skydiving) 5 Wharf Way, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9TF, telephone 0116 278 5271, fax 0116 247 7662, web
www.britishskydiving.org

We are a company limited by guarantee, registered in London no 875429 VAT reg no 239 4696 20.
This notice applies to: individual members of British Skydiving, whose details we have collected from one of our Affiliated Parachute Training Organisations (PTOs), or who have joined British Skydiving directly.

This notice also applies to non-members (i) making enquiries about our sport; (ii) and/or subscribing to, and/or purchasing goods or services from British Skydiving, such as but not limited to subscribers to the British Skydiving magazine, newsletter or other publications; and individuals registered on the British Skydiving register of authorised pilots of skydiving aircraft; and (iii) non-members who may be witnesses to, or otherwise able to assist us in, the investigation of complaints, disputes, accidents or incidents.

Our contact details are set out in the ‘Contact us’ section at the end of this privacy notice.

1. Personal information we may collect from you
When you sign up for membership with us, or contact is with an enquiry, or purchase goods and/or services from us, you may provide us with or we may obtain personal information about you, such as information regarding your:

personal contact details that allow us to contact you directly such as name, title, email address/es and telephone number/s;
date of birth;
gender;
category of membership and start date, and renewal date (as applicable);
records of your interactions with us such as telephone conversations, emails and other correspondence and your instructions to us;
any credit/debit card and other payment details you provide so that we can receive payments from you and details of the financial transactions with you;
use of and movements through our online portal, passwords, personal identification numbers, IP addresses, usernames and other IT system identifying information;
if you attend meetings at British Skydiving HQ, CCTV footage;
records of your attendance at any events or competitions authorised or sanctioned by us or by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI) or its agents and representatives;
images in video and/or photographic form and voice recordings;
and your marketing preferences so that we know whether and how we should contact you.

Competitors/participants
If you are a competitor/participant who has registered his/her interest in participating in the sport competitively, you may also provide us with, or we may obtain the following additional personal information from you:

identification documents such as passport and identity cards;
details of any Affiliated Parachute Training Organisation (PTO)/ team membership;
details of next of kin, family members, coaches and emergency contacts;
records and assessment of any competitor rankings, gradings or ratings, competition results, details regarding events/competitions attended and your performance therein;
any disciplinary and grievance information;
any details required for the purposes of awarding sponsorships funding or grants (including any means testing);
identification documents such as passport, utility bills, identity cards, etc, where necessary (for example for the award of a British Skydiving Sporting Licence under World Air Sports Federation (FAI) rules, under the delegated authority of the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom.

Coaches and officials
If you have registered with us to receive more information about our coaching/instructing qualification schemes and/or any of our education and teaching programmes you may also provide us with, or we may obtain the following additional personal information from you:

any coaching qualification, rating, or official number;
your current Affiliated PTO or other organisation/team (if applicable);
coaching/instructional qualification(s)/rating(s) and/or officiating history;
qualification/rating start and end date;
identification documents such as passport, utility bills, identity cards, etc.

2 Special categories of personal information
We may also collect, store and use the following ‘special categories’ of more sensitive personal information regarding you:

information about your health, including any medical condition, health and sickness records, medical records and health professional information.
We may not collect all of the above types of special category personal information about you.
In relation to the special category personal data that we do process we do so on the basis that the processing is necessary to protect and safeguard your health, safety and welfare as a participant or prospective participant in the sport; and/or to protect and safeguard the health, safety and welfare of others participating in the sport or who may be affected by your participation or prospective participation in the sport;
it is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims;
based on your explicit consent.

In the table below, we refer to these as the ‘special category reasons for processing of your personal data’.

We may also collect criminal records information from you. For criminal records history, we process it on the basis of legal obligations or based on your explicit consent.

3 Where we collect your information

We typically collect personal information about our members when you create an account on our site at www.britishskydiving.org to become a member of British Skydiving (BPA Ltd) to purchase membership or any services or products we may offer online, when you make an enquiry and/or complaint or when you correspond with us by phone, e-mail or in some other way.
If you are a member/participant in skydiving, we also may collect personal information about you from any PTO/team or other organisation you are associated with or from other referrals such as from skydiving centres or bodies outside the UK where you have participated in the sport outside the UK.
If you are providing us with details of referees, next of kin, beneficiaries, family members and emergency contacts they have a right to know and to be aware of how what personal information we hold about them, how we collect it and how we use and may share that information. Please share this privacy notice with those of them whom you feel are sufficiently mature to understand it. They also have the same rights as set out in the ‘Your rights in relation to personal information’ section below.

4 Uses made of the information
The table below describes the main purposes for which we process your personal information, the categories of your information involved and our lawful basis for being able to do this.

Purpose	Personal information used	Lawful basis
All Members, customers, enquirers, etc
To administer any membership account(s) you have with us and managing our relationship with you, including arranging for any insurance and dealing with payments and any support, service or product enquiries made by you	All contact and membership details, transaction and payment information, records of your interactions with us, and marketing preferences.	This is necessary to enable us to manage and administer your membership contract with us.
To arrange and manage any contracts for the provision of any services, products or merchandise from us.	All contact and membership details. Transaction and payment information.	This is necessary to enable us to administer and perform any contract for the provision of services, products and merchandise from us.
To send you information, which is included within your membership benefits package, including details about your insurance, safety information and advice, news of the sport, competitions and events, partner offers and discounts.	All contact and membership details	This is necessary to enable us to manage and administer your membership contract with us.
To send you other marketing information we think you might find useful or which you have requested from us, including our newsletters, information about membership, events, participation products and information about our commercial partners.	All contact and membership details and marketing preferences	Where you have given us your explicit consent to do so (opted in).
To answer your enquiries or complaints	Contact details and records of your interactions with us.	We have a legitimate interest to provide complaint handling services to you in case there are any issues with your membership and/or about any product, service or item of merchandise you have purchased, or may be considering purchasing, from us.


Retention of records	All the personal information we collect	We have a legitimate interest in retaining records whilst they may be required in relation to complaints or claims. We need to retain records in order to properly administer and manage your membership and in some cases, we may have legal or regulatory obligations to retain records, including financial accounting requirements. We process special category personal data on the basis of the ‘special category reasons for processing of your personal data’ referred to in section 2 above. For criminal records history we process it on the basis of legal obligations or based on your explicit consent.
The security of our IT systems	Your usage of our IT systems and online portals.	We have a legitimate interest to ensure that our IT systems are secure.
To conduct data analytics studies to better understand event attendance and trends within the sport	Records of your attendance at any events or competitions sanctioned by us or by the World Air Sports Federation its agents or representatives.	We have a legitimate interest in doing so to ensure that our membership and our products and services are targeted and relevant.
For the purposes of promoting the sport, our events and membership packages.	Images in video and/or photographic form.	Where you have given us your explicit consent to do so.
To comply with health and safety requirements and to regulate conduct of the sport in accordance with the British Skydiving Operations Manual	Records of attendance, records of accidents and incidents	We have a legal obligation and a legitimate interest to provide you and other members of our organisation with a safe environment in which to participate in sport.
To conduct performance reviews, manage performance and determine performance requirements and administer your development and training requirements on any coach/instructor programme	All performance and attendance data and information about your health and medical condition. Details of any Affiliated PTO and/or Team membership.	This is necessary to enable us to properly manage and administer your development through the training programme. We process special category personal data on the basis of the special category reasons for processing of your personal data’ referred to in section 2 above.
To make decisions about your progression and development through any qualification/coaching/instructional programme and to assist with the delivery of ratings or qualifications	All performance and attendance data and information about your health. Details of any Affiliated PTO and/or team membership.	This is necessary to enable us to properly manage and administer your development through our training programmes. We process special category personal data on the basis of the ‘special category reasons for processing of your personal data’ referred to in section 2 above.


To administer and monitor your attendance and performance at events and competitions	All non-medical performance and attendance data. Details of any Affiliated PTO and/or team membership.	This is necessary to enable us to register you on to and properly manage and administer our events and competitions.
To arrange for any trip or transportation to and from an event, such as our National Delegations to international skydiving events	Identification documents, details of next of kin, family members and emergency contacts, transaction and payment information, health and medical information.	This is necessary to enable us to make the necessary arrangements for the trip and/or transportation to the event. We process special category personal data on the basis of the “special category reasons for processing of your personal data” referred to in section 2 above.
To administer any drug and alcohol testing	Health and medical information	We process special category personal data on the basis of the ‘special category reasons for processing of your personal data’ referred to in section 2 above.
To use information about your physical or mental health (including any injuries) or disability status, to ensure your health and safety and to assess your fitness to participate, to provide appropriate adjustments to facilities for the sport	Health and medical information	We process special category personal data on the basis of the ‘special category reasons for processing of your personal data’ referred to in section 2 above.
To gather evidence for possible grievance or disciplinary hearings	All the personal information we collect including any disciplinary and grievance information.	We have a legitimate interest in doing so to provide a safe and fair environment for all members and to ensure the effective management of any disciplinary hearings, appeals and adjudications. We process special category personal data on the basis of the ‘special category reasons for processing of your personal data’ referred to in section 2 above. For criminal records history we process it on the basis of legal obligations or based on your explicit consent.
To assess your eligibility for and to provide any sponsorship funding and/or grants	All details required for the purposes of awarding sponsorship funding or grants (including any means testing)	This is necessary to enable us to properly administer and perform any contract for the provision of funding.
For the purposes of equal opportunities monitoring	Name, title, date of birth, gender, information about your race or ethnicity, health and medical information and performance data	We have a legitimate interest to promote a sports environment that is inclusive, fair and accessible. We process special category personal data on the basis of the ‘special category reasons for processing of your personal data’ referred to in section 2 above.


Coaches, instructors, packers, riggers, judges, pilots and officials
To administer your attendance at any courses or programmes you sign up to	All contact and membership details, transaction and payment data. Details of your current Affiliated PTO or other, coaching/instructing/packing rigging/judging/flying qualifications/ratings and/or officiating history.	This is necessary to enable us to register you on to and manage and administer your development through the course and/or programme.
To conduct performance reviews, managing performance and determining performance requirements	All performance and attendance data and information about your health. Details of your current Affiliated PTO or other, coaching/ instructing/packing rigging/judging/flying qualifications and/or officiating history. Qualification start and renewal/end dates.	This is necessary to enable us to properly manage and administer your development through the course and/or programme. We process special category personal data on the basis of the ‘special category reasons for processing of your personal data’ referred to in section 2 above.
To make decisions about your progression and accreditation status	As above.	As above.
To comply with legal obligations, for example, regarding people working with children or vulnerable adults to comply with our safeguarding requirements	Information about your criminal convictions and offences	For criminal records history we process it on the basis of legal obligations or based on your explicit consent.
To administer any drug and alcohol testing	Health information	We have a legal obligation and a legitimate interest to provide you and other members of our organisation with a safe environment in which to participate in sport. We process special category personal data on the basis of the ‘special category reasons for processing of your personal data’ referred to in section 2 above.
To arrange for any trip or transportation to and/or from an event such as for our National Delegations taking part in international skydiving events	Identification documents, details of next of kin, family members and emergency contacts, transaction and payment information, health and medical information.	This is necessary to enable us to make the necessary arrangements for the trip and/or transportation to the event. We process special category personal data on the basis of the “special category reasons for processing of your personal data” referred to in section 2 above. We process special category personal data on the basis of the “special category reasons for processing of your personal data” referred to in section 2 above.

For some of your personal information you will have a legal, contractual or other requirement or obligation for you to provide us with your personal information. If you do not provide us with the requested personal information we may not be able to admit you as a member or we may not be able to properly perform our contract with you or comply with legal obligations and we may have to terminate your membership.

For other personal information you may not be under an obligation to provide it to us, but if you do not provide it then we may not be able properly to perform our contract with you. Where you have given us your consent to use your personal information in a particular manner, you have the right to withdraw this consent at any time, which you may do by contacting us.

Please note however that the withdrawal of your consent will not affect any use of the data made before you withdrew your consent and we may still be entitled to hold and process the relevant personal information to the extent that we are entitled to do so on bases other than your consent. Withdrawing consent may also have the same effects as not providing the information in the first place, for example we may no longer be able to provide certain member benefits to you.

5 Direct marketing
Email, post and SMS marketing: from time to time, we may contact you by email or SMS with information about events, products and services in which we believe you may be interested.

We will only send marketing messages to you in accordance with the marketing preferences you set. You can then let us know at any time that you do not wish to receive marketing messages – ‘Contact us’ to unsubscribe. You can also unsubscribe from our marketing by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the marketing messages we send to you.

6 Disclosure of your personal information
We share personal information with the following parties:

any party approved by you;
to any governing bodies or regional bodies for skydiving to allow them to properly administer the sport on an international basis;
other service providers: for example, payment processors, magazine and newsletter distributors, auditors, election scrutineers, data analysis, CCTV contractors, contractors or suppliers and IT services (including membership management, website, video- and teleconference services);
agencies and bodies associated with administration of the sport, nationally and internationally, including for the purposes of administering competitions and awards: The Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom, the International Parachuting Commission (IPC), the World Air Sports Federation (FAI), and host centres of domestic and international skydiving competitions;
our supply chain partners and sub-contractors, such as couriers, import/export agents, shippers;
where you have given your express for us to do so, our commercial partners: for the purposes of providing you with information on any special offers, opportunities, products and services and other commercial benefits;
the Government or our regulators: where we are required to do so by law or to assist with their investigations or initiatives;
police, law enforcement and security services: to assist with the investigation and prevention of crime and the protection of national security.

We do not disclose personal information to anyone else except as set out above.

7 Transferring your personal information internationally
The personal information we collect is not transferred to and stored in countries outside of the UK and the European Union except if you are a British Skydiving Member competing in a duly sanctioned international competition in a country outside of the UK and the European Union.

Some of these jurisdictions require different levels of protection in respect of personal information and, in certain instances, the laws in those countries may be less protective than the jurisdiction you are typically resident in. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that your personal information is only used in accordance with this privacy notice and applicable data protection laws and is respected and kept secure and where a third party processes your data on our behalf we will put in place appropriate safeguards as required under data protection laws. For further details please contact us.

Should we have concerns or be unsure about the quality of data protection in a certain country or region of the world, we shall share this with relevant data subjects in order for them to decide whether or not they wish to compete/officiate/visit that country as part of a British delegation or otherwise to represent British Skydiving.

8 How long do we keep your personal information?
The duration for which we retain your personal information will differ depending on the type of information and the reason why we collected it from you. However, in some cases personal information may be retained on a long-term basis: for example, personal information that we need to retain for legal purposes will normally be retained in accordance with usual commercial practice and regulatory requirements including financial accounting requirements.

Information that may be relevant to third party public liability and/or personal injury claims, or discrimination claims, may be retained until the limitation period for those types of claims has expired. For personal injury or discrimination claims this can be an extended period as the limitation period may typically extend until years after you have been a member. We may therefore retain historic records of lapsed members for a period of up to 7 years.

CCTV records which are held for no more than 30 days unless we need to preserve the records for the purpose of prevention and detection of crime.

It is important to ensure that the personal information we hold about you is accurate and up-to-date, and you should let us know if anything changes, for example if you change your telephone number or email address. Most members will be able to update some of the personal information we hold about you through our online membership portal and we encourage you to do use this facility to help us to keep your personal data up-to-date.

Alternatively, you can contact us using by using the details set out in the ‘Contact us’ section below.

9 Your rights in relation to your personal information
You have the following rights in relation to your personal information:

the right to be informed about how your personal information is being used;
the right to access the personal information we hold about you;
the right to request the correction of inaccurate personal information we hold about you;
the right to request the erasure of your personal information in certain limited circumstances;
the right to restrict processing of your personal information where certain requirements are met;
the right to object to the processing of your personal information;
the right to request that we transfer elements of your data either to you or another service provider; and
the right to object to certain automated decision-making processes using your personal information.

You should note that some of these rights, for example the right to require us to transfer your data to another service provider or the right to object to automated decision making, may not apply as they have specific requirements and exemptions which apply to them and they may not apply to personal information recorded and stored by us. For example, we do not use automated decision making in relation to your personal data. However, some have no conditions attached, so your right to withdraw consent or object to processing for direct marketing are absolute rights.

Whilst this privacy notice sets out a general summary of your legal rights in respect of personal information, this is a very complex area of law. More information about your legal rights can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website. To exercise any of the above rights, or if you have any questions relating to your rights, please contact us by using the details set out in the ‘Contact us’ section below.

If you are unhappy with the way we are using your personal information, you can also complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office or your local data protection regulator. We are here to help and encourage you to contact us to resolve your complaint first.

10 Changes to this notice
We may update this privacy notice from time to time. When we change this notice in a material way, we will update the version date at the bottom of this page. For significant changes to this notice we will try to give you reasonable notice unless we are prevented from doing so. Where required by law we will seek your consent to changes in the way we use your personal information.

11 Contact us
To update the personal information we hold about you, or in the event of any query or complaint in connection with the information we hold about you, please

email: [email protected]

tel: 0116 278 5271

British Skydiving, 5 Wharf Way, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9TF

Form 310 – Privacy for British Skydiving Member etc.

- Privacy Policy

- How we use your information

- Members/Non-Members

- Visitors to our websites

Updating your details

Visitors to our websites

When someone visits one of our websites, we collect standard internet log information and details of visitor behaviour patterns. We do this to find out things such as the number of visitors to the various parts of the site. We collect this information in a way which does not identify anyone. We do not make any attempt to find out the identities of those visiting our websites. We will not associate any data gathered from any British Skydiving website with any personally identifying information from any source. If we do want to collect personally identifiable information through our website, we will be upfront about this. We will make it clear when we collect personal information and will explain what we intend to do with it.

Links to other websites

Our websites may contain hyperlinks to websites owned and operated by third parties. These third-party websites have their own privacy policies, including cookies, and we urge you to review them. They will govern the use of personal information which you submit or which is collected by cookies whilst visiting these websites. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the privacy practices of such third party websites and your use of such websites is at your own risk.

Use of cookies by British Skydiving

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit. They are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.

One of the cookies we use is essential for parts of the site to operate and has already been set (see ‘Essential site cookie’). A second cookie (see ‘Content Management System cookie’) is set on a small number of users’ machines, depending on the browser they use, when they arrive at the British Skydiving site. We do not use this cookie for any purpose and are working to remove it or find another solution. You may delete and block all cookies from this site, but parts of the site will not work.

Cookie	Name	Purpose
Essential site cookie	PHPSESSID	This cookie is essential for the online notification form to operate and is set upon your arrival to the British Skydiving site. This cookie is deleted when you close your browser.
Google Analytics	_utma _utmb _utmc _utmz	These cookies are used to collect information about how visitors use our site. We use the information to compile reports and to help us improve the site. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form, including the number of visitors to the site, where vistors have come to the site from and the pages they visited. Click here for an overview of privacy at Google.
Content Management System	PastMember	This cookie is set by our Content Management System on a small number of browsers, upon accessing the CMS to aid efficiency of the user specific content. It is not used by British Skydiving for any purpose.

Most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. Find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them.

Opt out of being tracked by Google Analytics across all websites.

How we use your information

Members/Non-Members

Visitors to our websites

Updating your details

Checking or updating personal information

British Skydiving members can check and/or update personal information, including contact preferences for GDPR by login into the Members Area.

Members Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct?

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

Personal Standards

Professional Standards

What is the Code of Conduct?

The British Skydiving (BS) Code of Conduct exists to protect everyone within sport parachuting, aka “skydiving” (the sport), and outlines the behaviours expected from all people within the skydiving community in the UK.

As the National Governing Body (NGB), BS is responsible for setting the standards and values that apply at every level. This Code encapsulates all the sporting, moral and ethical principles that the sport represents.

We all want skydiving to be a sport for everyone. One that everyone can enjoy, whether as a participant, a competitor, a coach, instructor, official, volunteer or spectator. However, you are involved in our sport you have the right to enjoy it and to be protected from the poor conduct of others.

Members Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct?

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

Personal Standards

Professional Standards

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

All those involved in competitive skydiving will, at all times:

Have respect for the sport

Be on time for training and competition.
Give maximum effort and strive for your best possible performance.
Always thank your opposing competitors, coaches and officials after each competition.
Accept success and failure, victory and defeat with dignity and set a positive example to others in doing so.
Have respect for others
- Respect the decisions of judges and all other officials.

Show patience to those who may be new to the sport.
Protect others involved in skydiving from verbal or physical abuse and other forms of threatening or intimidating behaviour such as bullying.
Be self-aware and not allow ego to influence one’s actions.
Self-Respect
Do not smoke, vape, drink alcohol or take drugs of any kind unless they are prescribed for you.

Avoid the use of inappropriate language or gestures.
Wear suitable clothing for the activity you are taking part in.
Respect the facilities and equipment you use.
Tell someone you trust if the behaviour of others makes you feel uncomfortable in any way.

Members Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct?

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

Code of Conduct for PTOs & Clubs

Code of Conduct for Instructors & Coaches

Personal Standards

Professional Standards

Code of Conduct for Competition Officials

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Parachute Training Organisations (PTOs) and Clubs

All PTOs, clubs and their staff, paid or unpaid, have an essential role in upholding and implementing the British Skydiving Code of Conduct. These individuals and organisations should aim to be.

Advocates of equality, fair play and safety in the practice and administration of skydiving, having good governance structures in place.
Supporters of British Skydiving’s Code of Conduct and communicators of the Code to their members and participants.
Influential in driving skydiving forward as a sport.
Open in the recruitment of individuals to work within their organisations (whether paid or unpaid).

Respect the spirit of fair competition. This is more than competing within the rules, it also incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always participating with the right spirit.

Participate within the rules of the sport of skydiving.
Be honest, consistent, objective, impartial and courteous when applying the rules of the sport of skydiving.

Respect for the rights, dignity and worth of others:

Show patience and understanding to participants who may be new to the sport.
Never publicly express any criticism of officials, instructors, coaches, other volunteers or skydivers.
Show an appreciation for our volunteers, their efforts contribute hugely to people being able to participate.
Ensure a sensible balance between performance and emotional, physical, social and development needs of participants.
Always respect confidentiality of participants and any personal data.
Always have the participant’s best interest at heart. Recognise when it is in the participant’s interest to be passed to another organisation, i.e. for development opportunities.
Conduct themselves in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect their own safety and the safety of others.
Ensure that activities carried out for participants are suitably risk assessed.
Ensure the wellbeing and safety of each participant above all other considerations, including their training and progression.

Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent it from being brought into disrepute.

Ensure that all participants are aware of their responsibilities under the Code of Conduct.
Remember that people participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
Project an image of health, cleanliness and functional efficiency.
Set and uphold boundaries between a working relationship and friendship between PTO staff and participants. This is especially important when the participant is a young person.
Protect themselves and others involved in the sport from verbal or physical abuse and threatening or intimidating behaviour.

Accept that certain information is confidential and maintain the trust implied in its membership.

Not to divulge information to third parties.
Avoid the use of inappropriate language or gestures
Avoid the use of foul, abusive, sexist, racist or any prejudicial language or tolerate it from others.
Support all efforts to remove bad or abusive language and unsporting behaviour.

Members Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct?

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

Code of Conduct for PTOs & Clubs

Code of Conduct for Instructors & Coaches

Personal Standards

Professional Standards

Code of Conduct for Competition Officials

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Instructors and Coaches

Instructors and coaches play a crucial role in the development of our sport, as well as in the lives of those they instruct and coach. It is their duty to ensure that participants involved in skydiving have positive experiences when training and learning in the sport. With positive experiences, more people are likely to continue within skydiving and achieve their full potential in the sport. It is for these reasons that the Code of Conduct for Instructors and Coaches is more in depth than that for others within the skydiving family.

Instructors and coaches must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, honesty, integrity and competence at all levels. Instructors and coaches need to understand and act upon their responsibilities as this is of vital importance to the safety and professional image of our sport. It is also essential to good instruction and coaching practices.

Instructors and coaches must respect and champion the rights of every individual to participate in our sport.

Instructors and coaches should:

Assist in the creation of an environment where individuals have the opportunity to participate in skydiving
Create and maintain an environment free of harassment, bullying and intimidation.
Recognise the rights of members to be treated as individuals.
Recognise the rights of participants to confer with other instructors, coaches and experts
Promote the concept of a balanced lifestyle, supporting well-being both in and out of the sport

Always treat all individuals in the sport with respect.

Do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, disability, sexual orientation, occupation, religious beliefs or political opinion.
Do not condone or allow any form of discrimination to go unchallenged.
Do not publicly criticise or engage in demeaning descriptions of others.
Be discreet in any conversations about members, instructors, coaches or any other individual.
Communicate with and provide feedback to members in a manner that reflects respect and care.

Instructors and coaches must develop a relationship with students (and others) based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect. Instructors, coaches:

Must not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying).
Should promote the welfare and best interests of their students.
Must avoid sexual intimacy with students they are instructing or coaching.
Must act if they have a concern about the behaviour of an adult to anyone under the age of 18.
Should recognise and respect the power imbalance implicit in a coach/instructor–student relationship.
Should empower students to be responsible for their own decisions.
Should clarify the nature of the instruction/coaching services being offered to students.
Should communicate and cooperate with other organisations and individuals in the best interests of the students.
Be aware of the physical needs of students, especially the developmental stage of students and ensure that training loads and intensities are appropriate.
Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out with the student’s full consent and approval.
Do not use sexual innuendo, flirting, inappropriate gestures and terms, casual sexism, racism or any other forms of discrimination or marginalisation.
As role models within the sport, coaches/instructors should also constructively challenge students who use any of these behaviours.

Instructors and coaches are in a position of power and trust in relation to students. By entering an intimate/sexual relationship with a student, an instructor/coach may be deemed guilty of abusing this position and, in relation to young or vulnerable people, may be acting unlawfully. Therefore, a student must be transferred to another instructor/coach if an inappropriate or intimate relationship is developing.

Inform parents or guardians immediately if you are at all concerned about the welfare of a young or vulnerable person. If there are concerns that it would not be in the interests of that person to do this, seek advice from British Skydiving’s Safeguarding Officer.

Know and understand any relevant protection and/or safeguarding policies or procedures in this regard and adhere to them:

Report any concerns you have to the PTO Safeguarding Lead – non-action is not acceptable.
Respect the student’s opinions when making decisions about participation in the sport.
Encourage students to take responsibility for their own development and actions.
Allow students to discuss and participate in the decision-making process.

Do not work with another instructor/coach’s student without first analysing their jump history. This can be done in discussion with the student combined with study of their logbook/training record. Contacting previous instructors/coaches is also recommended.

Members Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct?

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

Code of Conduct for PTOs & Clubs

Code of Conduct for Instructors & Coaches

Personal Standards

Professional Standards

Code of Conduct for Competition Officials

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Personal Standards

Instructors and coaches must demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times.
Avoid the use of foul, abusive, sexist, racist or any prejudicial language or tolerate it from others.
Instructors and coaches should be fair and honest and considerate to their students and others in the sport.
Project an image of health, cleanliness and functional efficiency.
Always be models for students and other sport skydivers.
Operate within the requirements of the British Skydiving Operations Manual and the spirit of the sport.
Educate students on issues relating to the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport and cooperate fully with the British Skydiving’s sport policies.
Maintain the same level of interest and support when a student is sick or injured.
Display high standards in use of language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation.
Encourage students to display the same qualities.
Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs before or while instructing or coaching. This reflects a negative image and could compromise the safety of your students.

Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport.

Members Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct?

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

Code of Conduct for PTOs & Clubs

Code of Conduct for Instructors & Coaches

Personal Standards

Professional Standards

Code of Conduct for Competition Officials

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Professional Standards

To maximise the benefits and minimise the risks to students. Instructors and coaches must attain a high level of competence through qualifications and commitment to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice.

Instructors and coaches will ensure the environment is as safe as possible, taking into account and minimizing possible risks,
Promote the execution of safe and correct practice.
Be professional and accept responsibility for their actions.
Make a commitment to providing a quality service to their students.
Actively promote the positive benefits to society of participation in sport.
Contribute to the development of instructing and coaching by exchanging knowledge and ideas with others, and by working in partnership with others.
Gain relevant sport instructional and coaching qualifications appropriate to the level at which they instruct/coach.
Follow the rules and guidelines of British Skydiving and the Parachute Training Organisation (PTO) where you instruct/coach.
Plan all/any lessons/briefs so they meet the needs of students and are progressive and appropriate.
Maintain appropriate records (logbooks) of your student’s progression as per the Operations Manual.
Recognise and accept when it is appropriate to refer a student to another instructor or coach.
Seek to achieve the highest level of qualification available.
Demonstrate commitment to instructing/coaching by undertaking/attending learning opportunities to maintain up-to-date knowledge of technical development in the sport.
Undertake/attend courses/programmes to maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of other issues that might impact on both you and your students.
Actively contribute to local, regional and national initiatives to improve the standards and quality of instructing/coaching in sport skydiving and sport in general.
Practice in an open and transparent fashion that encourages other instructors/coaches to contribute to or learn from your knowledge and experience.
Engage in self-analysis and reflection to identify your professional needs.
Seek opportunities to develop your instructing/coaching skills and competences and update your knowledge.
Manage your lifestyle and instructing/coaching commitments to avoid burnout that might impair your performance.
Do not assume responsibility for any role for which you are not qualified or prepared.
Do not misrepresent your level of qualification.
Promote good instructing/coaching practice in others and challenge any poor practice that you become aware of.

Members Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct?

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

Code of Conduct for PTOs & Clubs

Code of Conduct for Instructors & Coaches

Personal Standards

Professional Standards

Code of Conduct for Competition Officials

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

The content of this Code is an extension of the Generic Code of Conduct, and it applies to all officials that are involved with the sport of skydiving in the UK.

All competition officials involved in skydiving will, at all times:

Respect the spirit of fair play in skydiving. This is more than competing within the rules, it also incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always participating with the right spirit.
Encourage participants to compete within the rules and spirit of skydiving.
Be honest, consistent, objective, impartial and courteous when applying the rules of skydiving.
Never request inappropriate hospitality of any kind or accept any hospitality offered that could be considered excessive.
In completing reports, set out the true facts and not attempt to justify of embellish any decisions.

Respect the right, worth and dignity of others.

Respect officials, coaches, participants and spectators.
Show patience to those who may be new to the sport.
Never express an opinion in an unprofessional manner about other members of British Skydiving.

Conduct themselves in a manner that takes reasonable measures to protect their own safety and the safety of others.

Have regard to protecting participants through the correct application of the rules of skydiving.
Never participate whilst under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Members Code of Conduct

What is the Code of Conduct?

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

Code of Conduct for PTOs & Clubs

Code of Conduct for Instructors & Coaches

Personal Standards

Professional Standards

Code of Conduct for Competition Officials

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Details of how a Code breach will be dealt with can be found in the BS Disciplinary procedures and/or the BS Safeguarding procedures.

Equality & Diversity Policy

Introduction

Equality and diversity statement

Purpose of the policy

Equality in Skydiving

Enforcement

British Skydiving recognises that some individuals, groups and communities are more likely to face discrimination, harassment and exclusion in society. This policy reinforces British Skydiving’s commitment to promoting equality and diversity within the skydiving community, particularly in the areas of competition, training, employment and recruitment. It also sets out British Skydiving’s aims to safeguard those who may face inequality or harassment due to one or more of the nine ‘protected characteristics’. These are protected from discrimination under equality legislation, the Equality Act (2010).

The nine Protected Characteristics are:

Age
Disability
Sex
Sexual orientation
Race
Religion or belief
Gender reassignment
Marriage or civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity

For the avoidance of any doubts, British Skydiving is also committed to protecting those who may face inequality or harassment on grounds of gender presentation, which includes transgender and non-binary gender.

Equality & Diversity Policy

Introduction

Equality and diversity statement

Purpose of the policy

Equality in Skydiving

Enforcement

As an employer and the National Governing Body skydiving (sport parachuting) in the United Kingdom, British Skydiving is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture amongst the whole skydiving community as well as its workforce. It is within our best interest to promote diversity and eliminate discrimination.

British Skydiving’s aim is to ensure that everyone is given equal opportunity and that our organisation and community is truly representative of all sections of society. Each member/employee/volunteer/service user/Director or supplier will be respected and valued and able to give their best.

British Skydiving recognises that treating everyone equally does not mean treating everyone the same. Instead British Skydiving embraces the diversity and aims to provide equal right to opportunities.

This policy demonstrates British Skydiving’s commitment to providing equality and fairness to all, and not provide less favourable facilities or treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, gender presentation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, or sex and sexual orientation. British Skydiving is opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

Equality & Diversity Policy

Introduction

Equality and diversity statement

Purpose of the policy

Equality in Skydiving

Enforcement

British Skydiving recognises that the society in which we operate is diverse and that individual differences may lead to direct or indirect discrimination. Therefore, the purpose of this policy is to:

provide equality, fairness and respect for all those who work and volunteer for our association or use our services;
not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics; and oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination.
This includes in sponsorship, training, coaching, competitions, volunteering, pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities.

Equality & Diversity Policy

Introduction

Equality and diversity statement

Purpose of the policy

Equality in Skydiving

Enforcement

British Skydiving values and celebrates the diversity that exists in our community. In order to further its objectives, British Skydiving has committed to:

encourage equality and diversity within the skydiving community as they are good practice
and make business sense;

create an environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all people are recognised and valued;

This commitment includes but is not limited to training staff, judges, instructors, coaches, other volunteers and all other members about their rights and responsibilities under this policy. Responsibilities include assisting British Skydiving to provide equal opportunities across all areas of its activities, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination;

All Directors, members, staff members, volunteers and representatives should understand they, as well as British Skydiving, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public;

not tolerate any form of intimidation, bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination and to discipline those that breach this policy

Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under British Skydiving’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and any appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to a criminal offence and lead to withdrawal of membership benefits and licence Further, sexual harassment may amount to both a disciplinary matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence;

encourage anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns so corrective measures can be applied (British Skydiving has a whistleblowing policy);

make training, development and progression opportunities available to all people, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of British Skydiving and to promote the sport;

treat and to encourage everyone to treat each other fairly and with respect;

make selections and decisions based on aptitude and ability (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act 2010);

review practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and update them and this policy to take account of changes in the law;

monitor the make-up of its workforce (including volunteers) and membership regarding information such as age, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality and diversity, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in this policy.

Monitoring will also include assessing how this policy, and any sporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.

Equality & Diversity Policy

Introduction

Equality and diversity statement

Purpose of the policy

Equality in Skydiving

Enforcement

This policy is fully supported by the Board of Directors, which has overarching responsibility for compliance with this policy, ensuring that British Skydiving is meeting its requirements in relation to equality and diversity legislation. The Board will oversee and analyse all equality and diversity matters.

Details of British Skydiving’s complaints policy can be found here.

Form 319 – Issue 2, Dec 2019

Whistle Blowing Policy

Scope

Definition

Process

External Processes

This policy outlines the process by which any individual involved at any level of the sport of skydiving can raise concerns with British Skydiving for investigation. For the avoidance of doubt, British Skydiving encompasses all skydiving activity, and includes application to competitive Teams representing British Skydiving, Heads of Delegation and Judges. This policy also covers any international activity being undertaken on behalf of, or, representing British Skydiving.

Whistle Blowing Policy

Scope

Definition

Process

External Processes

Whistle Blowing Policy

Scope

Definition

Process

External Processes

If you discover any wrongdoing, including bad practice or abuse you should report it to British Skydiving’s Compliance Officer using any of the following methods:

By post to: British Skydiving, 5 Wharf Way, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9TF

By email to: [email protected]

By telephone by calling: 0116 278 5271

You will receive a written receipt, usually within 2 clear working days which will outline the proposed next steps and timeline. Should you raise your concerns via telephone message service, we will call you back to discuss the complaint in person, usually with 2 clear working days of receipt.

Your concerns will normally then be considered by the Compliance Officer in the first instance who will investigate the matter further. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, remedial action that may include disciplinary proceedings may be taken against the wrong doer or the matter may be referred to another authority. Where any such action is not in the power of the Compliance Officer, they will then make recommendations to the Council to take appropriate further steps.

Any investigation will not, at any stage, be carried out by any person against whom allegations are
made, and details will only be shared with those individuals who are considered vital to the effective
functioning of any investigation.

Enquiries will be undertaken promptly, although more complex matters may require a longer and more thorough investigation. You will be advised of the outcome of any enquiry and any remedial action taken. If the issue is not resolved in a satisfactory manner by the staff member, or if the concern relates to the Compliance Officer, you may raise the matter directly with the any member of the Board – including specifically the Chair, Vice Chair or Treasurer via post to:

British Skydiving, 5 Wharf Way, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9TF

The relevant Council Member will make enquiries and, if appropriate, investigate the matter and take any remedial action to rectify the situation (which may include instigating the Disciplinary Procedure or passing to an independent member of the Council if appropriate). Investigations will not be carried out by any person previously involved in the matter and at no stage will they involve any person against whom allegations are made. Again, any investigation will be done promptly, although more complex matters may require a longer and more thorough investigation. You will be advised of the outcome of any enquiry and any remedial action taken. In some instances, particularly those involving child safety, it may be necessary to refer the matter to an external authority, for example the police. If this is the case both the complainant and the person against
whom the complaint has been made will be notified of this, unless British Skydiving is prohibited from doing so by law or at the direction of the external authority.

Any person approaching British Skydiving with genuine concerns will not be disadvantaged or discriminated against in any way because of the disclosure. However, British Skydiving will take a serious view and act accordingly, including taking disciplinary action against appropriate parties, should it be found that the allegations have been intentionally portrayed as untrue or have been raised maliciously. Individuals are therefore encouraged to put their name to any disclosure.

Allegations raised anonymously may be investigated depending on the seriousness of the issues raised, the credibility of the concern, and the likelihood of confirming the allegation from attributable sources. Where possible confidentiality will be maintained, although it must be stressed that in serious cases of fraud and in cases of child protection it will be not always be possible to maintain strict confidentiality if the concerns reach the investigation stage.

Whistle Blowing Policy

Scope

Definition

Process

External Processes

Please note that any complaints or disputes with British Skydiving should be raised in the normal way under British Skydiving’s Complaints Policy

Form 323 – Issue 1, Dec 2019

Anti-Doping Policy

Introduction

What it means to YOU

Info/Advice

Declaration of Use

British Skydiving supports drug-free sport and is committed to preventing drug misuse in skydiving. In support of this policy, British Skydiving will inform and educate athletes of its anti-doping policy and rules/procedures.

As the National Governing Body for Skydiving (Sport Parachuting) in the United Kingdom, affiliated to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) through the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom, British Skydiving has the authority to control the misuse of drugs in the sport. British Skydiving supports the principle of independent testing and will manage any issues of drug misuse through fair, accountable and independent decision-making processes. British Skydiving is committed to involving its athletes in the achievement of the
highest quality performances without the misuse of drugs or doping.

British Skydiving follows the current issue of FAI’s Anti-Doping Rules and Procedures. These are available at: https://www.fai.org/anti-doping-rules-procedures

Anti-Doping Policy

Introduction

What it means to YOU

Info/Advice

Declaration of Use

What it means to YOU as an athlete/competitor

Athletes/Competitors: YOU may be required to take a random drugs test. Refusal to provide a urine sample for analysis will result in disqualification. Remember that alcohol, numerous prescribed and ‘over the counter’ medicines – including decongestants – and even caffeine from drinking excessive tea, coffee or soft drinks (such as cola drinks) are prohibited – as well as performance-enhancing drugs and, of course, illegal substances. Getting it from a doctor on prescription is no defence! Each athlete is strictly liable, meaning that it is your own your own personal responsibility to comply fully with this policy. Lack of knowledge is no excuse – careful study of the FAI Anti-Doping Rules and Procedures is essential. A positive test result means disqualification for the whole team, a loss of any sponsorship and a ban for the individual. The test is concerned with whether a prohibited substance is present in the body, not how or why it got there. You have been warned – please take heed!

Anti-Doping Policy

Introduction

What it means to YOU

Info/Advice

Declaration of Use

See the FAI website: https://www.fai.org/anti-doping-rules-procedures

For a list of prohibited substances and methods, etc, see the World Anti-Doping Agency website:
https://www.wada-ama.org/en/what-we-do/the-prohibited-list

FAI covers the sports below and enquiries for these sports should be searched for using Aeronautics: Ballooning, General Aviation, Gliding, Aeromodelling, Skydiving (Parachuting), Aerobatic, Astronautic Records, Hang Gliding & Paragliding, Microlight, Rotorcraft.

Anti-Doping Policy

Introduction

What it means to YOU

Info/Advice

Declaration of Use

Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs / TUE form) Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs / TUE form)

A Therapeutic Use Exemption Form completed by a doctor may be required for mandatory prenotification of the use of certain medications, to view information, and to download the FAI TUE Form: https://www.fai.org/page/therapeutic-use-exemptions

Anti-Doping Policy

Introduction

What it means to YOU

Info/Advice

Declaration of Use

Simplified declaration of use procedures for certain specific medications, such as inhaled Asthma medications, came into force during 2011. Please see the WADA and FAI websites for the latest information.

Form 220 – Issue 2, Dec 2019

Volunteer Expenses Policy

Introduction

Domestic Travel

International Travel

Approved at Board meeting on 15 August 2023,
issued 16 August 2023

This policy supersedes all and any previously agreed
policies, procedures and practices relating to expenses and is subordinate in
descending order of priority to:

I. Current Company and Taxation legislation in the UK

II. Anti-money laundering regulations,

III. British Skydiving’s code of conduct and culture policy and

IV. Any future decisions of Council.

It is part of British Skydiving’s overall policies and procedures manual, does not replace Council’s overall responsibilities and needs to be reviewed, updated and ratified annually or when a change of circumstances occur by Council.

Council is responsible for this policy but has delegated day-to-day ownership of certain sub-policies and processes contained in the appendices.

This policy is based on a combination of HMRC guidance on expenses and affordability considerations of the association.

British Skydiving is committed to environmentally sustainable travel and encourages volunteers to use public transport and car share whenever possible.

This policy applies only to expenses incurred by British Skydiving volunteers attending events they are being sent to or invited by British Skydiving. The policy for staff expenses is included in the staff handbook.

Overall

Volunteers are reminded the British Skydiving is a non-profit organisation funded by member subscriptions. Reflecting that they are spending their own subscription fees and those of their peers, volunteers are expected to choose the most cost-effective option when making their travel arrangements.

The objective of this policy to ensure that volunteers acting in their relevant capacity for British Skydiving are not out of pocket for their volunteer work. Volunteers are not expected to financially benefit from the application of this policy.

Expense claims need to be submitted to the relevant budget holder (cc Finance Manager), with relevant receipts attached within 2 months of the event taking place for which the expenses are being claimed.

Expenses may only be claimed by volunteers who are full members of British Skydiving at the time of the event and at the time of claiming expenses. Furthermore, a signed copy of the Volunteer Code of Conduct (From 303) needs to be on file at British Skydiving HQ before the start of the event.

Expenses can only be claimed by and paid to individuals and cannot be claimed for more than one person. British Skydiving needs to evidence that all payments made fall under the reimbursement exclusion for withholding income tax and can only do so if each claim form only relates to a single person.

Volunteer Expenses Policy

Introduction

Domestic Travel

International Travel

Domestic travel

Expenses incurred in authorised travel and subsistence volunteers on official duty are reimbursed by British Skydiving in accordance with the following policy. British Skydiving volunteers not resident in the UK may claim expenses from the point of entry into the UK.

Use of own vehicle on official business

Volunteers using their own vehicles on official business will be reimbursed for miles driven to and from an event at the current mileage rate, details of which are set out below. Anyone driving on British Skydiving business is expected to provide a copy of their driving licence, along with access to online details, when requested.

The use of volunteer’s own vehicles on British Skydiving business is on condition that no other reasonable form of transport at lower cost is available.

Disabled Drivers

Disabled volunteers, who, because of their disability, cannot use public transport and have to travel by car in all circumstances, may be reimbursed at the standard British Skydiving rate of mileage allowance (assuming that the normal insurance conditions are met) for all travel on official business.

Rail

Rail travel should be in standard-class at the most economic fare for the journey to be taken. It is recognised that the restrictions of advance fare tickets may be too restrictive, however off-peak
travel is encouraged whenever possible. First class tickets will only be reimbursed at standard class fares.

Taxis

Taxi fares will be reimbursed only in the following circumstances:

where saving official time is important
where there are a number of volunteers or staff travelling together, resulting in a cost saving
where bus, tube or rail services are closed
where heavy luggage, equipment or work documents mean using public transport is unreasonable
where public transport is not readily available
where there are reasonable concerns for personal safety, such as late-night travel.

Subsistence

HMRC
exempts reimbursement of actual costs incurred, on presentation of a receipt,
from income tax. The preferred approach
therefore is to reimburse actual costs incurred within the maximum reimbursement
rates set out below.

If no receipts are available, volunteers can claim up to the maximum amounts in the table below without receipts. This table reflects the current HMRC policy, which allows for the additional cost of meals
away from the normal place of work or home above the usual cost an individual
may incur when eating at home or work.

If volunteers are unable to find accommodation which falls within the maximum allowable rate, permission can be granted by the Finance Manager for higher costs to be incurred on presentation of evidence that no accommodation is available within the limits set. Reimbursement will be for actual amounts incurred based on the invoice/receipt provided with the expense claim.

Maximum domestic reimbursement rates

International Travel

General provisions

Travel costs to be reimbursed are those incurred in travel to and from the claimant’s normal place of residence in the UK. For the avoidance of doubt, any judge included in British Skydiving’s submission to the ISC and any person representing British Skydiving at First Category Events is deemed to be resident in the UK and is only eligible to claim domestic travel reimbursement from their point of entry into the UK.

This policy also applies to travel costs for visiting international judges normally resident outside the UK.

Process

When the bulletin for the event being travelled to is issued (approximately three months before the proposed travel date), the Finance Manager or Treasurer will research economy class flights, public transport to the airport and airport parking costs as well as car hire and local hotel costs. Based on this research, volunteers will be provided with maximum amounts which British Skydiving will reimburse a volunteer for these travel segments. For travellers resident outside the UK, the same amounts apply, even though their departure airport may differ.

For costs incurred in a foreign currency, evidence of the applicable exchange rate must be provided. This could be a suitably redacted copy of a bank or credit card statement showing the amount in sterling, which can be claimed. Alternatively, it could be a pdf of the exchange rate at the appropriate date from xe.com.

Policies relating to different portions of the international travel

Travel to and from airports

The relevant provisions of the domestic policy apply for travel to and from airports of departure. If public transport to the airport is cheaper than mileage and parking, only the cost of public transport to and from the airport will be reimbursed, regardless of the volunteer’s actual mode of travel.

Air tickets

British Skydiving will only reimburse the cost of economy-class flights, including one item of checked baggage. Travellers wishing to fly a different class may do so, however, must provide a quote for the same journey in economy class to support their reimbursement claim.

Volunteers are encouraged to book their flights as early as possible to avoid higher prices for short-notice bookings.

International subsistence

British Skydiving recognises that in some locations, the domestic maximums above are insufficient to cover the costs incurred. Volunteers should provide receipts or other evidence to substantiate the additional cost of meals at that location. Examples of such evidence can include photos of menus or other price indicators. If the claimant seeks to claim more than the domestic allowance above, it is the claimant’s responsibility to evidence that they have incurred additional costs, otherwise the domestic rates above apply. Where a receipt covers the meals of
more than one person, the names of all people included on a receipt must be provided. The cost of alcoholic drinks with meals will not be reimbursed. Meals which are included in the event being attended (e.g. competition banquets at FCEs) cannot be claimed for. Volunteers must recognise that they are spending their membership fees and that of their peers. They are expected to eat relatively prudently, i.e. not eat sushi, steak or at Michelin-starred restaurants at every opportunity.

International car rental

Where the car rental is required, volunteers may rent cars in the smallest category available (Small, super-compact etc) represented by a Fiat 500, Kia Rio or Vauxhall Corsa sized vehicle. Only where their role explicitly relates to transporting multiple people with skydiving equipment will the cost of a larger vehicle be reimbursed. If the traveller wishes to rent a larger car for their own comfort, a quote for a small sized car must be used to support
reimbursements.

Car rentals should be made from the lowest price reputable car rental provider. Volunteers should explore car rental providers who can be reached by shuttle services, not just those located on airport premises.

International accommodation

Where the event entry fee does not include accommodation, volunteers can only claim up to the maximum amount determined by the Finance Manager or Treasurer at the time the bulletin was issued. Volunteers are free to choose to book more expensive accommodation to suit their tastes, the higher costs will not be reimbursed.

Other costs related to international travel

Visa costs will be reimbursed at the actual costs incurred up to a maximum of £150.

If volunteers anticipate incurring other costs related to travel, these need to be approved by the Finance Manager before being incurred, otherwise, they will not be reimbursed. The request for approval needs to include the rationale for these costs. Reimbursement will only be on provision of a receipt in the name of the person reclaiming the costs.

British Skydiving is the trading name of British Parachute Association Ltd. A company limited by guarantee.
Registered Office: 5 Wharf Way, Glen Parva, Leicester, United Kingdom, LE2 9TF
Registered in England No: 875429
VAT Reg No: 239469620

Welfare

Policies

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

How we use your information

Privacy Notice for British Skydiving members, etc

Visitors to our websites

Links to other websites

Use of cookies by British Skydiving

Checking or updating personal information

What is the Code of Conduct?

Code of Conduct for Participants & Competitors

Code of Conduct for Parachute Training Organisations (PTOs) and Clubs

Code of Conduct for Instructors and Coaches

Personal Standards

Professional Standards

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Approved at Board meeting on 15 August 2023,issued 16 August 2023

Overall

British Skydiving is the trading name of British Parachute Association Ltd. A company limited by guarantee. Registered Office: 5 Wharf Way, Glen Parva, Leicester, United Kingdom, LE2 9TF Registered in England No: 875429 VAT Reg No: 239469620

© 2025 British Parachute Association Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Approved at Board meeting on 15 August 2023,
issued 16 August 2023

British Skydiving is the trading name of British Parachute Association Ltd. A company limited by guarantee.
Registered Office: 5 Wharf Way, Glen Parva, Leicester, United Kingdom, LE2 9TF
Registered in England No: 875429
VAT Reg No: 239469620