Grievance Procedure

This is an official London Hackspace policy. Please don't edit it yourself - suggest changes on the Mailing List.

• Warnings Issued
• Bans Issued

Intention

The trustees have the authority to ban anyone from entering the space, and to strip anyone of their membership, but must only do so in circumstances where this is best for London Hackspace as a whole.

We will only ban repeat offenders who persistently demonstrate unwillingness to cooperate. Throughout the process every effort will be made to keep clear and constructive communication between the trustees, the offending party, and any other affected parties.

1. Introduction

1. This policy applies to both members and non-members who use the London Hackspace.
2. A person may be banned from the space if they are in violation of the Rules or Code of Conduct, if they are causing persistent annoyance, or if they have the potential to harm other users of the space.
3. Before the formal banning procedure is entered into, the trustees must make every attempt to resolve the issue informally.
4. However, in the case of direct physical violence towards any person in the space, a member has the authority to immediately ban the offender for one month and refer the case to the trustees.

2. Process

1. The offending party must be given at least two official warnings before being banned. At every stage, it must be made clear to the party where they are in this process.
2. At every stage, the trustees must be in agreement that allowing the user to continue to use the space would not be in the best interest of the organisation.
3. At every stage, the trustees must make their reasoning available to the offending party. They must also make as much detail as is appropriate available to all members.
4. By default, a ban will be for a year. At their discretion, the trustees can issue a reduced ban period. 
5. Bans of more than one year may only be issued in extreme circumstances. The trustees must review these bans yearly.
6. If the offending party is a member, the ban will trigger the process to remove the member according to Article 7(d) of the London Hackspace constitution.
7. When a person is banned, their right to access London Hackspace is revoked. Any entry to the space without the prior, express permission of trustees will be considered trespass.
8. The trustees must seek feedback from the community to ensure this process remains fair and balanced.
9. In cases of gross misconduct a ban can be applied immediately and may be followed by removal of membership according to the articles of association.