Code of Conduct

This Code applies to all individuals who engage with the Brunel Entrepreneur Hub, including:

• Current Brunel students participating in Hub programmes

• Recent graduates accessing Hub services or events

• Participants in Hub-affiliated competitions, accelerators or residency schemes

• Anyone introduced to the Hub's network of mentors, partners, investors or funders through a Hub activity 

Professionalism and Respect

We expect all participants to behave with honesty, courtesy and professionalism at all times, whether in person, online or in written communications. This means:

 

• Treating fellow participants, mentors, Hub staff, partners, funders and any other members of our network with respect and consideration
• Representing yourself and your venture accurately and honestly
• Attending scheduled sessions punctually and giving reasonable notice if you need to cancel or reschedule
• Using any platforms, tools or resources provided by the Hub responsibly and only for their intended purpose
• Maintaining confidentiality where required, including information shared by other participants, mentors or partners during Hub activities

Engagement with the Hub Network

The Brunel Entrepreneur Hub has built relationships with a network of mentors, industry partners, investors and funders over time. These relationships are a shared asset that benefits all participants. To protect them:

 

• Do not contact any mentor, partner, investor or funder introduced through the Hub for personal financial requests, loans or any form of private financial arrangement
• Do not approach Hub funders, competition sponsors or grant-making bodies directly to request additional funding, resources or support outside of a formal Hub-managed process. Doing so risks damaging relationships that benefit the entire Hub community
•  All engagement with external partners, funders or sponsors on matters of funding or resource allocation must be coordinated through and with the explicit prior consent of Hub staff

 

 

 

Personal Conduct and Boundaries

 

We are committed to maintaining a safe and professional environment for everyone in our community. The following conduct is not acceptable:

 

 

• Making personal requests of mentors, partners or other network contacts that go beyond the professional remit of your relationship. For example, requesting personal favours, financial assistance or accommodation
• Sharing the personal contact details of mentors, partners or Hub staff with third parties without their explicit consent
• Any form of harassment, bullying, discrimination or threatening behaviour toward any member of the Hub community, whether in person or online
• Misrepresenting your affiliation with the Brunel Entrepreneur Hub or Brunel University London in any external communications 

 

 

The wellbeing of all participants is our priority. If you are experiencing a personal crisis, housing difficulty, financial hardship, mental health concern or any other welfare issue, please do not approach members of our network unilaterally for help. We want to make sure you receive appropriate and timely support through the right channels.

Please contact the Hub team in the first instance, and we will refer you to the appropriate Brunel University support services, which include:

 

 

Mental Wellbeing Services: https://students.brunel.ac.uk/support/mental-wellbeing- services

Student Welfare: https://www.staff.brunel.ac.uk/directorates/sas/welfare

These services are equipped to provide the right support and are there for you. We will always take welfare concerns seriously and handle them with care and confidentiallity, 

 

 

Here are some additional services that can help if you or someone you trust feels concerned:

 

 

• Samaritans – 24/7 emotional support by phone: 116 123
• Shout – free, 24/7 text support: text 85258
• Mind – guidance and signposting for mental health: www.mind.org.uk
• Your GP – can offer referrals or speak with you about how you’re feeling
• NHS 111 – for medical advice when you’re unsure what to do
• In an emergency, always call 999 or go to A&E 

 

 

If we become aware of conduct that appears to breach this Code, the following steps will be taken:

 

• The Hub team will speak with the individual concerned and seek to understand the situation
• Where appropriate, we will work with the individual to resolve the matter informally
• Where a concern relates to student welfare, safeguarding or serious misconduct, we will escalate to Brunel University's Student Services and/or Wellbeing team
• Where conduct is serious or persistent, we reserve the right to suspend or withdraw a participant's access to Hub programmes and services
• Where conduct may constitute a breach of the University's Student Code of Conduct or Senate Regulations, we will refer the matter to the appropriate University process
• If you witness or experience behaviour that concerns you, please report it to the Hub team directly or use Brunel's Report & Support tool. You will not be penalised for raising a concern in good faith. 

 

By participating in any Brunel Entrepreneur Hub programme or activity, you confirm that you:

• Have read and understood this Code of Conduct
• Agree to conduct yourself in accordance with it throughout your engagement with the Hub
• Understand that breaches of this Code may result in withdrawal from Hub programmes and, where applicable, referral to University conduct procedures
• We want the Hub to be a place where great ideas thrive, and everyone feels safe to participate. Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us maintain the standards that make it work.