All members of SEUK have signed up to a central code of conduct, which provides a clear framework of values and principles that members are expected to follow. This Code of Conduct was designed to enhance the operation, image and reputation of the sharing economy industry.

The aim of this Code of Conduct is to set out a clear framework of values and principles that members are expected to follow. It is designed to enhance the operation, image and reputation of businesses that promote the sharing economy. Observation of these principles demonstrates a member’s commitment to upholding the highest principles of professionalism, integrity, fair practice and ethics in dealing with consumers, users and other organisations within the sharing economy sector in the United Kingdom.

1. General

1.1 – Members shall not act in a way likely to bring the United Kingdom sharing economy sector into disrepute.

1.2 – Members will follow this Code of Conduct and support is offered to all members in order to achieve compliance with these standards.

1.3 – Members are expected to exercise their own judgement (which should be made in such a way as to be reasonably justified) to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct and seek advice if in doubt.

2. Honesty and trust

2.1 – To the extent that they have a direct relationship with consumers and users, Members will act honestly in all dealings with consumers and users in the United Kingdom.

2.2 – To the extent that they have a direct relationship with consumers and users, Members shall take steps to develop and sustain strong relationships of trust with customers, users and between their users.

3. Staff training

To the extent that they have a direct relationship with consumers and users, Members may where appropriate make this Code of Conduct available to consumers and clients in the United Kingdom.

4. Safety and industry standards

4.1 – Members shall encourage their users to maintain a high level of safety for all products and services and will support the development of reasonable industry standards and safe practices.

4.2 – This Code of Conduct is not legally binding but represents good practice by Sharing Economy UK members and is promoted on that basis. Sharing Economy UK members are free to operate in their own commercial interests. This Code of Conduct does not support or promote any anti-competitive activity and should not be construed as doing so.

5. Dealings

5.1 – Members shall only undertake to do work or provide a service that is within their reasonable competence, taking into account the innovative nature of the sharing economy.

5.2 – To the extent that they have a direct relationship with consumers and users, Members shall disclose to consumers and users all material terms of any agreement with them.

5.3 – To the extent that they have a direct relationship with consumers and users, Members shall put in place adequate procedures to ensure a fair and responsive service to consumers and users before, during and after all business transactions.

5.4 – Members shall provide customers and users access to educational information about the sharing economy.

5.5 – If they operate a website, Members shall ensure that their contact information is clearly visible on such website.

5.6 – Members shall treat employees, peers, customers, suppliers, competitors, the environment and the community fairly, ethically and shall promote opportunity and diversity.

6. Development of the sharing economy

6.1 – Members shall engage with each other and the widest possible range of stakeholders to promote the growth and development of the sharing economy in the UK.

6.2 – Members shall work together to develop innovative responses to shared challenges in areas such as regulation, taxation, insurance and consumer protection.

6.3 – Members are encouraged to gather and share information about the impact their businesses are having on the UK economy, society and environment.

6.4 – Members are encouraged to support Sharing Economy UK by taking an active role in its activities.

7. Complaints & escalation

7.1 – Members shall have systems in place designed to address questions and complaints from customers and users effectively and with integrity.

7.2 – Members shall deal with any questions or complaints respectfully, fairly, and with a reasonable level of efficiency.

7.3 – Any complaint that a member has breached the standards contained within this Code of Conduct shall be dealt with in accordance with the Sharing Economy UK complaints procedure.

7.4 – Please note that Sharing Economy UK will not investigate or intervene in complaints, which are based solely on a commercial dispute.

7.5 – In the event that a complaint is made against a member, that member shall co-operate with any investigation of that complaint under the Sharing Economy UK complaints procedure.

7.6 – Should a member fail to adhere to the terms of this Code of Conduct or should a complaint be upheld against a member that it has failed to so adhere, Sharing Economy UK reserves the right in its absolute discretion to terminate their membership (such right to be exercised by a resolution of the board of directors of Sharing Economy UK from time to time). In any such decision to terminate, Sharing Economy UK shall act in good faith and in compliance with any applicable law and will follow its own rules and procedures including any right to appeal.