The Bath & Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers
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Code for Ringing

This is the Code for Ringing published by the CCCBR on 1/1/2024. For a printable version click here.

Every ringer, ringing leader and ringing society plays their part in creating a safe, welcoming environment and in representing ringing to both church and public.

This recommended checklist for ringing societies summarises the values of the ringing community and its expectations of all who ring, in their interactions with other ringers and when representing ringing at large.


ALWAYS

  1. Create a tower environment where all feel safe, respected, welcomed and valued.
  2. Create a positive learning environment where feedback is timely and supportive
  3. Respect your surroundings, the tower, church and the community where you ring.
  4. Understand and observe others’ personal boundaries.
  5. Ring responsibly, with the well-being of your band and visitors in mind.
  6. Look out for others’ safety, raise concerns promptly and know what to do if you witness unacceptable behaviour.
  7. Make sure all your interactions, online or in person, show empathy and courtesy.
  8. Consider the impact of your words and actions on others; apologise if you’re at fault.
  9. Uphold the safeguarding policies of your parish and the ringing societies to which you belong.
  10. Take pride in being part of the ringing community.

NEVER

  1. Engage in, trivialise or endorse any form of abuse, bullying or harassment, or let these go unreported.
  2. Engage in banter or language which could make someone feel demeaned, threatened or unwelcome, whether in person, by phone, online or via social media.
  3. Undermine, ridicule or intimidate a less experienced ringer.
  4. Personalise disagreements; deal with the issue, not the person.
  5. Allow your decisions as a ringer to be compromised, by prejudice or any other cause.
  6. Act unlawfully in your role as a ringer or in a way that brings ringing into disrepute.

If you witness unacceptable behaviour and are not sure how to respond, contact your parish or association safeguarding officer. Where someone is in immediate danger or requires urgent attention, call your local authority’s children’s or adult social services team, or the police on 999.