Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure all Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (CDA) events remain safe, inclusive, and entirely focused on community wellbeing. CDA events are not opportunities for business, sales, or recruitment by external individuals or organisations. We are here to support deaf people — not to host commercial activity, competitive messaging, or unsolicited promotion.
Scope
This policy applies to all CDA-organised events, whether they take place on CDA premises, in the community, or online. It applies to any third-party organisation or individual who attends an event, whether formally invited or attending informally.
1. Sales-Free and Promotion-Free Environment
No services, products, or events may be promoted at CDA events without express written permission from CDA.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Promoting or selling products
- Offering or discussing care services
- Advertising external events (e.g. Deaf pub nights, socials, workshops)
- Distributing flyers or materials
- Collecting personal information
The purpose of CDA events is social, supportive or informative, not commercial. Unauthorised promotion is strictly prohibited.
2. Event Attendance and Behavioural Expectations
All attendees of CDA events are expected to be generally supportive of CDA, its mission, and its team. We welcome feedback too.
We expect all attendees to behave respectfully towards our staff, volunteers, and clients. Disruptive behaviour will result in exclusion being considered.
3. Banned Organisations and Affiliated Individuals
CDA values partnership and collaboration with other organisations where we can work together to better the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people. Organisations and individuals representing them (associates, volunteers or staff) may be banned from attending CDA events if they:
- Promote services or events without permission
- Behave inappropriately towards other attendees of events
- Have engaged in actions which led to the raising safeguarding concerns
- Seek to undermine, criticise or damage CDA’s reputation
Support services outside of CDA events will continue to be available to individuals that have been banned being provided remotely or via home visits, where appropriate.
4. External Organisations’ Promotion or Marketing During CDA Events
Any organisation or individual who wishes to promote a service or attend a CDA event while connected to a banned organisation must:
- Request permission in writing in advance
- Complete a relevant form agreeing to all terms and conditions of attendance
No activity may be promoted at an event unless this has been agreed in writing, in advance.
5. Safeguarding and Risk Management
CDA has a duty to protect all event attendees — many of whom are deaf, older, or otherwise vulnerable — from unwanted approaches or unsafe third-party practices. We will take a proactive approach to banning or excluding any organisation or individual where there is concern over:
- Undue influence
- Unsafe practices
- Inappropriate messaging
- Poor behaviour towards staff or clients
- Reputational risk
6. Appeals and Complaints
Banned organisations may appeal by contacting:
📧 office@camsdeaf.org
All complaints or feedback about this policy or any event should also be directed via CDA’s Complaints Policy.