Code of Conduct
of Budding Forensic Club

1. General Responsibilities

• Comply with all club bylaws, regulations, and instructions issued by club management or organizing bodies.
• Uphold the reputation of the club and forensic science community through respectful and professional behavior at all times, both in person and online.
• Avoid any conduct that could damage the club’s standing or the integrity of forensic science.

2. Professional and Ethical Conduct

• Maintain honesty, integrity, and impartiality in all club activities and forensic practices.
• Do not misrepresent qualifications, experience, or expertise in any capacity.
• Treat all information and evidence with strict confidentiality and ensure the integrity of all materials handled.
• Use only recognized, current, and reproducible forensic methods and techniques.
• Provide clear, accurate, and unbiased findings, opinions, and testimony.
• Members requiring leave for examinations, medical emergencies, or family obligations must first inform their respective team secretaries and also submit a formal leave application to the HR Executive via email at bfcc.hrex@gmail.com.

3. Respect and Fair Treatment

• Treat all members, guests, and the public with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of gender, race, age, religion, or background.
• Avoid any form of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
• Promote a collaborative and supportive club environment, encouraging mutual learning and growth.

4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Abide by all local, national, and club-specific laws and regulations relevant to forensic practice and club activities.
• Do not engage in any illegal activities or actions that could bring the club into disrepute.
• Report any breaches of this code or unethical conduct to the appropriate authorities.

5. Confidentiality and Data Integrity

• Handle all case materials, evidence, and personal data with the highest level of confidentiality and care.
• Keep thorough, timely, and accurate records of all work, examinations, and findings.

6. Club Property and Resources

• Respect and protect all club property, resources, and facilities.
• Use club resources responsibly and only for authorized club activities.
• A minimum of three months of dedicated participation in club activities is required to be eligible for a certificate.
• Discontinuation by the member or resignation enforced by club authorities before this period will result in ineligibility for certification.
• Members may continue participation with the group for as long as they desire beyond the minimum required period.
• To avail club-exclusive benefits and special opportunities, a minimum of six months of active contribution is mandatory.

7. Team Change Guidelines

• Members wishing to change their team must:
  • Complete their existing tasks responsibly.
  • Submit a formal request to the General Secretary.
  • Await review and approval by the Core Committee.
• All decisions by the Core Committee regarding team changes are final.

8. Reporting Unethical Conduct

• Any form of indecency, misconduct, favoritism, or unprofessional behavior, including by senior members, must be reported directly to club members.
• Members are encouraged to report such behavior to any core member they feel comfortable with.
• All reports will be handled confidentially and impartially.

9. Communication Protocol

• Members must refrain from contacting senior or team members after 10:00 PM, except:
  • In the case of pre-scheduled meetings.
• The club does not mandate members to connect with each other beyond official platforms such as LinkedIn.
• Members are expected to support and engage only through club-recognized channels.
• Post-resignation communication with fellow members is a personal choice and not governed by club policy.

10. Resignation Process

• Members intending to resign must:
  • Inform their respective team secretary at least 15 days in advance.
  • Send a formal resignation email to the General Secretary with clear reasoning.

11. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Members may use AI tools only to a limited and appropriate extent to support their tasks, such as:
  • Improving writing quality.
  • Planning event plans.
• AI must not be used to generate false data, mislead investigations, plagiarize work, or substitute original thinking and analysis.
• Any misuse of AI in club work will be considered a breach of professional ethics.

12. Professional Development

• Strive to maintain and improve skills and knowledge in forensic science through continuous learning and participation in club activities.
• Share knowledge and support the development of fellow members.

13. Disciplinary Actions

• Any violation of this Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinary actions including warnings, suspension, or termination of club membership.
• Decisions will be made by the Core Committee in accordance with the club’s constitution and regulations.
• Three official warnings issued by the HR Executive will lead to termination of club membership.

14. Hierarchy for Queries or Complaints

• Follow the escalation path: Member -> Secretary/Dy. Secretary -> Team Leads -> Chief Club Operator (CCO).

ESCALATION HIERARCHY

QUERY & COMPLAINT MANAGEMENT

CHIEF CLUB OPERATOR

Executive Decision Making

Final Authority

3

TEAM LEADS

Departmental Supervision & Coordination

2

SECRETARY / DY. SECRETARY

Administrative Management & Process Control

1

CLUB MEMBERS

Query & Complaint Originators

⚡ ESCALATION PROCESS FLOW ⚡

MEMBERS → SECRETARY/DY.SECRETARY → TEAM LEADS → CCO

Structured escalation ensures efficient resolution at appropriate authority levels

AUTHORITY MATRIX

Executive Authority

Management Level

Administrative Level

Member Level

Each level handles complexity within their scope

By joining and participating in the Forensic Club, members acknowledge and accept this Code of Conduct, committing to uphold the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior at all times.

Paridhi Panchouli

Digitally Signed by Paridhi Panchouli (Chief Club Operator)
01:30 PM IST, Tuesday, July 29, 2025