Protecting the integrity, reputation and professional standards of the LSSE Society.

The LSSE Society of Social Entrepreneurs expects all members to act with integrity, respect, responsibility and professionalism. This Code protects the Society’s reputation, member community and the credibility of LSSE professional recognition.

Integrity

Members must act honestly and responsibly in their dealings with LSSE, other members, beneficiaries, communities, partners and the wider public.

Members must not:

  • Submit false or misleading information;
  • Exaggerate experience, impact or professional status;
  • Misrepresent projects, organisations or achievements;
  • Misuse LSSE membership or recognition;
  • Act in a way that damages trust in the Society.

Integrity is central to social entrepreneurship and to the value of LSSE recognition.

Respectful Conduct

Members are expected to engage respectfully with others during Society events, clinics, CPD sessions, online forums, communications and professional activities.

Members must:

  • Treat others with courtesy and respect;
  • Avoid harassment, intimidation or abusive behaviour;
  • Respect different backgrounds, viewpoints and experiences;
  • Participate constructively in discussions;
  • Maintain professional standards in public and online conduct.

The Society is a professional community. All members must help maintain a safe, serious and respectful environment.

Use of Post-Nominals

Only approved assessed professional members may use LSSE post-nominals.

The recognised post-nominals are:

ASE-LSSE

CSE-LSSE

PSE-LSSE

FSE-LSSE

Members must only use post-nominals:

After formal approval by LSSE

While in good standing

In accordance with LSSE rules

Without implying statutory, chartered or government-regulated status.

Open Membership does not award post-nominals.

Misuse of post-nominals may result in suspension, withdrawal of recognition or removal from the Society

Confidentiality

Members may receive access to sensitive information during Society activities, project clinics, peer discussions, assessment processes or member forums.

Members must protect confidential information, including:

  • Personal information;
  • Project ideas;
  • B|usiness models;
  • Funding plans;
  • Beneficiary information;
  • Internal documents;
  • Assessment materials;
  • Member discussions shared in confidence.

Members must not disclose another member’s confidential information without permission.

Safeguarding

Members must act responsibly where their work involves children, young people, vulnerable adults or communities at risk.

Members are expected to:

  • Respect safeguarding principles;
  • Avoid exploitative or harmful practice;
  • Report serious concerns through appropriate channels;
  • Protect beneficiaries from harm;
  • Comply with relevant safeguarding policies in their own organisations.

Where LSSE activities involve safeguarding considerations, members must comply with LSSE guidance and event rules.

Equality and Inclusion

The Society expects members to respect equality, diversity and inclusion.

Members must not discriminate, harass or exclude others on the basis of:

  • Age;
  • Disability;
  • Race or ethnicity;
  • Nationality;
  • Religion or belief;
  • Sex;
  • Sexual orientation;
  • Gender reassignment;
  • Pregnancy or maternity;
  • Marital or civil partnership status;
  • Socio-economic background.

The Society welcomes members from different sectors, communities, countries and stages of professional development.

Professional Claims

Members must make responsible and evidence-based claims about their work, status, impact and recognition.

Members must not claim or imply that:

  • LSSE recognition is statutory licensing;
  • LSSE recognition is chartered status;
  • LSSE membership guarantees funding;
  • LSSE membership confirms project quality;
  • Society participation gives donor approval;
  • Open Membership gives professional post-nominals;
  • LSSE has endorsed a project unless written approval has been given.

Members should communicate their membership and recognition status clearly and accurately.

Complaints

LSSE may receive complaints about member conduct, misuse of post-nominals, misrepresentation, breach of confidentiality, safeguarding concerns or behaviour that may damage the Society’s reputation.

Complaints may be reviewed by LSSE or the relevant Society governance body.

Where appropriate, LSSE may:

Request further information

Contact the member concerned

Review evidence

Seek clarification

Issue guidance or warning

Suspend membership while a matter is reviewed

refer serious safeguarding or legal matters to appropriate authorities.

Suspension and Removal

LSSE reserves the right to suspend, withdraw recognition or remove a member from the Society where there is serious concern about conduct, integrity, evidence, reputation or misuse of membership status.

Grounds may include:

  • false or misleading application information;
  • misuse of LSSE post-nominals;
  • serious misconduct;
  • harassment or abusive behaviour;
  • breach of confidentiality;
  • safeguarding concerns;
  • reputational harm to LSSE or the Society;
  • failure to comply with Society rules;
  • non-payment of required membership fees;
  • misrepresentation of LSSE recognition.

Where recognition is withdrawn, the member must stop using LSSE post-nominals immediately.

Member Responsibility

Membership of the LSSE Society carries responsibility.

Members are expected to:

  • act with integrity;
  • respect other members;
  • use LSSE status correctly;
  • protect confidential information;
  • avoid misleading claims;
  • maintain professional conduct;
  • comply with Society rules;
  • support the Society’s purpose and reputation.

Recognition Disclaimer

LSSE Society membership and LSSE professional recognition are issued under LSSE’s institutional framework.

Professional recognition by LSSE is not statutory licensing, chartered status, government-regulated professional authorisation or permission to practise.

Post-nominals may only be used by approved assessed professional members in good standing and in accordance with LSSE rules.

Join a Society built on trust and professional integrity

The LSSE Society of Social Entrepreneurs is designed for members who take social enterprise, ethical leadership and public value seriously.