ASDC Events: Code of Conduct
ASDC recognises that it is through diversity that our organisations can flourish, and we are therefore committed to respecting and embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion in people, ideas, and opinions. We aim to provide an open, safe and welcoming environment where all attendees feel able to participate and can experience a sense of belonging and engagement, whether in person or online, and to develop and maintain a respectful, authentic culture that supports positive interactions with other participants.
Everyone involved with ASDC’s activities (speakers, session chairs, attendees, volunteers, staff members, organisers and so forth) is subject to this Code of Conduct. Failing to comply with The ASDC Events Code of Conduct could result in the immediate exclusion from any of the programmed events without a refund.
Being part of ASDC events and conferences means:
- Protecting the privacy of others
- Approaching all discussions with an open mind
- Treating everyone equally
- Respecting and listening to each other’s views, accepting that others’ lives, experiences and personal boundaries are different from our own
- 'Share the air', monitoring and ensuring that others have the opportunity to contribute
- Respecting each other’s choice of pronoun (if in doubt, please ask)
- Using welcoming and inclusive language (paying close attention to potentially harmful language patterns, such as gendered terms or ableist language)
- Acting with integrity, professionalism and in good faith, not knowingly making false statements, allegations or assumptions
- Being accountable for our words and our actions, practice patience and empathy, and provide opportunities to make amends where appropriate
We will NOT accept:
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Bullying
- Microaggression
- Harassment*
- Intimidation
- Discrimination
- Racism
- Display of inappropriate content
*Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal or written comments, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome inappropriate attention or jokes.
Making a complaint
If someone is violating the Code of Conduct and you are either the subject of the harassment or a witness, there are three options:
- We do not intend formal procedures to replace discussion. If you feel able to discuss someone's behaviour, aimed at you or someone else directly with them, please do so.
- Discuss the matter informally with a member of ASDC Staff, they can act as a mediator before starting the process for a formal complaint.
- File a formal complaint. If you intend to file an official complaint, it is important that you give as much detail as possible about what you have witnessed or experienced.
Please bear in mind that all reports are confidential. Avoid disclosing information about the incident publicly until ASDC staff have had time to address the situation.
You can report an issue following the two processes below:
1. Face-to-face
Contact a key facilitator of the event who is a member of ASDC staff. They can arrange a personal meeting with you to discuss the matter. ASDC will identify themselves at the start of the event.
During a larger event, we aim for a member of the ASDC to be present in each conference session. However, you can also make your complaint known to an ASDC trustee.
2. Electronically
Please send an email to info@sciencecentres.org.uk. If you prefer the complaint to be reported anonymously, please mention this in your email. Useful direct contact emails are also:
Shaaron Leverment, ASDC Chief Executive: shaaron.leverment@sciencecentres.org.uk
Cait Campbell, ASDC Project Manager: cait.campbell@sciencecentres.org.uk
Vicky Hull, ASDC Business Manager: vicky.hull@sciencecentres.org.uk
What to pay attention to when reporting an incident:
- Identifying information of individuals involved in the incident(s)
- The behaviour in violation
- The context or circumstances surrounding the incident(s)
- The approximate time of the incident (if different from the time the report was made)
- The circumstances surrounding the incident
If you feel someone is at imminent risk for their life and you feel that police or emergency services need to be involved, please don’t hesitate to contact 999.