Code of conduct

ASDC recognises that it is through diversity that our organisations can flourish and grow, and we are therefore committed to respecting and actively promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in people, ideas, experience and opinions. ASDC is committed to supporting and fostering healthy relationships and a strong community. We aim to provide an open, safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels able to participate and valued within our professional community.

Whether engaging in person or online, all involved with ASDC’s activities (as speakers, session leaders, attendees, volunteers, staff members, and so forth) are subject to this Code of Conduct.

Failing to comply with the ASDC Conferences and Events Code of Conduct could result in the immediate exclusion from any of the programmed events without a refund.

Being part of ASDC activities means:

  • Respecting and listening to each other’s views, accepting that others’ lives and experiences are different from our own
  • Using welcoming and inclusive language (paying close attention to potentially harmful language patterns, such as gendered terms or ableist language)
  • Approaching all discussions with an open mind, being aware that your assumptions may impact others
  • Treating everyone equally
  • '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)
  • Recognising that others’ boundaries (physical, emotional, etc.) may be different from our own and respecting each other’s personal space
  • Protecting the privacy of others
  • 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
  • Provide opportunities to make amends where appropriate

We will NOT accept:

  • Violent or threatening behaviour
  • Prejudice or discrimination of any kind, including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, ableism, agism, classism
  • Harassment [1]
  • Microaggression
  • Intimidation
  • Bullying
  • Display of inappropriate content

Taking action
If someone is violating the Code of Conduct and you are either the subject or a witness, there are three options for action we encourage you to take.

  1. We do not intend formal procedures to replace discussion. If you feel able to discuss someone's behaviour directly with them and as soon as possible please do so, whether it is aimed at you or someone else. If required/preferred, please ask a member of ASDC staff* or an ASDC trustee* to be with you for that conversation.
  2. A member of ASDC staff or an ASDC trustee can act as a mediator and approach an individual on your behalf. Please discuss the matter informally with a member of ASDC Staff or an ASDC trustee*
  3. 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.

*ASDC staff and trustees are not trained as mediators and, depending on the severity of the grievance, it may be necessary to bring appropriately trained professionals or safety personnel into the situation.

Please bear in mind that all reports remain confidential. Please avoid disclosing information about the incident publicly until ASDC staff have had time to address the situation.


Making a complaint
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 for you with a member of ASDC staff or designated ASDC trustee to discuss the matter as soon as possible. ASDC staff will identify themselves at the start of the event.
  2. Electronically
    There is an official ASDC grievance form. A formal grievance to us cannot be anonymous. However, within this form there is the option to remain anonymous wherever possible and for the grievance to be registered as:
    1. statement only (no action or review requested)
    2. mediation request
    3. disciplinary review (for investigation)

If you feel there is an immediate threat to life or property, or that police or emergency services need to be involved, please don’t hesitate to contact 999.

[1] Harassment includes, but is not limited to, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome inappropriate attention, offensive verbal or written comments, jokes and language.