Events Code of Conduct

We are committed to making our events as safe, respectful, inclusive and enjoyable as possible. Our events draw a wide variety of attendees with different identities, views and experiences so it is important that everyone has a common understanding of appropriate behaviour.

We require all attendees of our events to follow this code of conduct.  

If you think you might have difficulty understanding or following this code of conduct, please let us know before the start of the event so that we can help you.

Respectful Communication

• Respect each other’s identities, names and pronouns at all times.
• If you are unsure of the pronoun someone uses ask them or avoid gendered language, e.g. use “they” instead of “he” or “she”.
• Be inclusive and supportive of those who are less confident or who have communication difficulties so that everyone can contribute.
• Listen to and follow the instructions of facilitators, including their decisions about what is off-topic and who is next to speak and for how long.
• Rather than interrupt another participant who is speaking, indicate to the facilitator that you wish to speak and then wait your turn.
• Friendly constructive discussion is welcomed but personal insults and demeaning or argumentative comments are not acceptable.
• Avoid using offensive terms derived from pornography.

Equality and Diversity

• Accept people’s self-identified gender for all purposes.
• Everyone is entitled to use whichever toilet they self-define as most appropriate for their gender identity and gender expression.
• Avoid negative comments, assumptions and stereotyping of people on the basis of their gender identity, gender expression, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, class, disability, religion, beliefs, age, accent or culture.

Confidentiality

• Keep personal information about others private and only share if they have given you permission.
• Get permission before publicly identifying any event attendee, including on personal blogs, websites and social networking sites, e.g. Facebook.
• Ensure you have permission from everyone with their face visible in shot before taking a photograph.
• Ensure you have permission from everyone who might be recorded before starting any audio or film recording.
• If you believe someone has photographed, audio recorded or filmed you without your permission, you may ask them to delete the image/recording or urgently contact any of the event organisers for assistance.
• The Equality Network / Scottish Trans Alliance will not publish information, photographs or recordings which may identify attendees without their permission.
• The Equality Network / Scottish Trans Alliance will not share any information about attendees without permission unless necessary due to safety concerns.

General Behaviour

• Attendees may leave a session or event at any time without explanation.
• The behaviours of others are never justification for anyone to break this Code of Conduct in response.
• Alcohol consumption is not permitted, except in moderation at specific evening events.
• Any attendee who causes damage to property will be held liable.
• The use or possession of illicit drugs is never permitted during our events.
• Shouting, swearing, harassing, threatening or humiliating behaviour (verbal, physical or sexual) towards others is unacceptable.

What happens if the Code of Conduct is broken?

Please let us know as soon as possible if you experience or witness anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or which may be in breach of the Code of Conduct. Even if you do not want anything done, please still let us know.

If you are able you can tell us during the event by speaking to the facilitator/s, or after the event by contacting en@equality-netowork.org or calling us on 0131 467 6039.

Examples of things we can do:

• listen to you in a private space
• talk to the others involved
• ask for an apology
• ask them to leave you alone
• require them to not be where you are
• exclude them from the rest of the event
• exclude them from future events

Breaches of the Code of Conduct will be dealt with at the discretion of the Equality Network / Scottish Trans Alliance staff. The Equality Network / Scottish Trans Alliance may also make other reasonable requests that are not specifically included here or take other action if necessary.

Thank you for reading and following this Code of Conduct.
If you have any questions, please contact us.