This policy was last updated on 3rd February 2019 by agreement of the UKSEDS Executive Committee.
Older versions are available on request.

Policy

We value the participation of everyone at UKSEDS events and want all attendees to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Accordingly, all attendees are expected to show respect and courtesy to other attendees and staff. Attendees violating these rules may be asked to leave the event, without a refund.

• Be kind and respectful to others.

• Behave professionally. Harassment and sexist, racist, and exclusionary jokes are not appropriate.

General Behaviour

UKSEDS events will be a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, nationality or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of attendees in any form, including online.

Harassment includes offensive written and verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race or religion; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking, following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

All communications between speakers, organisers and attendees, including online, should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Offensive (including sexual) language, jokes and imagery are not appropriate for any event.

Attending Talks

Speakers give their time freely, many have travelled a considerable distance, some are very distinguished, some are early career scientists perhaps giving a lecture at this level for the first time, and all deserve a fair and encouraging hearing.

Please try to be on time for the start of a session, or otherwise slip quietly into the venue, refrain from loud conversations outside the doors and put all devices into silent mode. We normally encourage tweeting, photography, and note taking, but please do so in a way that is not disruptive to other attendees.

Photography

Please check before you take photos of speakers’ slides and exhibitors’ work, and ask for permission if you take identifiable photos of any other attendees.