DisCouRSE Network Code of Conduct

The short version

If you have a question about the code of conduct or wish to report misconduct, please email arc.discourse@ucl.ac.uk.

• Be kind to others.
• Do not insult or put down others.
• Behave professionally.
• Remember that harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate for our community.

All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate.

The DisCouRSE Network is dedicated to providing a harassment-free community for everyone, regardless of sex, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and parenthood, race, religion or belief (or lack thereof), gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, technical choices, experience level or any other dimension of diversity. We do not tolerate harassment of community members in any form.

Thank you for helping make this a welcoming, friendly community for all.

Detailed view

The DisCouRSE Network aims to build an inclusive and supportive community of leaders across digital Research Technical Professional fields. All participants in our events and communications are expected to show respect and courtesy to others. We value creativity, requiring novel and varied ideas to tackle the shared problems we face, and will only succeed if we work together collaboratively. Everyone’s input is equally valued, and we expect (aspiring) leaders to take responsibility for creating a positive culture.

This Code of Conduct should be honoured by everyone who participates in the DisCouRSE Network community. It should be honoured in all activities either as an attendee or an organiser, and especially when someone is representing the Network in any role (including as an event volunteer, organiser or speaker).

Behaviours that are disrespectful to our events’ attendees and sponsors, or intimidate, exclude or cause discomfort to others will not be tolerated. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on characteristics that include, but are not limited to, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and parenthood, race, religion or belief (or lack thereof), gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, technical choices, experience level or any other dimension of diversity.

The DisCouRSE project leads are responsible for the enforcement of this Code of Conduct and for dealing with misconduct or violations to this policy. Event organisers and facilitators are expected to assist with the enforcement of the Code of Conduct in their respective capacities. By participating, individuals indicate their acceptance of the procedures by which the DisCouRSE Network resolves any Code of Conduct incidents, which might include storage and processing of their personal information.

Expected behaviour

All participants in our events and communications are expected to show respect and courtesy to others, and all interactions should be professional, both online and in-person.

The following kinds of behaviours in all DisCouRSE events and platforms are encouraged:

• Focus on what is best for the community
• Show courtesy and respect towards every member of the community
• Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences
• Gracefully accept constructive criticism
• Use welcoming and inclusive language
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and report incidences promptly
• Be direct, but professional
• Ask for consent and respect people’s boundaries
• Be aware of the dynamics of power and privilege (be mindful of how much time and space you are taking up)

Unacceptable behaviour

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

• Publication of private communication without consent
• Excessive swearing
• Improper gestures
• Use of stereotypes
• Incitement to violence, suicide or self-harm
• Sustained disruptions of talks, workshops events or communications
• The display of violent images
• Causing someone to fear for their safety through stalking, following, intimidation, or threatening
• Unwelcome and repeated flirtations, propositions, advances, or other sexual attention - including gratuitous or off-topic sexual images or behaviour
• Non-consensual or unwelcome physical contact
• Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or exclusionary jokes
• Continuing to initiate interaction with someone after being explicitly asked to stop
• Offensive, insulting, derogatory, or degrading remarks
• Demands for sexual favours in exchange for favourable or preferential treatment
• Advocating for, or encouraging any of the above behaviours

Consequences of unacceptable behaviour

Participants who are asked to stop any inappropriate behaviour are expected to comply immediately. This applies to any DisCouRSE events and platforms, either online or in person. If a participant engages in behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, the host may warn the offender, or ask them to leave the event or platform.

Reporting a potential violation

If you believe someone violates this Code of Conduct, please get in contact with any of the organisers or local support staff.

Alternatively, you can send an email to arc.discourse@ucl.ac.uk.

Acknowledgements

This Code of Conduct is largely based on that of the Society of Research Software Engineering, with thanks.

This document is licensed under a Creative Commons 4.0 license.