Code of Conduct
The purpose of this code of conduct is to ensure that BSides Cheltenham is an inclusive and safe space for all participants. It will also ensure that all participants know what behaviour is expected of them, and what behaviour they can expected from other participants.
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The Quick Version
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BSides Cheltenham is dedicated to creating an inclusive and safe environment which is open to anyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, political perspective, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices.
We will not tolerate harassment or disrespect of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks, workshops, parties, Twitter and other online media.
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe, harassed, or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organisers.
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The Less Quick Version
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What we will not tolerate:
BSides Cheltenham has a no tolerance policy against harassment. Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, technology choices, 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.
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BSides Cheltenham reserves the right to determine what is considered harassment and the right to restrict admission to the conference and/or ask an attendee to leave.
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​Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.
​Sponsors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, sponsors should not use sexualised images, activities, or other material. If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, the conference organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the conference with no refund.
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We expect all participants to follow these rules at conference and workshop venues and conference-related social events.
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What to do if you or someone else is being harassed?
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of conference staff immediately. Anyone can report harassment.
Conference staff can be identified as they'll be wearing BSides Cheltenham Shirts and have easily identifiable name badges. You will also be able to find staff at the registration/information table.
If you are not comfortable talking to someone in person, please email us at support@BSidesCheltenham.org.uk or send us a message on social media.
Conference staff will be happy to help participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference.
BSides Cheltenham's commitments to you:
We commit that we will take each complaint seriously. All incidents will be handled on a case-by-case bases, using a thoughtful and transparent approach. Every attempt will be made to anonymize incidents unless they are of a criminal nature, safety is of an immediate concern or if the incident resulted in participants being banned from the event.
BSides Cheltenham is committed to making you feel as welcome and as safe as possible. In order to help facilitate this we will provide the following contacts available both online and in person during the event.
• Conference Venue
• BSide Cheltenham director contact
• Local police department
• Local sexual assault / crisis line
• Local taxi and ride companies.
We value your attendance and look forward to welcoming you to BSides Cheltenham this summer.
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