NomadIT Resources
NomadIT Resources

Anti-harassment policy and how to report harassment

NomadIT and its clients are committed to providing a harassment- discrimination-free conference experience for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination or inappropriate behaviours of conference participants in any form, whether in person or online. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Discrimination against or harassment on the basis of an individual’s gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, physical appearance, body size, age, religion, socio-economic status, birthplace or any other aspect of an individual’s identity.
  • Intimidation, stalking, abusive or threatening behaviour, or bullying.
  • Attacks against participants who raise behaviour concerns.

We provide confidential reporting mechanisms and all reports will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.

This policy outlines our expectations of all those participating in the online conference, including delegates, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, conference organisers etc. In particular, those people presenting a paper, convening, or exhibitors should not use sexualized, indecent or offensive language, images or activities. If such language images or activities are deemed to be an essential part of, and strictly related to, the content of the conference, the context and justification for their use must be made explicit.

Guidelines for behaviour

Expected behaviour at the conference

  • Treat all participants, delegates, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, conference organisers etc. with respect and consideration, irrespective of the diversity of views and opinions others may express.
  • Be considerate and uphold others’ right to dignity and courtesy. Communicate openly with respect for others, and where you make critical remarks, try to make them constructive, avoiding any personal or derogatory statements.
  • Do not make any personal attacks against participants directly, via social media, email or other electronic formats.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert the conference organisers if you notice a dangerous or offensive situation or someone in distress.
  • Take care to avoid the use of images and language that is likely to cause offence or appear to show disregard or disrespect towards others.

Unacceptable behaviour at the conference

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

  • Harassment, bullying, psychological abuse or discrimination in any form.
  • Offensive, degrading, defamatory, frightening, intimidating or insulting verbal or written comments or behaviour.
  • Any statements or behaviour that reinforce hierarchies and prejudice relating to gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, physical appearance, body size, age, religion, social class, birthplace or any other aspect of an individual's identity.
  • Use of nudity and sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides) unless these are closely related to the content of the conference and necessary to support understanding.
  • Deliberate intimidation or stalking online or in person.
  • Photography without consent.
  • Unauthorised recording of colleagues - see recording and privacy policy
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
  • Sexist, misogynist, transphobic, homophobic, classist or racist language, expression, or behaviours.
  • Unwanted or unwelcome sexual attention.
  • Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour.

Guidelines for reporting and enforcement

Enforcement

Anyone asked to stop any of the above unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in unacceptable behaviour, the conference organisers can take any actions necessary to maintain the welcoming environment of the conference for other participants. This includes warning the offender and/ or barring them from the conference altogether with no refund. The conference organisers may take action to redress anything designed to intentionally disrupt the conference or make the environment hostile for any participant.

We encourage participants to be mindful of behaviour that is or could be perceived as harassment, sexual or otherwise. While we encourage networking and strengthening of connections between participants we expect everyone to follow these rules at conference-related social activities such as mingling with virtual drinks, visiting exhibitor rooms, virtual parties and coffee breaks.

Reporting

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome or you have any other concerns please report it as soon as possible. If you have witnessed any unsafe, unwelcome or unacceptable behaviour, please respond first to the affected person’s needs and safety. Support that person if they choose to report the incident, but respect their decision if they choose not to.

You can make a report either personally or anonymously. We can’t follow up an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to prevent recurrence. All reports will be treated seriously and responded to promptly. They will be dealt with by NomadIT’s Anti-harassment Officers: Triinu Mets and Elaine Morley.

At f2f/hybrid conferences, there will be a ‘Purple Point’ located at the NomadIT office. The person(s) to speak with will wear a purple pin. This purple point will receive initial reports of problems related to harassment or disrespectful behaviour and initiate those actions deemed necessary, in accordance with the reporting person. Do not hesitate to contact the purple point or any of the congress organisers if necessary.

When taking a personal report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff and organisers to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we'll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we'll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won't be asked to confront anyone and we won't tell anyone who you are.

You can also submit a report electronically. If possible, provide the following information:

  • Identifying information (name, appearance) of the participant who acted inappropriately
  • The unacceptable behaviour experienced from the list above
  • The approximate time of the incident
  • The circumstances surrounding the incident
  • Other people involved in or who witnessed the incident

Submit your report in one of the following three ways:

  1. Submit your report through this form, choosing whether to include contact details or omit (anonymous). The form does not gather any personal or IP information.
  2. Email your report (including as much of the above detail as possible) to report(at)nomadit.co.uk
  3. Send your report by text or Whatsapp to +37255958560 (Triinu Mets). State if you wish to remain anonymous.

All reports are strictly confidential. Our team will do its utmost to help you to feel safe throughout the conference, contacting hotel/venue security, local law enforcement or other, as necessary/agreed. We value your attendance.

Additional resources