Code of conduct

Introduction

All staff, attendees, sponsors, and volunteers at our events and those representing the Microbiology Society at external events and meetings are required to agree with the following code of conduct. The code of conduct should be read alongside the Code of Conduct complaints procedure.

Code of Conduct

We will enforce this code throughout our own and Society-supported events and meetings. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everyone.

  1. All attendees should ensure that the environment is safe and non-threatening for all individuals, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, or religion (or lack thereof).
  2. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination or bullying of attendees, volunteers or staff in any form.  This includes offensive verbal comments, sexual language and imagery (at events or on social media and other online platforms), deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing, unsolicited photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Recognising that there may sometimes be a power imbalance, all attendees and members must not abuse their relative position of power or inappropriately take advantage of a relationship where a power imbalance exists.
  3. These policies apply in every space at the venue related to our own and external events, at social events associated with the event (irrespective of venue), and to all participants and staff in every role.
  4. Event participants violating these rules may be removed from the event at our discretion and may not be entitled to a refund or expenses. Members violating these rules may also be removed from the membership at the discretion of the Microbiology Society’s Board of Trustees.

If you are being harassed, discriminated against, or bullied, notice that someone else is being harassed, discriminated against, or bullied, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of our staff immediately. Staff can be identified by their Microbiology Society lanyards and badges. A member of staff will be available to assist at all Microbiology Society activities and events.