This Events code of conduct guides everyone who participates in or attends RCPCH conferences, meetings, or events, including members, non-members, employees, speakers, sponsors, vendors, and other guest.
The RCPCH wants to ensure that all attendees understand what behaviour is expected and what behaviours are not appropriate and will not be accepted at an RCPCH Event. These behaviours are guided by the College values of: I Include, I Influence, I Innovate and I Inspire.
The facilities covered by this code of conduct include any venue, hotel, meeting room, or RCPCH office location where an RCPCH event takes place, as well as at off-site locations where event-related social gatherings take place.
Expected Conduct
Attendees must:
- Be considerate and respectful to each other
- Refrain from any unacceptable conduct
- Speak to a member of the RCPCH Event Team if they observe or have any concern, doubt, or worry that violates this code of conduct. No concern is too small, and you don’t have to be certain something is wrong before raising it
- Comply with all rules, policies, and procedures of the facilities at which any event is being hosted
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the country where the event is located
Unacceptable Conduct
The RCPCH expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or perceived disability (physical or mental), or any other legally protected characteristic1.
Examples of conduct prohibited by this code of conduct which shall be determined in the RCPCH ’s absolute discretion include, without limitation:
- Sexist, racist, homophobic or other discriminatory jokes, slurs, insults or
- comments
- Threatening or intimidating language or physical conduct
- Unsolicited physical contact
- Verbal or written harassment or intimidation
- Comments that put someone down or act like you’re better than them because of their gender, identity, sexual orientation, disability, looks, body size, race, age, or religion
- Sustained disruption of sessions/presentations
- Alcohol or drug abuse or any of the behaviours associated with this
- Unwelcome sexual advances, whether verbal or physical
- Display of sexualised images
- Stalking, whether in person or online
- Inappropriate photography or recording
- Advocating for, or encouraging any of the above behaviours
Anyone engaging in such behaviour may be asked to leave the event and may be refused entry to future events, at the sole discretion of the RCPCH.
Anyone working on behalf of the College (i.e. those who come under the scope of the SG policy) should read and follow this Code of Conduct alongside the RCPCH’s Safeguarding Policy
How to report an issue
If you have any concern, doubt, or worry, you can speak to any member of the Events Team. No concern is too small and you don’t have to be certain something is wrong before raising it. You can find us at the main registration desk/area or on the College stand (for annual conference). Alternatively, you can email events@RCPCH.ac.uk or complaints@rcpch.ac.uk.
Information relating to issues and individuals involved will be shared on a “need-to-know” basis only. This means the Events Team will only share information with relevant contacts who need it in order to support a response.
No retaliation
The RCPCH will not tolerate any actual or attempted reprisals or retaliation against individuals who raise in good faith a concern that this code of conduct has been violated, or who participate in the investigation of such a concern. The RCPCH takes all allegations of unacceptable conduct seriously and is committed to ensuring all event environments are free of any such activities.
The Worker Protection Act (WPA) 2023
The Worker Protection Act 20232 requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of colleagues, co-workers and third parties such as suppliers, guests, members, speakers, sponsors and members of the public.
This is relevant because events such as conferences, dinners, awards and training days are treated as an extension of the workplace and carry heightened risks due to factors such as alcohol and late finishes, crowded or private spaces and power imbalances.
In accordance with this, as part of our planning and risk assessment for events, the RCPCH will:
- assess the risk of sexual harassment at events;
- take sensible, proportionate preventative measures;
- set out clear behaviour expectations; and
- respond properly to any concerns raised.