Code of Conduct for BMSS & BMSS Related Events

BMSS events are open to everyone. We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, religion or any other characteristic. This code of conduct outlines our expectations for participant behaviour as well as the consequences for unacceptable behaviour.

So we invite all sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, media, exhibitors, and other participants to help us make BMSS and BMSS related events a safe and positive experience for everyone.

We expect all event participants to abide by this code of conduct at all conference venues and conference-related social events.

All decisions about appropriate or inappropriate behaviour are at the sole discretion of the BMSS Committee.

Expected Behaviour

  • Be considerate and respectful.
  • Be aware that actions and behaviour may not be received as intended, and those actions may then constitute harassment.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow attendees. Alert conference organisers if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  • Please drink responsibly.

Unacceptable Behaviour

  • Unacceptable behaviour includes: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning conduct by any attendees of BMSS conferences, social events and after event gatherings.
  • Harassment includes: offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
  • Physical, written, verbal or other abuse, intimidation, threats, annoyance, harassment, stalking, pushing, shoving or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person, which in any way creates a disturbance that is disruptive or dangerous, or creates anxiety in a person.
  • Possession of any item intended as use as a weapon, and may cause danger to others. Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behaviour or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language, materials or conduct, or any language, behaviour or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious, gender, or ethnic slurs.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour

  • Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.
  • Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately.
  • If a participant engages in unacceptable behaviour, the conference organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the conference without warning or refund.

What to Do If You Witness or Are a Victim of Unacceptable Behaviour

  • If you are subjected to unacceptable behaviour, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns during the event, please notify a member of the BMSS Committee as soon as possible. All reports will remain completely confidential. 
  • Complaints can be made through the BMSS complaints procedure at https://www.bmss.org.uk/about-us/policies-1/bmss-complaints-policy/