Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

Arcadia Impact is dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for all participants and employees at our events and spaces we run. This policy contains details on our standards for workplace conduct and participation in our events to ensure consistency across all of our activities.

We believe that every individual has the right to work and participate in our events without fear of harassment, discrimination, or condescension, regardless of age, disability, gender expression or identity, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff of Arcadia Impact, including employees, contractors, consultants, trustees, or advisors.

  • All participants in Arcadia Impact activities, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, and sponsors.

  • Any third parties including visitors and guests to our premises.

  • All Arcadia Impact events or event venues, event-related social activities, both online and in-person.

3. Definitions

Sexual Misconduct: Unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature, whether verbal or physical, especially but not limited to when perpetrated by an individual in a position of authority. This can be a one-off incident or an ongoing pattern or behaviour.

Harassment: Any behaviour directed at another person that has the effect of offending, humiliating, or intimidating them.

Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people.

4. Expected Conduct

All staff and participants are expected to:

  • Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and courtesy

  • Promote inclusivity and create a welcoming environment

  • Listen and communicate openly without prejudice

  • Maintain professionalism in all interactions

  • Be considerate of surroundings and other individuals

  • Adhere to venue rules and respect the premises

5. Prohibited Conduct

5.1 Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is strictly prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to:
Physical

  • Unwelcome physical contact (patting, pinching, stroking, kissing, hugging, fondling, or inappropriate touching)

  • Sexual assault or rape

Verbal

  • Telling sexually offensive jokes

  • Making sexual remarks about someone's body, clothing, or appearance

  • Comments, insults, or jokes about someone's sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender reassignment

  • Asking intrusive questions about someone's sex life

Other Forms

  • Displaying or sharing pornographic or sexual images

  • Sending sexually explicit messages (by phone, email, social media, chat, etc.)

  • Unwelcome sexual advances or suggestive behaviour

  • Repeated and unwanted social invitations for dates or physical intimacy

  • Use of job-related threats or rewards to solicit sexual favours

5.2 Harassment and Discrimination

Any form of harassment or discrimination is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Verbal, physical, or visual conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment

  • Bullying or intimidation

  • Offensive comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic

5.3 Disruption

  • Deliberately disrupting talks or other events

  • Engaging in conduct that detracts from the inclusive and safe environment of the workplace or event

6. Reporting and Resolution

All instances of misconduct or harassment must be addressed & resolved impartially, fairly, and promptly. Arcadia Impact provides multiple channels for reporting misconduct.

For non-employees, including participants or attendees of an event, reports can be made to event staff, volunteers, or the designated contact person listed in Section 9.

Employees can refer to our grievance policy for details on reporting misconduct or harassment.

Reports can be made anonymously through our contact form. 

All reports will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly and impartially. External investigators may be engaged if necessary.

Resolution steps might include:

  • Immediate measures to ensure safety and well-being of affected individuals

  • Prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation

  • Disciplinary action for employees found to have violated the policy

  • For event participants: Warning, expulsion from the event, or ban from future events

  • Involvement of law enforcement in severe cases

7. Retaliation

Retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct or participates in an investigation is strictly forbidden. This protection applies whether the underlying complaint is substantiated or not, as long as it was made in good faith.

8. Event-Specific Guidelines

All Arcadia Impact staff and volunteer event organisers will be trained on this policy and its enforcement. They are responsible for:

  • Enforcing this policy

  • Assisting in conflict resolution

  • Ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants

9. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or to report a violation of this policy, please contact:
Joe Hardie, Director: joe@arcadiaimpact.org.

You can make anonymous reports through our contact form. As a grantee of Coefficient Giving, you can also report potential violations of ethical or professional standards by Arcadia Impact through EthicsPoint.

10. Amendments and Additions

This policy will be reviewed annually and may be amended as necessary to address new challenges and evolving standards.