Open Rights Group is dedicated to creating an environment where people with an interest in digital rights can come together, learn from each other, and contribute their skills, ideas and energy. Everyone is entitled to enjoy a respectful and inclusive environment; men, women, non-binary; straight, gay or otherwise; cis or trans; people of all religions and ethnicities, and none; 14-year-olds and 99-year-olds; able-bodied, neurotypical or not. We will not tolerate harassment behaviour that detracts from that goal.
Who does this policy apply to?
We expect everyone in the venue to adhere to the spirit and the letter of this policy. That includes attendees, speakers, workshop facilitators, panel guests, staff, exhibitors, press, photographers, videographers, bloggers, volunteers, sponsors, our venue hosts and the security team.
How to help create pleasant and safe environment
What is harassment?
This list is not exhaustive.
What to do if you experience or witness harassment?
If you experience harassment, are not comfortable confronting a harasser, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a volunteer or a member of the event staff as soon as possible.
In some cases you may find the harassment stops if you clearly say “no” or “please leave me alone”, or walk away. We would appreciate it if a member of staff were still informed to help us identify any repeat offenders.
How will ORG respond to reports of harassment?
Volunteers are the most visible first-line of support for those who experience harassment. They'll note down the details of what has happened, make sure a member of staff is informed, and back you up.
Event staff will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference. If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, event staff may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expelling them from the conference, with no refund.
Incidents of harassment during an event will be recorded and shared between event staff and volunteers. This is so we can spot and challenge patterns of unwanted behaviour or repeat offenders.
After the event, all reported incidents of harassment will be reviewed by the ORG Board. Details of incidents that were resolved satisfactorily, did not recur, or were minor will be discarded. Details of repeat or serious transgressions may be retained by ORG for as long as the Board deems them relevant and used to restrict admission by those responsible to future ORG events.
We hope this strikes the right balance between our strong privacy and data protection principles and our desire to prevent harassment at our events.
Why do we have this policy?
We want everyone here to have a great time and we won't tolerate behaviour that detracts from that goal. Spelling out exactly what we expect and deserve in our behaviour towards one another helps to reduce harassment and gives us a framework within which to respond should anyone's behaviour fall short. We want people to feel comfortable at our event and to be confident that we will act to protect the fun and inclusive atmosphere we want everyone to experience.
Open Rights Group exists to preserve and promote your rights in the digital age. We are funded by thousands of people like you. We are based in London, United Kingdom. Open Rights is a non-profit company limited by Guarantee, registered in England and Wales no. 05581537.
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Unit 7, Tileyard Acorn Studios, 103-105, Blundell Street, London, N7 9BN
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