All EDIS participants are required to read and follow this safer space policy for meetings and correspondence. The Head of EDIS will implement this code and you may contact them to report a breach.
Email Head of EDIS: Karen Blake
Ethos
At EDIS it is our responsibility to create spaces, both offline and online, that are welcoming and respectful to everyone. Adhering to these agreements is a collective responsibility and everyone is individually responsible for checking their own behaviour. This includes EDIS members, EDIS staff and volunteers, and participants in EDIS events (collectively known as “EDIS participants” for the purpose of this document).
This policy aims to enable EDIS participants to enjoy, participate in and contribute to EDIS. It exists to ensure that individuals do not feel harassed or uncomfortable in participating in meetings, events and associated activities or communications (including via email).
EDIS explores concepts relating to equality, diversity and inclusion of individuals and underrepresented groups. This may include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or any other aspect of diversity not included as a protected characteristic by the Equality Act 2010, for example socio-economic background, migrant status or nationality. Addressing and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in research provides the opportunity to make research better and more relevant to all members of society. This approach to seek diversity is not to use differences to further marginalise groups without power or those who experience systemic exclusion.
Expectations of EDIS as an organisation
EDIS is committed not only to responding to harassment when it occurs, but to taking reasonable and proportionate steps to prevent harassment (including sexual harassment) and other forms of unacceptable behaviour. We recognise that creating inclusive and respectful environments requires proactive action, including clear expectations, event planning, appropriate reporting routes, and prompt action when concerns are raised.
We want to support and share the work of other organisations aligned to our vision and welcome approaches to do so. We are a values-led organisation and will uphold our values through our decisions about engagement with individuals and organisations. In the case where an individual or organisation we have given a platform to appears to have displayed behaviour in contravention to our values, we will first approach them informally to clarify, understand and advise with the intention of supporting learning and growth. However, we reserve the right to cease supporting engagement with individuals/organisations who persist in contributing to an unsafe environment online or in person.
Expectations of EDIS participants
EDIS is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for all EDIS participants involved in its activities and meetings, regardless of protected characteristics protected by the Equality Act or aspects of diversity not currently covered by the Act. EDIS does not accept harassment (including sexual harassment) or intimidation of EDIS participants in any form whether verbal, physical, or written (including on social media or by email).
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- Offensive or unwanted conduct on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation which has the purpose or effect of violating dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile or degrading environment.
- Sustained interruption of speakers or those asking questions.
- Unwanted photography or filming.
- Sexual harassment, which includes any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Examples include:
- Sexual jokes, comments or innuendo.
- Unwanted comments about a person’s appearance.
- Unwelcome physical contact.Repeated requests for dates or personal contact after a refusal.
- Sharing sexually explicit or suggestive material.
Intimidation includes, but is not limited to:
- Making threats
- Bullying
- Personal attacks
During EDIS events, we encourage participants to share their views and acknowledge there will be disagreements. We also know that discussions will likely touch on areas where participants have lived experience.
We expect participants to:
- Share their views respectfully, appreciating that everyone has been shaped by different experiences.
- Listen to understand first, then to respond.
- Accept that disagreement may happen, and engage with it respectfully by focusing on the issue being discussed rather than the individual raising it. Where disagreement cannot be resolved in the moment, participants should respect the facilitation process and any agreed next steps.
- Follow whatever method has been set out for indicating they would like to speak, for example raising a virtual hand on Zoom, to limit interruptions as much as possible.
- If someone uses outdated language, challenge in a private way if possible, to encourage learning. If you do not feel comfortable doing so you can raise this privately with the facilitator or Head of EDIS.
Reporting and action
EDIS participants who do not adhere to these rules will be asked to stop and expected to comply immediately. If the behaviour continues, EDIS may take appropriate action, including issuing warnings, removing individuals from events or communication channels, refusing future participation, or escalating concerns to the individual’s employing organisation where appropriate.
If you are being harassed or intimidated, notice that someone else is being harassed or intimidated, or have any other concerns, please contact the Head of EDIS immediately. They will be happy to help you contact security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment or intimidation to feel safe at any meeting or activity (including online). They will be able to step in to remove you or others from a chain of communication, if this is the preferred action, and can also facilitate a discussion or mediation. If you wish, you may also nominate someone else to support facilitating any mediation or as an observer to this process.
EDIS welcomes any feedback on how we might improve this policy and make EDIS events, meetings and activities a safer space.
Policy updated October 2026