Humane Slaughter Association Events Code of Conduct

The experience of taking part in a Humane Slaughter Association event, whether online or in person, should be inclusive and safe. We therefore expect anyone taking part in one of our events to adhere to our Code of Conduct and our event terms and conditions.

Respect and debate

We deal with highly sensitive issues, and while we encourage lively debate, it must be conducted with respect for every participant. Abusive, demeaning or derogatory remarks about a person or group because of their race, ethnicity, religion or belief are not acceptable, whether made in person, online or in a post about the event.

Please note: we have a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, abuse, intimidation and discrimination, and we reserve the right to ask anyone who is behaving inappropriately to leave the meeting or online platform, with no refund due. Security will be present throughout the in-person conference, and moderators will manage the online platform.

We expect all delegates to:

• Treat all participants with respect and consideration, including people whose views differ from your own.
• Please critique ideas only. Comments about the person voicing an idea are not acceptable.
• Not take photographs of presentations, whether in person or online.
• Not record video or audio anywhere during the conference.
• Respect any request from presenters not to share their content on social media.
• Make sure that others have the opportunity to speak in group discussions, and keep your own contributions short enough for that to happen.
• Not display placards or banners. Leafleting, petition collecting and filming are not permitted inside the venue.
• Not state or imply, in any post, interview or publication, that the Humane Slaughter Association, its speakers or other delegates endorse any campaign, group or position, and not use our name or logo in campaigning, fundraising or promotional activity without our written permission.

The Humane Slaughter Association will photograph and film the event for its own communications. Please tell a member of staff on arrival if you do not wish to appear or keep your camera off if you are attending online.

Unacceptable behaviour

• Sending abusive messages to anyone involved in or present at the conference.
• Bullying, harassment (religious, psychological or sexual), and intimidation, including negative comments about anyone’s ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, or sharing inappropriate images – even if intended as a joke.
• Disruptive behaviour, including persistent interruption of presenters.

This code covers all event spaces and times: sessions, breaks, social events, the venue grounds, the online platform and chat, and event-related social media posts.

For delegates experiencing unacceptable behaviour

Please contact the conference organiser or one of our staff members if you are (or have been) experiencing behaviour that does not live up to our Code of Conduct. Staff members have their names printed in orange on conference badges, We will deal with your concern in confidence as far as we can and take appropriate action. This may include removing any delegate from the meeting, prohibiting attendance at future conferences, blocking the individual on social media platforms, and/or, where appropriate, reporting the incident to the person’s employer or the relevant authorities.