The short version

If you have a question about the code of conduct or wish to report misconduct, please email [email protected].

Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Behave professionally. Remember that harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate for the Society of Research Software Engineering.

All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate.

The Society of Research Software Engineering is dedicated to providing a harassment-free community for everyone, regardless of sex, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and parenthood, race, religion or belief (or lack thereof), gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, technical choices, experience level or any other dimension of diversity. We do not tolerate harassment of community members in any form.

Thank you for helping make this a welcoming, friendly community for all.

Code of conduct detailed view

Introduction 

The Society of Research Software Engineering is dedicated to building a community and raising awareness of the role of Research Software Engineers. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all of our members. All participants in our events and communications are expected to show respect and courtesy to others. 

This Code of Conduct should be honoured by everyone who participates in the RSE community. It should be honoured in all Society activities either as an attendee or an organiser, and especially when someone is representing the Society in any role (including as an event volunteer, organiser or speaker).

This Code of Conduct outlines our behaviour expectations as members of the RSE community in all Society of Research Software Engineering activities, both offline and online. Everyone’s participation is contingent upon following these guidelines in all activities managed by the Society including, but not limited to:

  • Conferences, workshops, and webinars
  • Email lists and online forums like Slack, Twitter, GitHub, and LinkedIn
  • Representing the Society at public events

The Society of Research Software Engineering Code of Conduct committee is responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct and all reports about misconduct will be dealt with promptly and in accordance with the Enforcement Manual. 

Code of Conduct

Behaviours that are disrespectful to our members or events’ attendees and sponsors, or intimidate, exclude or cause discomfort to others will not be tolerated. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on characteristics that include, but are not limited to, 

age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and parenthood, race, religion or belief (or lack thereof), gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, technical choices,  experience level or any other dimension of diversity.

The Society of Research Software Engineering Code of Conduct committee is responsible for the enforcement of this Code of Conduct and for dealing with misconduct or violations to this policy. Trustees, conference chairs, and workshop facilitators are expected to assist with the enforcement of the Code of Conduct in their respective capacities. By participating, individuals indicate their acceptance of the procedures by which the Society of Research Software Engineering resolves any Code of Conduct incidents, which might include storage and processing of their personal information.

Expected behaviour

All participants in our events and communications are expected to show respect and courtesy to others and all interactions should be professional, both online and in-person. 

The following kinds of behaviours in all Society events and platforms are encouraged:

  • Focus on what is best for the community
  • Show courtesy and respect towards every member of the community
  • Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences
  • Gracefully accept constructive criticism
  • Use welcoming and inclusive language
  • Adhere to the Code of Conduct and report incidences promptly
  • Be direct, but professional
  • Ask for consent and respect people’s boundaries
  • Be aware of the dynamics of power and privilege (be mindful of how much time and space you are taking up)

Unacceptable behaviour

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

  • Publication of private communication without consent
  • Excessive Swearing 
  • Improper gestures
  • Use of stereotypes
  • Incitement to violence, suicide or self-harm
  • Sustained disruptions of talks, workshops events or communications
  • The display of violent images
  • Causing someone to fear for their safety through stalking, following, intimidation, or threatening
  • Unwelcome and repeated flirtations, propositions, advances, or other sexual attention – including gratuitous or off-topic sexual images or behaviour
  • Non-consensual or unwelcome physical contact
  • Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or exclusionary jokes
  • Continuing to initiate interaction with someone after being explicitly asked to stop
  • Offensive, insulting, derogatory, or degrading remarks
  • Demands for sexual favours in exchange for favourable or preferential treatment
  • Advocating for, or encouraging any of the above behaviours

Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour

Participants who are asked to stop any inappropriate behaviour are expected to comply immediately. This applies to any event or platform, either online or in-person. If an event participant engages in behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, the organizers may warn the offender, ask them to leave the event or platform (without refund), or engage the committee to investigate the Code of Conduct violation and impose appropriate sanctions.

Incident response guidelines

Information on how to  report a Code of Conduct (CoC) incident is outlined in our Complaints and Grievances Policy which outlines the process which you should follow. 

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the individuals, communities, and projects whose work significantly contributed to this Code of Conduct:

All under a CC-BY license.

The Society of Research Software Engineering Code of Conduct is licensed under a Creative Commons 4.0 license