UKFinnovator events are designed to be an exciting and inspiring development experience for all involved. We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe time at the events whilst being part of a diverse network. Whilst taking part in the events, you are required to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner. This includes on our discord server and during the event itself, in your dealings with other students, staff and external organisations. This policy applies to everyone taking part in the events, including but not limited to participants, judges, mentors, volunteers and challenge holders.

During UKFinnovators, we expect you to behave: 

• Safely, and with regard to the safety of others;
• With civility, consideration and respect for others;
• In accordance with University policies, rules and regulations, and all applicable laws.

You have a responsibility to treat all members of the UKFinnovator network with respect.

Good conduct means:

• Recognising the diversity of the UKFin+ community and not discriminating against others
• Being honest, considerate, and courteous towards others
• Behaving in a respectful manner towards others so that they do not feel that they are being harassed, bullied, or coerced, whether within or outside the University
• Acting responsibly and showing respect for University property
• Showing consideration for others
• Acting within the law and not engaging in any activity or behaviour (including on social media) that is likely to bring the University into disrepute.

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

• Violence against another person (including threats to hurt)
• Indecent, threatening, intimidating or offensive behaviour or language (including that of a sexualised nature)
• Bullying and harassment*
• Abusive comments (including those that relate to sex, religion, sexuality, and race), whether in person or online
• Possessing, supplying or selling any controlled drug or psychoactive substance (such as cannabis, LSD, cocaine, MDMA) on University property
• Significant damage to University property or property of other students, staff or visitors to the University
• Unauthorised use of University property
• Disruption of University activities (including lectures, meetings, sporting and social activities)
• Contempt of the University’s disciplinary authorities
• Falsification of University documentation or documents in relation to the University
• Impersonation of others in connection with the University
• Misuse of IT facilities
• Persistent minor offences
• Offences that result in a criminal conviction
• Serious plagiarism

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and unacceptable behaviour can take place in person as well as via social media.

* Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive written, signed, gestured, or verbal comments related to sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, political views, social class, economic status, previous hackathon attendance or lack of, computing experience or lack of, chosen programming language or tech stack, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, brigading, doxxing, photography or audio/video recording against reasonable consent, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. If what you’re doing is making someone feel uncomfortable, that counts as harassment and is enough reason to stop doing it.

Additionally, any hacks created or presented at the hackathon are equally subject to the code of conduct. Your Team names/ project names etc. must also be compliant with the code of conduct.

Participants asked to stop any unacceptable behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

If anyone taking part engages in unacceptable behaviour, UKFin+ will take action which could include warning the offender, expulsion from the event, or reporting their behaviour to the local law enforcement.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact UKFin+ using the reporting procedures below.

Reporting Procedure

If you feel uncomfortable or think there may be a potential violation of the code of conduct, please report it immediately using one of the following methods. All reporters have the right to remain anonymous.

• Before the event: email [email protected]
• During the event: speak to a member of the UKFin+ team or email [email protected]

Attribution

This policy has been adapted from the Hackathons UK code of conduct as well as the University of Birmingham student code of conduct.

Please also see our EDI policy.