Code of Conduct

The REA Platform is dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all people, regardless of background or identity. We do not tolerate disrespectful behavior, exclusion, intimidation, or causing discomfort. Discrimination or harassment based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, nationality, ethnic or social origin, pregnancy, familial status, veteran status, genetic information, religion or belief (or lack thereof), membership of a national minority, property, age, education, socio-economic status, technical choices, and experience level is not tolerated.

All participants in REA Platform activities must adhere to this Code of Conduct, which applies to all interactions on the site. Participation signifies acceptance of the procedures used by the REA Platform’s core research team at The Alan Turing Institute to resolve Code of Conduct incidents, including the potential storage and processing of personal information.

2.1 Expected Behavior

We expect our community to build a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. The following guidelines represent appropriate community behavior:

  • Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences. Avoid homophobic, racist, transphobic, ageist, ableist, sexist, or other exclusionary behavior.
  • Use welcoming and inclusive language. Exclusionary comments or jokes, threats, or violent language are unacceptable. Do not address others in an angry, intimidating, or demeaning manner. Be mindful of the impact of your words. Be patient and respectful of participants for whom English is a second (or more) language.
  • Do not harass people. Harassment includes unwanted physical contact, sexual attention, or repeated social contact. Consent is explicit, conscious, and continuous—not implied. If unsure, ask. If someone asks you to stop, do so.
  • Respect the privacy and safety of others. Do not take photos without permission. Do not share another participant’s personal experiences without their express permission. Posting (or threatening to post) personally identifying information without consent (“doxing”) is harassment.
  • Be considerate of others’ participation. Everyone deserves to be heard. Do not interrupt based on disagreement; wait until they have finished speaking.
  • Don’t be a bystander. If you see something inappropriate, speak up. If you are uncomfortable intervening, ask a member of the Code of Conduct response team for support.
  • Be intentional in your actions and humble in your mistakes.

All interactions should be professional, whether online or in-person.

2.2 Unacceptable Behavior

Examples of unacceptable behavior include:

  • Comments that exclude people based on group membership.
  • Creating fear for someone’s safety through stalking, following, or intimidation.
  • Violent threats or language.
  • Display of sexual or violent images.
  • Unwelcome sexual attention.
  • Nonconsensual or unwelcome physical contact.
  • Sustained disruption of talks, events, or communications.
  • Insults or put-downs.
  • Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or exclusionary jokes.
  • Excessive swearing.
  • Incitement to violence, suicide, or self-harm.
  • Continuing interaction (including photography or recording) after being asked to stop.
  • Publication of private communication without consent.

2.3 Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Participants asked to stop inappropriate behavior must comply immediately. This applies to all REA Platform events and platforms, online or in-person. Violators may be warned, asked to leave the event or platform (without refund), or face other sanctions (see the enforcement manual).

3. Incident Reporting Guidelines

3.1 Contact Points

Contact the REA Platform’s core research team at brain@turing.ac.uk.

3.2 Physical Danger

If someone is in physical danger, contact the appropriate emergency responders.

3.3 Code of Conduct Enforcement

A detailed enforcement policy is available in the Enforcement Manual.

4. Enforcement Manual

This manual guides the REA Platform’s research team and group admins in responding to Code of Conduct issues to ensure consistency and fairness. Enforcement should be respectful and avoid harassment.

4.1 Responsibility

Enforcement is shared between group admins and the REA Platform’s core research team. Group admins initially handle violations within their groups. If a member feels the response was inadequate, they can contact the core research team at brain@turing.ac.uk.

4.2 Urgent Situations

In cases of physical danger or threats to safety, any community member may and should act unilaterally, including contacting law enforcement. Group admins may use available tools, including bans and removal, to protect safety.

4.3 Less-Urgent Situations

Group admins will review reports and determine:

  • If the situation is ongoing.
  • If there is a threat to physical safety.
  • What happened.
  • If a Code of Conduct violation occurred.
  • Who was involved.

This information will be collected in person or in writing. The group admin will provide an anonymized written summary (using “Community Member 1,” etc.). A separate key will link repeated reports against the same person.

The group admin will aim for resolution within one week and provide updates if needed.

4.4 Resolutions

Possible responses include:

  • Mediated conversation or agreement.
  • Verbal or written apology.
  • Public announcement clarifying community responsibilities.
  • No action, if not a violation.
  • Private conversation with involved individuals (with a written summary).
  • Temporary or permanent ban from the REA Platform and related events (records will be kept). No refunds will be given for missed events due to removal.

5. Acknowledgements

This code is adapted from the Carpentries Code of Conduct, the Alan Turing Institute Data Study Group Code of Conduct, and the AutSPACEs Code of Conduct (under the Creative Commons Attribution license).

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