Code of Conduct - Setting Expectations

Code of Conduct

Our events are designed to bring curious, open-minded people together to learn, explore ideas, and enjoy each other's company. We welcome everyone who comes with a spirit of genuine enquiry and respect for others.

To ensure our gatherings are enjoyable and safe for all participants, we ask every person who attends -speakers, subscribers, ticket holders and guests- to follow this Code of Conduct. By purchasing a ticket or registering for an event, you agree to these expectations.

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by four simple values:

• Respect — We treat every person with dignity, regardless of

background, belief, or opinion.

• Curiosity — We come to learn, not to win arguments.

• Openness — We listen as much as we speak.

• Inclusion — Everyone deserves to feel welcome and safe.

This Code of Conduct applies to all people at our learning events, including:

• Participants

• Guest speakers and presenters

• Volunteers and helpers

• Organisers and staff

It covers everything that happens at our in-person events — including talks, Q&A sessions, meal breaks, and any social time before or after the main programme.

What We Expect from Everyone

Lively discussion and a range of viewpoints are part of what make our events interesting. You do not have to agree with a speaker or with other participants. However, disagreement must always be expressed respectfully. Personal attacks, insults, raised voices, or intimidating behaviour are not acceptable.

We support your right to disagree — but disagreement must be voiced in a non-judgemental way and focused on ideas, not people.

We ask all contributors and participants to:

• Keep comments and questions brief during Q&A and group discussions

• Allow others to finish speaking before you begin

• Avoid repeating the same point multiple times

• Be mindful if you have already spoken, and let others have their say

If someone is dominating a conversation, the event facilitator will step in to give others an opportunity to contribute. This is not a personal criticism — it is about keeping the space fair and open for all.

Our participants bring a rich mix of life experience, cultural background, and personal belief. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Please be aware that people around you may hold political, religious, cultural, or personal views that differ from your own. You are welcome to share your perspective, but please do so in a way that acknowledges others may see things differently.

• Avoid making sweeping generalisations about any group of people

• Do not present personal or religious beliefs as established facts

• Be willing to listen to perspectives that differ from your own

What Is Not Acceptable

The following behaviours will not be tolerated at any of our events:

Harassment and discrimination

• Any behaviour that makes another person feel unsafe, unwelcome, or humiliated

• Comments or actions that target a person's age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic

• Unwanted physical contact or following someone who has asked to be left alone

Dominating or derailing discussions

• Repeatedly speaking over others or refusing to give up the floor when asked

• Attempting to hijack a Q&A or discussion to promote a personal agenda

• Using an event as a platform to lecture other participants on your personal views

Promoting a political, religious, or ideological agenda

Our events are non-partisan and non-religious. While we welcome participants of all political views and faiths, our events are not the place for active promotion or recruitment.

• Do not distribute pamphlets, flyers, or other materials promoting a political party, candidate, religious group, or cause without prior approval from the organiser

• Do not use question time or group discussion to campaign for a political position or religious viewpoint

• Do not pressure, recruit, or repeatedly invite other participants to join a group, movement, or cause

Sharing a personal viewpoint is welcome. Repeatedly pushing that viewpoint on others, or using the event as a platform to promote an organisation or movement, is not.

We are committed to evidence-based learning and respectful discussion of ideas. We do not provide a platform for content that is deliberately misleading, factually false, or designed to promote fear or division.

• Do not share or promote information you know to be false or that is widely disputed without credible evidence

• Do not use our events to spread conspiracy theories — meaning claims that involve secret plots or hidden agendas presented as fact without credible evidence

• Do not share propaganda — meaning content designed to manipulate rather than inform

If you believe a speaker has made a factual error, you are welcome to raise this respectfully during Q&A or speak with the organiser. We take accuracy seriously.

• Persistent interruptions or side conversations that disturb other participants

• Film, record or photograph other participants without their consent

• Using a mobile phone in a way that disturbs others during a talk

• Any behaviour, whether deliberate or not, that significantly disrupts the learning experience

What Happens If Someone Does Not Follow This Code

Our goal is always to resolve situations calmly and fairly, while protecting the experience of all participants.

Depending on the severity and nature of the behaviour, the organiser may take the following steps:

1. A quiet word. For minor issues, the organiser or a volunteer will speak privately with the person involved and ask them to adjust their behaviour.

2. A formal warning. If the behaviour continues or is more serious, the person will be given a clear warning that further behaviour of this kind will result in removal from the event.

3. Removal from the event and future events. If the behaviour does not stop, or if the initial behaviour is serious enough to warrant it, the person will be asked to leave immediately. No refund will be given in these circumstances.

4. Suspension or cancellation of membership. For serious breaches or for repeat behaviour across multiple events, the organiser may suspend or permanently cancel the person's subscription or right to purchase tickets. This decision rests solely with the organiser.

5. Notification of authorities. In cases involving illegal behaviour, threats, or physical harm, we will contact the appropriate authorities.

Our organisers have full authority to make decisions about conduct at our events. Their decisions are final. We ask everyone to cooperate calmly and with good grace if they are approached by an organiser.

How to Report a Concern

If something happens at one of our events that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please tell us. You can:

• Speak directly to the event organiser or facilitator

• Contact us after the event by email or phone — details are on our website and in your event confirmation

All reports will be treated with discretion. We will not share your personal information without your consent, except where required by law or to protect someone's safety. You will not be penalised in any way for making a genuine report in good faith.

Speakers

We invite our speakers to share their knowledge and expertise. Speakers are also required to follow this Code of Conduct.

In particular, we ask speakers to:

• Present ideas in a way that is informative and intellectually honest

• Clearly distinguish between established evidence and personal opinion

• Avoid using their speaking platform to promote a political party, religious organisation, or commercial product

• Treat audience questions with patience and respect, even when challenged

If a speaker's content raises concerns, we will speak with them privately before or after the event. Some of our participants and speakers may have hearing difficulties, mobility needs, or other health considerations. We ask everyone to be patient, considerate, and kind.

If you are unwell, please consider the well-being of those around you, and stay home if you may be contagious.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us before the event so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to creating events where people feel genuinely welcome — regardless of their background, politics, faith, or level of knowledge about a topic.

We believe that respectful, curious conversation between people with different views is one of the best ways to keep learning throughout life. That is what we are here for.