Code of Conduct

The Society of Legal Scholars (SLS) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and actively encourages diversity and promotes inclusion and accessibility at our events. The SLS conference is intended to provide a forum to share knowledge and ideas, and to debate issues from a range of different perspectives. We welcome open, lively and robust discussion and disagreement between participants, but this must be balanced with respect and consideration for others.

We value the participation of each member of our community and want all participants to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. The Code of Conduct aims to support members by providing information to enable participants to demonstrate respect and courtesy to all others at all times.

To make clear what is expected, all participants, speakers, exhibitors, organisers, and volunteers at any SLS conference are required to conform to the following Code of Conduct. Organisers will ensure that it is enforced throughout the event. Discrimination and harassment are expressly prohibited. Any behaviour or language that is unwelcoming—whether or not it rises to the level of harassment—is strongly discouraged.

If a participant engages in behaviour that violates this code of conduct, the conference organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expelling them from the conference with no refund.

Every attendee, speaker, exhibitor, organiser, and volunteer at any SLS conference is expected to be considerate of each other and contribute to a welcoming collaborative and positive event in which everyone can successfully and meaningfully participate and contribute. To facilitate this, we ask everyone participating in the SLS conference:

• To be supportive of each other, both proactively and responsively. If you cannot assist someone looking for help or support, let them know when you will be able to help or direct them to someone else who may be of assistance.

• To be inclusive. Avoid slang or idioms that might not translate across cultures or be deliberate in explaining them in order to share and represent the attendees’ diverse cultures and languages. Speak plainly and avoid acronyms and jargon that not everyone may understand. Be an ally to individuals when you see a need.

• To be collaborative. Involve all individuals in any relevant activities including during talks, workshops and mixers/networking.

• To be kind. Be polite and friendly in all forms of communication both in person and online.

• To show respect to your fellow participants. You will hear a variety of views at the conference. If someone is trying to state their opinion, listen actively and try to understand what they are saying from their point of view. Avoid interrupting where possible.

Harassment

Harassment includes offensive communication related to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical ability, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, race or religion; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing; photography or recording; without consent, sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention.
Participants will be asked to stop any harassing behaviour and will be expected to comply immediately.
Exhibitors and sponsors are also subject to this anti-harassment policy.

Reporting Harassment

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, you should contact one of the organising staff or a member of the conference committee. Harassment can be reported by email to slsconference@mosaicevents.co.uk or telephone +44 (0) 1904 702165 or by speaking to a member of the registration team. The SLS does not tolerate harassment in any form.

The SLS is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all. Thank you for your co-operation.

November 2023