Our Code of Conduct for Event Participants

Word Up North is committed to producing events and experiences where everyone can participate in an environment that is inclusive, respectful and safe. All Word Up North event participants are expected to behave with integrity and respect towards other participants, Word Up North staff and freelance contractors, volunteers, and audience members. All Word Up North event participants thus agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

By accepting an invitation to participate in a Word Up North event including the Ilkley Literature Festival, it is understood that the participant has read and understands how the Code of Conduct applies and to abide by it.

Prohibited conduct

Harassment
Harassment in any form and on any basis is prohibited at Word Up North events. Harassment is any behaviour directed at another person with the effect of offending, humiliating or intimidating them. The person engaging in the behaviour knows or reasonably ought to know that this behaviour is humiliating or intimidating.

Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is a specific type of prohibited conduct that is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or perceived to cause offence or humiliation. It may involve conduct of a verbal, nonverbal or physical nature, including written and electronic communications.

Discrimination
As an organisation which actively promotes the power of dialogue and communication, we encourage the respectful expression of diverse views and opinions. However, we will not tolerate hate speech, inflammatory or discriminatory language and behaviour of any kind. This includes offensive comments relating to race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, class, or any other comments made in order to denigrate or discriminate against a person’s background or lifestyle.

Complaint process
Participants who feel they have been harassed at a Word Up North event, or are witness to harassment, should report the incident immediately to a Word Up North member of staff or in writing to hello@wordupnorth.org.uk.
Word Up North staff are expected to take appropriate action in accordance with applicable policies, regulations and rules.

Appropriate action may include, but is not limited to:

• requesting that the offender immediately stop their offensive behaviour;
• suspending or terminating the offender’s access to the event and any future events;
• conveying the complaint to any investigative or disciplinary authority with jurisdiction over the person accused of harassment; and
• conveying a report to the employer or entity with jurisdiction over the offender for appropriate follow-up action.
  Victims of alleged harassment may also seek help from relevant authorities, bearing in mind the applicable legal framework. Participants should never knowingly make false or misleading claims about prohibited conduct.
  

Prohibition of retaliation
Retaliation against those who report an incident of harassment is prohibited. Threats, intimidation and any other form of retaliation are not tolerated, and Word Up North will take any reasonable appropriate action needed to prevent and respond to retaliation, in accordance with applicable policy, regulations and rules.