Purpose and Guiding Principles
Thoughtful is committed to fostering respectful environments in which participants are treated fairly and with dignity. This document aims to outline the types of behaviour which are expected at Thougtful events as well as behaviours which are unacceptable. Thoughtful aims to offer events which are open and welcoming to diverse groups of people. The principles which guide this document are ones of tolerance, fairness, caring and consideration.
Expected and Encouraged Behaviour
The following points outline the behaviour that we expect of attendees and participants of Thoughtful events:
- Be respectful, inclusive and kind to others.
- Actively challenge one’s own biases, and look to approach other points of view with charity and consideration.
- Consider actively challenging problematic behaviour by speaking up when it is witnessed, particularly when one is in a position of power or privilege. Such challenges should seek to support any individual present who is subject to such problematic behaviour and/or allow for reconsideration or clarification of the issue.
- Be mindful of the ways in which one’s words, tone or actions may impact others, particularly in cases of privileged positions of power.
- Be constructive in discussion and critique, focusing on the ideas presented rather than the person presenting them.
- Foster richer discussion through drawing on a variety of perspectives and including traditionally marginalised groups or identities.
Prohibited Behaviour
The following behaviour is strictly prohibited and considered unacceptable at Thoughtful events:
- Discrimination, including the disparagement or unfair treatment of any person on the basis of their race, gender, identity, religion, nationality, appearance, disability status, sexual orientation, social background or any other protected category.
- Harassment or harassing behaviour, including, but not limited to, derogatory or hostile comments, interference with another person, or repeating unwanted attempts to make contact.
- Sexual harassment, including, but not limited to, unwelcome physical contact, sexual comments or communication, staring in a sexually suggestive manner, or derogatory comments regarding sexuality.
Reporting Incidents
In the case of experiencing or witnessing prohibited or unwelcome behaviour, we strongly encourage participants to report it as soon as possible to a Thoughtful member of staff. Anonymous reports can also be submitted to the email address of any Thoughtful staff member (firstnamesurname@thoughtful.org.uk).
All complaints verbal or written will be escalated to Co-Directors Grace Lockrobin and Emma Swinn, and then investigated promptly. Investigations will involve discussions with all relevant parties and records of complaints, investigations, responses, appeals and any actions taken will be stored by Thoughtful. In cases of significant misconduct, individuals may be barred from attending future Thoughtful events. In the case of criminal behaviour, we would further recommend contacting the appropriate authorities. If desired, Thoughtful will assist in this process.
For further information see also our general-purpose Complaints Procedure.
