Code of Conduct


SCCS-Bng is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all. We encourage participation from individuals belonging to under-represented groups, value constructive contributions from diverse perspectives, and are dedicated to fostering a culture of mutual respect.

The objective of this Code of Conduct (“Code”) is to serve as a guide for the behaviour of anyone participating in SCCS-Bng, and to lay down the process for remediation should an incident of unacceptable behaviour occur. This Code reflects SCCS-Bng’s tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

All SCCS-Bng participants – including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, SCCS-Bng Organisers, members of the media, vendors, guests, and service providers (hereinafter “participants”) – are expected to abide by this Code. It applies in all SCCS-Bng venues, including ancillary events and social gatherings, as well as online forums and discussions associated with SCCS-Bng.


Definitions

The definitions below represent SCCS-Bng’s distinctions of the terms. The examples given are illustrative but not exhaustive, and are intended to clarify the kind of conduct that may violate this Code.

  • Diversity – the quality of being different or unique as an individual or group, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, caste, nationality, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, ability, age, physical appearance, political views or other affiliations, professional status, socio-economic status, and/or language ability.
  • Harassment – the behaviours, speech, and/or gestures that are unwelcome or personally offensive. Examples include deliberate intimidation, bullying (including online), inappropriate and/or unnecessary physical contact, unwelcome attention, stalking, photography and/or audio or video recording without consent, and/or sustained disruption of talks or activities.
  • Inclusion – the practice and/or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised, such as those who are differently abled and/or members of other minority/under-represented groups.
  • Sexual harassment – any unwelcome act or behaviour of sexual nature (whether direct or by implication), including but not limited to unwelcome physical contact or advances, demands or requests for sexual favours, sexually coloured remarks, jokes, or innuendos, display or circulation of sexually suggestive material in-person or online, stalking or repeated unwanted attention of a sexual nature, and any other verbal, non-verbal, online or physical conduct of a sexual nature. SCCS-Bng adopts this definition in line with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and extends it to all participants regardless of gender or gender identity.

Encouraged Behaviour

  • Foster an atmosphere of inclusiveness and belonging by treating all participants with equality, kindness, respect, and consideration, and by valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
  • Approach diversity with curiosity rather than discrimination. For example, if you are unsure how a person would like to be addressed, respectfully ask: “How would you like to be addressed?”
  • Communicate in an open, compassionate, and positive manner. Actively listen without interrupting or imposing one’s own opinions. Choose your words with kindness and thoughtfulness.
  • Acknowledge the opinions, skills, and contributions of others.
  • Seek permission before taking photos or videos of other participants.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, accommodation venues, or any other SCCS-Bng-related venue, including online platforms.

Unacceptable Behaviour

  • Unwanted or unwelcome sexual, verbal and/or physical harassment, as well as exclusionary or discriminatory behaviour, will not be tolerated.
  • The use of discriminatory language, images, words, gestures, or concepts will not be condoned.
  • Microaggressions, intimidation, following, and stalking are not acceptable.
  • Power and authority should not be abused.
  • Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behaviour will not be entertained.
  • Disruption of talks or other events is strongly discouraged.

Remember that behaviour which may be acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another. For example, behaviour or comments intended as a joke may be perceived as inappropriate by their recipient.

If you have experienced or witnessed any unacceptable behaviour (including but not limited to the aforementioned points), please directly approach an Organising Committee Member at the venue during the days of the conference, or write to grievance@sccs-bng.org as detailed below.


Incident Reporting Guidelines for SCCS-Bng

We take incidents violating the Code of Conduct seriously and encourage individuals to report any concerns they may have. These guidelines outline the steps for reporting an incident and the process that will be followed to address it.


1. Identify the Incident

If you experience or witness any behaviour that violates SCCS-Bng's Code of Conduct, please take note of the following details:

  • Date, time, and location of the incident.
  • Names or descriptions of individuals involved.
  • Any witnesses to the incident.
  • A detailed description of the incident itself, including specific actions or statements.

Immediate Response

If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, you can take the following immediate steps:

  • If the situation involves personal safety, contact event security, the Organising Committee, or local authorities as necessary.
  • In case of harassment or misconduct on social media or online forums associated with SCCS-Bng, consider blocking the individual and preserving evidence (such as screenshots) if possible.

2. Report the Incident

To report an incident, you have the following options:

  • In Person
    Find an SCCS-Bng Organising Committee member or the Conference Administrator and report the incident directly to them. They will guide you through the process and take appropriate action.

    Ishika Ramakrishna (Organising Committee Member) -
    Sruthy Boopathy (Conference Administrator) -
  • Email
    Send an email to grievance@sccs-bng.org with "Incident Report" in the subject line. Provide all the details of the incident as outlined in step 1.

Please note:

  • Incidents can be reported within three months of their occurrence.
  • SCCS-Bng is not an institution or company. While we provide initial guidance and support with regard to incidents relating to sexual harassment, we urge the complainant to take further action in consultation with the Internal Committee (POSH) at either their own institution or company or that of the respondent.
  • Complaints from students relating to sexual harassment typically fall under the purview of the University Grants Commission (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015. For professionals processes and procedures relating to sexual harassment follow the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).

3. Confidentiality

SCCS-Bng takes privacy seriously, and all incident reports will be handled with discretion. Your identity will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. However, when circumstances require, it may be necessary to share information with relevant parties, including members of SCCS-Bng’s Grievance Committee and the respondent (as the case may be).


4. Investigation and Resolution

Once an incident is reported, SCCS-Bng will initiate an investigation. The process may involve gathering information from witnesses and the individuals involved. We aim to resolve incidents promptly and fairly, following the principles of due process.


5. Outcomes

The outcomes of the investigation may include, but are not limited to:

  • A warning or counselling for the individual responsible for the incident.
  • A request for an apology or remedial action.
  • Expulsion or banning from SCCS-Bng events if necessary.
  • Legal action in severe cases.

6. Reporting Back

The person who reported the incident will be informed of the outcome, to the extent possible and permitted by law.


7. Non-Retaliation

SCCS-Bng does not tolerate retaliation, within its own events and platforms, against individuals who report incidents in good faith. Any such retaliation should be reported immediately and will be addressed in line with the outcomes outlined above.


By adhering to these incident reporting guidelines, we can ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants at SCCS-Bng. Your cooperation is crucial in upholding our commitment.