Code of Conduct: statement
We have been made aware that a speaker who presented at our 2022 annual conference was convicted on 25th October 2022 of a prior sexual assault .
We are shocked and appalled to hear this news, which is a clear violation of our code of conduct.
The following actions have been enforced:
- Not publishing the video or slides of a talk from individual(s) that violated the policy
- Not publishing the individual(s) on our platforms (websites, social media)
- Not allowing individual(s) who violated the policy to give (further) talks at the event now or in the future
- Requiring that the individual(s) not volunteer for future events
- Requiring that the individual(s) refund any community-funded monies
- Banning the individual(s) from future events
This is a good time for everyone (including us) to review our code of conduct and policies and procedures. We have now modified our code of conduct to include a section specifically related to criminal offences, and have also updated our “call for speakers” template to include this disclosure.
Here are some links to support services:
- Devon Rape Crisis https://devonrapecrisis.org.uk/services/telephone-helpline/
- A list compiled by the University of Exeter for local support services in Exeter: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/humanresources/edi/speakout/Local_Support_Services_Exeter.docx
TechExeter will also be making a donation to Devon Rape Crisis.
If you would like to discuss this further you may contact us.
