CONFEST 2026

Code of Conduct at CONFEST 2026

CONFEST is committed to inclusive event experiences, respectful of all participants, and free of discrimination, harassment, bullying, or retaliation. An inclusive and respectful atmosphere is vital to free expression and the open exchange of ideas, serving the main purpose of the events.

Expected Behaviour

We expect all participants in CONFEST events to:

  • Exercise consideration and respect in their speech and actions;
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech;
  • Be mindful of their surroundings and of their fellow participants;
  • Alert the CONFEST Advocate (Daniel Hausmann), or other any person of the organising team (local organisers, PC chairs, steering committee members, and so on) if they notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this policy, even if they seem inconsequential.

CONFEST Advocate

Daniel Hausmann
hausmann(at)liverpool.ac.uk
Participants may approach Daniel for confidential support regarding:
  • Support after experiencing harassment
  • Help ensuring personal safety (e.g., accompaniment, room changes)
  • Contact details for campus safety team or local police
  • Information about counselling or other resources
  • Guidance in handling professionally difficult situations
  • Information about filing an official complaint

Unacceptable Behaviour

Unacceptable at any CONFEST event is:

Abuse

Any action directed at an individual that:

  • interferes with that person’s participation
  • causes that person to fear for their personal safety

This includes threats, intimidation, bullying, stalking, or other types of abuse.

Discriminatory Harassment

Any conduct that discriminates or denigrates an individual based on:

  • Race or ethnicity
  • Religion
  • Citizenship or nationality
  • Age
  • Sexual or gender identity
  • Disability
  • Any other characteristic protected by law in the location where the event takes place

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Unwelcome advances or propositions, particularly when one individual has authority over the other
  • Inappropriate touching of an individual’s body
  • Degrading or humiliating comments about an individual’s appearance
  • Using an activity-related communication channel to display or distribute sexually explicit images or messages.
Additional Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour

Unacceptable behaviours include, but are not limited to:

  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions;
  • Offensive, degrading, humiliating, harmful, or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, or other personal characteristics;
  • Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature;
  • Inappropriate or gratuitous use of nudity, sexual images, or stereotyped images, including using an activity-related communication channel to display or distribute sexually explicit or otherwise offensive or discriminatory images or messages;
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following;
  • Harassing photography or recording;
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events;
  • Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact;
  • Physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping);
  • Real or implied threat of physical harm;
  • Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.

Harassment committed in a joking manner or disguised as a compliment still constitutes unacceptable behaviour.

Additional Resources

This Code of Conduct was adapted from the Formal Methods Europe Code of Conduct.