Code of Conduct

We believe that participants should be treated with respect by the Converge team, our training and corporate partners, and those at our host venues. In return, we also expect and anticipate that participants will behave respectfully towards other people and those involved in their training programme.

The Converge Code of Conduct sets out expectations for participant behaviour and the procedures that Converge follows to resolve matters when participants’ behaviour is unacceptable.

Introduction

Our code of conduct applies to:

  • Converge workshops and events delivered online, at universities and third-party venues;
  • Converge training sessions both in person and online;
  • In-person meetings with members of the Converge team;
  • Distance communications including email, telephone, the online alumni platform, theapplication/submission portal, the Converge website, and social media.

A participant is any individual who has taken part in a Converge programme. This includes:

  • Applicants to any Converge programme;
  • Semi-finalists and finalists participating in any Converge programme;
  • Alumni (i.e., past participants) from any Converge programme.

All participants are expected to adhere to the code of conduct.

  • A breach of the code of conduct may lead to a participant being excluded from the programme(s) they are undertaking, and future events offered to participants.
  • Participants have the right, always, to see material that is kept on file and to request its removal if it is found to be incorrect or if they wish their personal data to be removed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
  • Participants are representing their universities whilst taking part in Converge activities. We reserve the right to notify the host institution of any breaches of the code of conduct.

We ask that you:

  • Respect others, regardless of culture, ability, race, gender, age or sexual orientation;
  • Are courteous and respectful of host venues and staff at the host/virtual venues;
  • Show a positive commitment to your own development and learning;
  • Respect confidentiality and the Chatham House Rule (https://www.chathamhouse.org/chatham-house-rule);
  • Attend and arrive punctually to training events you have been scheduled to attend;
  • Cooperate with other participants, trainers, host venue staff and the Converge team;
  • Understand that there is a certain amount of necessary paperwork which must becompleted by each participant;
  • Take care of equipment, facilities and buildings and show respect for property belonging toothers;
  • Take due notice and care of your own health and safety:
  • Respect others well-being.

Misconduct

The following are examples of behaviour which are considered as misconduct and may result in a participant’s suspension or exclusion from a programme of study.

  • Failure to follow Health & Safety Regulations.
  • Conduct which prevents, obstructs, or disrupts teaching, learning or administration oftraining, workshops, events, online discussion, etc.
  • Plagiarism.
  • Failure to follow the reasonable instructions and requests of the trainer, a member of the Converge team or representatives of a host/virtual venue.
  • Disorderly behaviour or the use of abusive language.
  • Causing damage to the premises, equipment or property of another participant, the trainer,host venue or Converge.
  • Behaviour or language which is racially or sexually offensive, or which is offensive to thosewith disabilities.
  • Misuse or unauthorised distribution of intellectual property belonging to Converge, itstraining providers, corporate partners and other participants (including but not limited to programme content, printed and digital support material and information related to participant projects).

The following are considered examples of gross misconduct.

  • Violence or a threat of violence.
  • Drunkenness or illegal use of drugs whilst on the premises of a host venue or attendance at a training session, workshop or other event whether online or in-person.
  • Activity that is classified as illegal whilst attending a training session, workshop or otherevent.
  • Failure to follow health and safety instructions that may cause or have caused serious injury.

Disciplinary Procedure

Except in circumstances which are considered acts of gross misconduct, in the first instance, the trainer(s) or Converge team member(s) will respectfully bring the issue to the attention of the participant and discuss, where necessary, to prevent further issues.

If a participant’s behaviour continues to be unacceptable or causes disruption to the learning of others, they may be asked to leave the training room or be removed from the online meeting pending further discussion or consultation with their university. If their behaviour is considered disrespectful to other participants, the trainer or host venue, or is otherwise considered to be gross misconduct, the participant will be asked to leave the site or be removed from the online meeting immediately. In the event of hostile behaviour towards the trainer, other participants, host venue staff or members of the public, or involvement in suspected illegal activity, the Converge team will support a decision to contact the police. In all instances, the Converge team will respect the decision of the trainer or representative of Converge on site.

Following an event where it has been necessary to remove a participant from a programme, an investigation will take place, taking note of statements provided by the participant, trainer and other eyewitness accounts.

Where it is found that a participant was removed from a course with due cause, they will only be accepted back onto future Converge activities on the condition their behaviour improves. If it is identified that the removal of the participant was inappropriate, Converge will accommodate the participant as soon as possible.