Code of Conduct

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to help participants understand what constitutes unacceptable behaviour, how it can be reported, and what action will be taken.

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, including but not limited to event attendees, speakers, sponsors, partners, support staff, and committee and Board members of AISA.

People's interpretation of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour is subjective and can be influenced by several factors, including personal experience, religion, and cultural background. That's why we believe it's important to define what we mean by both.

AISA expects everyone to be professional and respectful at all times, and to be mindful of the impact their behaviour can have on others. We ask that you:

• Respect event organising staff.
• Be courteous and well-mannered when speaking to or engaging with anyone, in person or online.
• Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
• Respect anyone's right not to engage with you, in person or online.
• Respect that opinions differ, and engage with those differences respectfully.

Unacceptable behaviour is offensive in nature and may disturb, upset, or threaten an individual. It can include:

• Derogatory, inflammatory, or discriminatory language, comments, or conduct.
• Deliberate intimidation, aggressive actions, or repeated gestures.
• Repetitive heckling or disruption of talks.
• Using sexual images or sex toys in public view.
• Inappropriate photography or recordings, where inappropriate means content used in a sexual, derogatory, or defamatory manner, or for exploitation.
• Stalking or following.
• Persistent or unwanted sexual advances.
• Bullying: repeatedly and intentionally using words or actions against someone or a group of people to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing.
• Shaming.
• Encouraging any of the above behaviours.

Option 1: Speak up. If you are disrespected, or witness this happening to someone else, engage politely with the person involved if you feel able to do so, and let them know their behaviour is unacceptable. Sometimes the most effective way to address unacceptable behaviour is by bringing it to the person's attention directly and giving them an opportunity to acknowledge it and apologise.

Option 2: Report to us. Contact event staff by phone (Karen: 0439 457 672) or email karen@cornerstoneevents.com.au.

When reporting, please provide as much detail as possible, including: your name and contact details (email, mobile phone, and address); the time it occurred; the names and contact details of any witnesses; and the outcome you are seeking (for example, a letter of apology or steps taken to prevent a similar incident from occurring).

You may remain anonymous if you wish, and providing any of the above information is optional. There is no time limit for reporting, but we encourage prompt action as witness accounts become harder to verify as time passes. If you report more than three months after an incident, please explain the delay, as it may affect our ability to respond effectively. We will take your explanation into account and endeavour to address your report.

We are committed to ensuring that you and other attendees experience a positive, enjoyable, and inclusive event. When unacceptable behaviour is reported, we will respond promptly and with care, consideration, and respect. Our process does not replace or remove the formal mechanisms available to you as an individual, such as making a police report.Our process is as follows:

• We will acknowledge your report and reply via email within 24 hours.
• We will conduct a thorough investigation within 5 business days, keeping it wholly professional and confidential. We will treat all parties fairly and objectively, regardless of our relationship with them.
• We will take appropriate action, which may include issuing warnings, providing direction to learning resources on harassment, bullying, or anti-social behaviour, enforcing temporary or permanent suspensions, and if necessary, making a report to the police. We will take your wishes into consideration throughout this process.
• We will suggest measures to ensure incidents of this nature do not recur at future events, and implement those which are appropriate.
• We reserve the right to remove anyone from the event or prevent access to future events.
• We will not name and shame individuals.