Our Values
Inclusion and diversity: POLLEN provides an inclusive platform for the cross fertilization of ideas and plural perspectives. Members acknowledge the many rich and diverse traditions that come together and that are valued equally in their contribution to the platform.
Respect and care: The platform and conference is a space that promotes respectful and caring exchanges across academic disciplines and cultures. Members are aware of power dynamics that arise from intersectional dynamics, and take the time to reflect on how their behaviour or language may impact the participation of others.
Understanding and growth: The platform provides an opportunity to deepen our learning together. Members commit to understanding others and challenging themselves, including how knowledge itself can be weaponized and can perpetuate and reproduce injustice in the social relations and structures within our own network institutions.
Please see the full list of POLLEN Principles which should guide us at the conference this week.
- We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all participants in all of the conference activities, free from harassment based on sex, race, age, ethnicity, national origin, religion, language, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, health conditions, socioeconomic status, marital status, domestic status, or parental status.
- We will listen to each other. This means we will care about what the other has to say.
- We will engage in a respectful manner. This means we will speak kindly to each other and, when providing feedback or responding to queries, we will be constructive and polite.
- We will not use discriminatory language. This means we will avoid offensive words and tone.
- We will be aware of power dynamics that arise from intersectional dynamics, and behave appropriately. This means we self-reflect on who we are, who we are speaking to, and ensure that we have a lot to learn from each other.
- Harassment and bullying, including unsolicited or unwelcome sexual advances or inference of threat of reprisal or denial of opportunity for refusing to comply, will not be tolerated.
- We will support and care for each other. This means we will genuinely do all the above, together and for everyone.
This is also a useful guide on navigating, participating & contributing to brave spaces if you want more information.
Whilst we expect our members to embody the values of the network, and for us to have a generative and inspiring week together, in the event of any harmful behaviour we have the necessary procedures in place to take seriously any cases that are reported.
What are my options if I experience or witness behaviour which breaches the above principles?
We have a group at the conference which is dedicated to supporting you.
If you have seen anything that you think may need action then please tell any member of the Nomad IT team.
If you need support because of anything you have experienced, Jessica Ball from Creating Meaning is available throughout the conference and is experienced in deep listening and nonviolent communication.
- If you wish to report harmful behaviour please make yourself known to a member of the NomadIT staff in their office in the Anthropology lab (the reception desk team can direct you). They will contact Jessica to come as quickly as possible to speak with you.
- Following this initial point of support, Jessica will discuss with you the options for reporting. This includes:
- Speaking with someone from the wider group if you have particular needs e.g. converse in another language, have someone known to you in the room with you, speak with someone of the same gender identity, career stage, sexual orientation or cultural heritage etc
- The person making the complaint will be believed. Any next steps, e.g. formalising the complaint, will be determined by the person raising the complaint.
- Any allegation of discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation will be treated seriously, regardless of the seniority of those involved.
- It is our intention that any complaints will be treated in confidence. All those who are involved including witnesses, representatives and persons providing the information, have a duty to maintain confidentiality and will be provided with a safe space.
Knowingly false or malicious complaints may be considered a breach of this Code.
Sanctions
The POLLEN organising team have recourse to the following options depending on the nature of the complaint and the wishes of the complainant:
- Confidential report which will be retained – this will be done in line with relevant data protection regulations.
- A verbal warning to the perpetrator of the offense.
- A meeting with the perpetrator for discussion or arbitration, a representative from this group will be present.
- A request that the perpetrator removes themselves immediately from the conference.
- A ban on attending future POLLEN events.
- A report can be passed on to a relevant person, e.g. the line manager in the home institution of the perpetrator.
- Formal reporting to police for a criminal investigation, if appropriate.
We look forward to an enjoyable, supportive and inclusive conference.
The POLLEN Anti-Harassment and Complaints team