Safe Space Policy

This is a draft policy. It is under discussion and has not been approved.

• Wikimedia UK organises activities in order to create, promote and share open knowledge, which is the charitable objective in our Articles of Association.
• All our activities are open to everyone, regardless of background and prior involvement, who wish to help us achieve this objective.
• We expect participants to show friendliness and civility. Volunteers and staff should be treated with courtesy.
• Disruptive or discriminatory behaviour which prevents others participating in Wikimedia UK's activities is not acceptable. This includes (but is not limited to):
  • Harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour aimed at any individual on grounds of their gender, ethnicity, age, sexuality, disability, religious belief (or lack thereof). Harassment also includes sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, unwelcome following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately. Harassment will be treated equally whether it takes place online or in person.
  • Persistent intrusion into the private lives of individuals who choose to participate in Wikimedia UK activities.
• Activity organisers are responsible for ensuring this policy is followed. If they are concerned about the conduct of an individual, or receive a complaint, they should take action appropriate to the situation. In some cases this might be a private warning to the person concerned asking them to change their behaviour. In more serious cases it may be necessary to ask someone to leave. If necessary, event organisers will involve the staff of the premises where the event is being held, or the Police.
• If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact one of the event organisers immediately. Event organisers will assist anyone experiencing harassment, e.g. by providing someone to accompany them.
• Any action taken should be promptly reported to the Chief Executive.
• Where an individual exhibits a pattern of unacceptable behaviour, or if they seek to participate for reasons other than the advancement of our charitable objectives, then the Chief Executive should recommend to the Board that that individual be excluded from all Wikimedia UK activities. Such exclusion will take effect pending a resolution of the Board.
• Any concerns with the implementation of this policy should be raised with the Chief Executive in the first instance. Where concerns relate to the conduct of the Chief Executive, they should be relayed to the Chair.