MTC Events Code of Conduct

Our Commitment

MTC Events is committed to a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and be heard. We expect all speakers sponsors, stakeholders and delegates to uphold the standards in this Code before, during and after the event (including online interactions on event platforms). Discrimination, harassment and victimisation are prohibited under the Equality Act 2010. 

Legal Foundations You Must Follow

a) Protected Characteristics (Equality Act 2010)

Speakers must not discriminate against, harass, or victimise anyone because of any of the nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

b) Harassment (Section 26, Equality Act 2010)

Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. Assessment considers the recipient’s perception, the circumstances, and whether it is reasonable for the conduct to have that effect. Sexual harassment and less favourable treatment because someone submitted to or rejected such conduct are also unlawful.

Practical implication: “I didn’t intend to offend” is not a defence if the effect meets the legal test above.

Expected Speaker Behaviour

  1. Be respectful and professional. Treat attendees, other speakers, staff and suppliers with courtesy and dignity. Challenge ideas without attacking people. 
  2. Inclusive delivery.
    1. Use language and visuals that are respectful and inclusive.
    2. Avoid stereotypes, slurs, or generalisations linked to any protected characteristic. 
  3. Accessible content. 
    1. Provide accessible slides in advance (alt text for key images/diagrams; avoid tiny fonts; ensure colour contrast).
    2. Describe essential visuals verbally while presenting. (MTC can advise on formats and reasonable adjustments.) (General good practice supported by UK public-sector accessibility guidance norms; also aligns with Equality Act duty to make reasonable adjustments.) 
  4. Responsible media and data use. 
    1. Only use content you have rights to show; credit sources.
    2. Obtain explicit consent before displaying personal data, images, or quotes that identify individuals. (This supports lawful, fair processing under UK data protection principles.) (General principle; legal compliance expectation.)
  5. Q&A and moderation. Encourage diverse voices; do not dominate, dismiss, or demean questioners especially those from underrepresented groups. 
  6. No commercial spamming. 
  7. Keep promotion proportionate and relevant to the session brief. 

Unacceptable Conduct (Non-exhaustive)

  • Harassment, discrimination, or victimisation related to protected characteristics (see Section 2). 
  • Derogatory or demeaning content, including images, memes, or examples that stereotype or ridicule a protected group.
  • Sexualised language or imagery, unwelcome sexual attention, or jokes of a sexual nature.
  • Bullying or intimidation, including shouting, stalking, threats, and aggressive conduct (on-stage, off-stage, or online). 
  • Sustained disruption of sessions (e.g., hijacking panels, ignoring moderator instructions). 
  • Unauthorised recording of participants or distributing session content without permission where restricted.

Balancing Free Expression and Safety

MTC values open, evidence-based debate. Lawful speech that some may find challenging is permitted; unlawful speech (e.g., harassment, incitement, or discrimination) is not. Moderators may intervene to keep discussions within the law and our standards. (UK policy and university practice recognise the need to balance lawful free speech with duties to prevent unlawful conduct.) 

Reasonable Adjustments & Accessibility

If you need adjustments (e.g. slide format deadlines, alternative microphones, caption checks), contact the events team as early as possible. MTC Events will take reasonable steps to support accessible participation and delivery.

Reporting Concerns

  • During the event: Speak to any MTC Event’s staff member.
  • Email (during/after): events@the-mtc.org 
  • What to include: Session name/time, people involved, brief description, any evidence (e.g. slide numbers, screenshots).We will acknowledge reports, assess promptly, keep information as confidential as practicable and take appropriate action. 

Enforcement 

MTC Events may apply any of the following, proportionately to the circumstances:

  • Informal reminder or coaching
  • Formal warning
  • Session moderation or halt
  • Removal from programme or venue (without fee/expense reimbursement)
  • Exclusion from future events
  • Referral to employer/partner organisation and/or relevant authorities where appropriate

Speaker Confirmation 

By accepting an invitation to speak at an MTC event, you agree to:

  1. Read and comply with this Code.
  2. Submit materials by agreed deadlines for accessibility and content review.
  3. Follow moderator and event-team instructions.
  4. Promptly correct any issues raised under this Code.

Recording & IP: MTC Events may record sessions for internal and attendee access. By speaking, you grant MTC the right to record, edit and distribute your session for event purposes. If you cannot or do not consent, you must inform MTC Events in writing before the event.