Purpose and scope

The organisers of the Computational Humanities Research conference are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment in which everyone is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

This Code of Conduct applies to speakers, session chairs, organisers, volunteers, attendees, exhibitors, and anyone else participating in CHR2027. It covers all conference-related activities, including sessions, workshops, social events, digital communications, and any online elements that may be offered.

Our approach is informed by the CHR2027 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion commitments, the University of Manchester’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, and its Dignity at Work and Study framework.

Expected conduct

Participants are expected to:

• treat others with courtesy, dignity, and respect;
• communicate constructively and be mindful of the impact of their words and actions;
• respect people’s identities, names, pronouns, privacy, personal boundaries, and access requirements;
• welcome different perspectives and experiences, including respectful academic disagreement; and
• follow instructions from organisers and University staff concerning safety, accessibility, and the conduct of the event.

Unacceptable conduct

CHR2027 does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, victimisation, intimidation, or abuse. This includes conduct related to age, disability, gender reassignment or identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, career stage, or any other aspect of a person’s identity or circumstances.

Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• derogatory, demeaning, or discriminatory comments, jokes, images, or gestures;
• hate speech, deliberate intimidation, threats, stalking, or sustained disruption;
• unwanted sexual attention, unwanted physical contact, or sexual harassment;
• deliberate misuse of a person’s name or pronouns;
• photographing, recording, or sharing personal information without permission where consent would reasonably be expected;
• retaliation or victimisation following a concern or report; and
• encouraging or assisting any of the behaviours above.

Reporting a concern

If you experience or witness behaviour that may breach this Code, you can:

• speak to a member of the CHR2027 response team during the conference;
• email the local organisers at local@computational-humanities-research.org; or
• use the University of Manchester’s Report + Support service to seek support or submit an anonymous report. This service is available to students, staff, visitors, and members of the public.

The CHR2027 response team will include the CHR Diversity and Inclusion Officer and a designated member of the local organising committee. Their names and direct contact details, together with details of any dedicated anonymous CHR reporting route, will be published before the conference.

Reports will be taken seriously and handled as sensitively and confidentially as possible. Information will be shared only where needed to assess the concern, provide support, or take appropriate action. Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where disclosure is required to protect someone’s safety or meet a legal obligation. A person making a report in good faith will not be penalised or subjected to retaliation.

If a report concerns a member of the response team, that person will take no part in handling it. The reporter may instead contact another member of the team or use the University’s Report + Support service.

Response and possible action

The organisers will consider the wishes and safety of the person affected, the information available, and the seriousness of the conduct. Responses may include a warning, support in leaving or re-entering an activity, removal from a session or event, cancellation of registration, referral to the University or another relevant organisation, or contact with emergency services. Anonymous reports may limit the action that can be taken, but they can still help identify patterns and improve conference practice.

In an emergency, call 999. For urgent help on the University campus, contact the University’s 24-hour Campus Support and Security team on 0161 306 9966.

Feedback and review

The organisers will review the operation of this Code and the conference’s EDI arrangements after CHR2027. Feedback can be sent to local@computational-humanities-research.org.