The code of conduct applies to all events which includes conference related social events at off-site locations, and in related online communities and social media.
The trade bodies said: “We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive event experience for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion or other protected category. Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.”
Expected behaviour in the code of conduct includes being considerate and respectful to all members, refraining from “demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour, materials, and speech” and speaking up if a member observes anything that conflicts with the code of conduct.
It said that if an individual is being harassed or feels uncomfortable, or if an individual notices someone else is being harassed or has other concerns, then they should contact a member of event staff or raise the issue with their host immediately.
Know your boundaries
Unacceptable behaviour listed in the code of conduct includes but is not limited to:
- Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech, materials, or conduct by any Participants of the event and related event activities. Many event venues are shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
- Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.
- Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
- Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.
- Inappropriate photography or recording.
- Taking of photos within the event environment for use on social media, without the prior permission of the individuals or owners of the content therein.
- Any boisterous, lewd, or offensive behaviour or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language, materials or conduct, or any language, behaviour, or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious, or ethnic slurs.
- Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the event venue.
AMI and IMLA said that unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone asked to cease inappropriate behaviour will be expected to comply immediately.
They continued that further action may be taken including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund and for more “egregious behaviour” the trade bodies may temporarily ban or permanently expel a participant from future events.
Expected standards of behaviour
Nicola Goldie (pictured), head of strategic partnerships and growth at Aldermore and a member of IMLA’s management committee, said: “Events play a very important role in the mortgage and insurance industries, presenting great opportunities for networking, promoting community cohesion and building relationships between providers, advisers and associated colleagues.
“The events code of conduct created by AMI and IMLA together through Working in Mortgages sets out the standards of behaviour we all expect from each other at mortgage industry events as professional people.”
Robert Sinclair, CEO at AMI, added: “This code of conduct provides clear guidance to ensure that all attendees feel safe, comfortable and respected at all times, both at live events and in the associated social media sphere.
“We believe adherence to the code will serve to improve the quality and professionalism of our industry events and interactions.”
