Fellow Code of Conduct

Last updated: [date]

DRAFT – not for publication. This code must be reviewed and approved by a qualified lawyer before it is published.

Why we have this code

The Civic Engagement Academy brings together senior professionals from different sectors, regions and viewpoints. Fellows learn most when they feel safe to speak openly. This code sets out what we expect of every Fellow, and what Fellows can expect of us. By accepting a place, you agree to follow it.

Respect

  • Treat fellow participants, facilitators, guest speakers and staff with courtesy and professionalism.
  • Listen actively and allow others to finish.
  • Challenge ideas, not people. Disagreement is welcome; personal attacks are not.

Confidentiality

We follow a rule based on the Chatham House Rule:

  • You may use the ideas and information shared in sessions.
  • You must not reveal the identity or affiliation of the person who shared them, or of anyone else present, without their permission.
  • This applies in conversation, on social media, in writing and in your workplace.
  • Treat personal stories, examples from colleagues' organisations and anything marked confidential with particular care.

No recording by participants

The Academy records sessions and shares recordings only with the cohort. Fellows must not:

  • record sessions (video or audio) by any means
  • take screenshots or photos of participants or the chat
  • use AI note-taking or transcription tools in sessions [confirm policy]
  • share session links, recordings or materials outside the cohort

Attendance and punctuality

  • Join sessions on time and stay for the full session where possible.
  • A Certificate of Attendance requires at least 85% attendance across the 15 sessions.
  • If you cannot attend, tell the programme team in advance where you can.
  • Keep your camera on where possible, and minimise distractions.

Inclusive participation

  • Make space for others to contribute, especially quieter voices.
  • Use inclusive language and avoid jargon where you can.
  • Respect differences in gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, region, language, sector and political view.
  • Be patient with connection problems and different levels of technical confidence.

No harassment or discrimination

We do not tolerate harassment, bullying, discrimination or intimidation in any form, during sessions or in any related space (such as group chats or direct messages). This includes:

  • offensive comments or jokes
  • unwelcome sexual attention or messages
  • repeated, unwanted contact
  • threats or deliberate disruption

Conflicts of interest and political neutrality

The Academy is non-partisan.

  • Do not use sessions to campaign for a political party, candidate or cause, or to fundraise or sell.
  • Discussion of policy and politics is welcome when it is respectful and relevant to learning.
  • Declare any conflict of interest that may affect a discussion or activity.
  • Do not use the cohort directory or contact details for marketing or recruitment without consent.

Reporting concerns

If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this code, or have any concern, please tell us. You can contact:

  • [Safeguarding / conduct contact name and role] at [conduct contact email]
  • any facilitator during or after a session
  • the programme team at hello@evidenceandmethodslab.org

We will treat reports seriously, promptly and as confidentially as possible. We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Consequences

Depending on how serious the breach is, we may:

  • have an informal conversation with you
  • give a written warning
  • remove you from a session or space
  • suspend or end your participation
  • withhold or revoke your certificate

Where conduct may be unlawful, we may refer it to the relevant authorities. You may appeal a decision to [appeals contact – confirm] within [appeal period – confirm].

Our commitments to you

Facilitators and the programme team will:

  • prepare well, start on time and respect your time
  • create a safe, inclusive and non-partisan learning space
  • follow the same standards of confidentiality and respect
  • handle your personal data and recordings as set out in our Privacy Notice
  • respond fairly and promptly to concerns
  • welcome your feedback and act on it

Contact

Evidence and Methods Lab (EML) Plot 13 Kenneth Dale Lane, Kamwokya, Kampala, Uganda hello@evidenceandmethodslab.org

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