CILIP’s Code of Conduct for content and activities

Preamble

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) has a duty to provide a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all members of the CILIP community and the wider profession who interact with our content, events and activities.

This Code of Conduct reflects CILIP’s commitment to uphold, promote and defend human rights, equalities and diversity and to proactively advocate for inclusive practice and workspaces. The Code also reflects our commitment to uphold, promote and defend intellectual freedom.

To ensure this commitment is reflected across all CILIP’s activities, the code of conduct outlines our expectations for presenter and participant behaviour at all events or activities led or hosted by the CILIP Community, including but not limited to conferences, webinars, training sessions and committee meetings.

By CILIP community we mean:

• CILIP staff and board including Devolved Nations
• The CILIP membership
• CILIP’s Committees, Networks, Special Interest Groups and Affiliates.

We expect all participants at CILIP events to abide by this code of conduct. Participants include delegates, speakers, trainers, webinar presenters, staff, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors and contractors.

The Code includes some additional expectations for speakers.

While the principles set out in this code apply to in person and online events, a slightly amended version for digital platforms is also provided (see “Code of Conduct for digital events” section below).

Code of conduct for in-person events

These points are written in no particular order of priority.

1. Be kind, considerate and respectful to, and look out for the wellbeing of your fellow participants.
2. Demeaning, discriminatory behaviour, content and commentary based on ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief (or lack thereof), social class, political views, physical appearance and body size is strictly prohibited.
3. Harassment, bullying or intimidation of any form will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to; deliberate intimidation; stalking; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention.
4. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate at any part of an event, including but not limited to talks, meetings, exhibition stands, conference social events, and any online media.
5. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.
6. All contributions made during a session should relate to the subject matter of that session. Discussion should be framed as openly and inclusively as possible. Be sensitive to a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.
7. Other people’s property should be respected at all times.
8. Venue rules and regulations should be adhered to.
9. Canvassing of delegates and exhibitors is not permitted unless you have a stand or sponsorship presence at the event. Likewise, unauthorised flyering or placement of promotional materials at CILIP events is not permitted unless you have received advance permission from the event organisers. Please contact events@cilip.org.uk to discuss exposure opportunities for you and your organisation.

Expectations for speakers when developing and/or delivering content

1. Celebrate the diversity of our sector and wider society by proactively using case studies or examples (text, images, film clips etc.) that reflect this diversity.
2. Avoid language, content and actions that perpetuate stereotypes (negative or positive).
3. Avoid jargon as it can be exclusionary.
4. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
5. Speakers touching on or dealing with sensitive issues must ensure that a fundamental respect for the rights, dignity, and value of all persons is observed and upheld (see “sensitive content” below).

Sensitive content: CILIP is committed to upholding, promoting and defending intellectual freedom and does not wish to stifle debate or discourage a multiplicity of viewpoints. However we do expect our speakers to ensure that any sensitive or controversial viewpoints or perspectives they deem necessary to present are presented critically and with due regard to the feelings of the audience.

Please reflect on whether any of your content raises sensitive issues. This may not be immediately obvious, so put yourself into the role of the listener.

Speakers requiring further guidance, especially with regard to sensitive content, please contact Yvonne Morris, EDI Programmes Manager in advance of a speaking event.

Reporting at an in-person event

CILIP will investigate all incidents that are reported with discretion and confidentiality.

Anyone subjected to unacceptable behaviour, or who witnesses another participant/s being subjected to unacceptable behaviour, should report it as soon as possible. The reporting procedure and contact details for reporting purposes will be provided before, or at the commencement of an event.

Anyone who feels that a speaker has not adequately reflected CILIP’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion should raise this with Yvonne Morris (EDI Programme Manager) in the first instance.

Enforcement at an in-person event

Participants asked to stop any behaviour that is in contravention of this Code of Conduct are expected to comply immediately.

The Chair and/or event organisers may take appropriate corrective action in response to any behaviour that it deems inappropriate, threatening, offensive, or harmful in order to ensure the event remains a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. Appropriate actions could include: giving a warning; requesting an apology; expelling a participant from an event in its entirety or in part; barring from future CILIP events.

The procedure for investigating a serious complaint about the professional conduct of a CILIP member is set out in the Disciplinary Regulations.

Comment and feedback

We are actively learning and welcome critical comment and feedback on this Code of Conduct. Please contact Yvonne Morris.

These points are written in no particular order of priority.

1. Be kind, considerate and respectful to, and look out for the wellbeing of your fellow participants.
2. Demeaning, discriminatory behaviour, content and commentary based on ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief (or lack thereof), social class, political views, physical appearance and body size is strictly prohibited.
3. Harassment, bullying or intimidation of any form will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, deliberate intimidation; stalking; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; and unwelcome sexual attention.
4. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate at any part of an event, including but not limited to talks, meetings, exhibition spaces, conference social events, and any online media.
5. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.
6. All contributions made during a session should relate to the subject matter of that session. Discussion should be framed as openly and inclusively as possible. Be sensitive to a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.
7. Online platform rules and regulations should be adhered to.

Expectations for speakers when developing and/or delivering content

1. Celebrate the diversity of our sector and wider society by proactively using case studies or examples (text, images, film clips etc.) that reflect this diversity.
2. Avoid language, content and actions that perpetuate stereotypes (negative or positive).
3. Avoid jargon as it can be exclusionary.
4. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
5. Speakers touching on or dealing with sensitive issues must ensure that a fundamental respect for the rights, dignity, and value of all persons is observed and upheld (see “sensitive content” below).

Sensitive content: CILIP is committed to upholding, promoting and defending intellectual freedom and does not wish to stifle debate or discourage a multiplicity of viewpoints. However we do expect our speakers to ensure that any sensitive or controversial viewpoints or perspectives they deem necessary to present are presented critically and with due regard to the feelings of the audience.

Please reflect on whether any of your content raises sensitive issues. This may not be immediately obvious, so put yourself into the role of the listener.

Speakers requiring further guidance, especially with regard to sensitive content, please contact Yvonne Morris, EDI Programmes Manager, in advance of a speaking event.

Reporting at a digital event

CILIP will investigate all incidents that are reported with discretion and confidentiality.

Anyone subjected to unacceptable behaviour, or who witnesses another participant/s being subjected to unacceptable behaviour, should report it as soon as possible. The reporting procedure and contact details for reporting purposes will be provided before, or at the commencement of an event.

Anyone who feels that a speaker has not adequately reflected CILIP’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion should raise this with Yvonne Morris (EDI Programme Manager) in the first instance.

Enforcement at a digital event

Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

The Chair, moderator and/or event organisers may take appropriate corrective action in response to any behaviour that it deems inappropriate, threatening, offensive, or harmful. Appropriate actions could include: giving a warning; requesting an apology; moving the participant into a waiting room, removing a participant from the event in its entirety or in part; barring from future CILIP events.

Moderators reserve the right to remove, edit, or reject comments, and other contributions that are not aligned to this Code of Conduct.

Overview

Our staff and activists are encouraged to use social media. These guidelines, which include a Code of Conduct, provide practical support and a framework for effectively managing our social media activities. They also outline what to do if things go wrong.

The guidelines apply to all those who represent CILIP on social media including staff, committee members, trustees and other office bearers. They also apply to all forms of social media including collaborative working platforms and virtual learning environments.

Using social media benefits the organisation in many ways; making it easier and quicker to listen to feedback, connect with people, share ideas and knowledge, provide information, raise the profile of the organisation and our services, and have useful conversations.

Our activities need to be properly managed to build and safeguard our reputation, manage risk, and get the most from our activities.

These guidelines set a standard for behaviour on social media, and they outline what steps will be taken if they are not followed.

The full guidelines can be downloaded here.

Code of Conduct for social media

All those who represent CILIP on social media are also required to agree with the following Code of Conduct that reflects CILIP’s commitment to uphold, promote and defend human rights, equalities and diversity and to proactively advocate for inclusive practice and work spaces.

These points are written in no particular order of priority.

1. Be kind, considerate and respectful to other social media users.
2. Demeaning, discriminatory behaviour, content and commentary based on ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief (or lack thereof), social class, political views, physical appearance and body size is strictly prohibited.
3. Harassment, bullying or intimidation of any form will not be accepted. This includes, but is not limited to, deliberate intimidation; stalking; the display or dissemination of sexual images; and unwelcome sexual attention.
4. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.
5. Discussion should be framed as openly and inclusively as possible. Be sensitive to a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.
6. Online platform rules and regulations should be adhered to.

Introduction

Information Professional magazine is the magazine of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. It provides news, in-depth reporting, analysis and insight for all those working in the library, information and knowledge sectors. It is run by an Editorial Team led by an Editor.

Editorial values

Information Professional abides by the National Union of Journalist’s Journalistic Code of Conduct. This is an ethical code used by journalists to produce content that is "honestly conveyed, accurate and fair".

Where we include an opinion piece from CILIP or from a CILIP staff member we will ensure that it reflects CILIP’s values and ethics. Opinion pieces from CILIP or CILIP staff will be clearly identifiable as such.

We seek to reflect the views and experiences of our readers so that our content includes a breadth and diversity of opinion and to represent and celebrate the diversity of the library, knowledge and information sector and wider society.

In exercising our right to freedom of expression, we take care to avoid causing unjustifiable offence. Sensitive or controversial viewpoints or perspectives are presented critically and with due regard to the feelings of our readers. A fundamental respect for the rights, dignity, and value of all persons is observed and upheld at all times.

Contributing writers

Third party/submitted/commissioned articles do not necessarily reflect official CILIP Policy or CILIP’s views. Inclusion in the magazine is not an endorsement, and we would encourage readers to engage with content and contributors in a respectful manner. Information Professional is happy to consider contributions from members and non-members.

Contributing writers are required to abide by the following Code of Conduct that reflects CILIP’s commitment to uphold, promote and defend human rights, equalities and diversity and to proactively advocate for inclusive practice.

These points are written in no particular order of priority.

1. Demeaning, discriminatory content based on ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief (or lack thereof), social class, political views, physical appearance and body size is strictly prohibited.
2. Content should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.
3. Where case studies, examples and illustrations are used, celebrate the diversity of our sector and wider society by proactively seeking out or creating examples that reflect this diversity.
4. Avoid language and content that perpetuates stereotypes (negative or positive).
5. Avoid jargon as it can be exclusionary.
6. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Writers touching on or dealing with sensitive issues must ensure that a fundamental respect for the rights, dignity, and value of all persons is observed and upheld (see “sensitive content” below).

Sensitive content: CILIP is committed to upholding, promoting and defending intellectual freedom and does not wish to stifle debate or discourage a multiplicity of viewpoints. However we do expect our writers to ensure that any sensitive or controversial viewpoints or perspectives they deem necessary to present are presented critically and with due regard to the feelings of the audience.

Please reflect on whether any of your content raises sensitive issues. This may not be immediately obvious, so put yourself into the role of the reader.

Writers requiring further guidance with regard to sensitive content, please contact Rob Green, Editor, at rob.green@cilip.org.uk or Yvonne Morris, EDI Programmes Manager.

Complaints

Information Professional provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and to promote dialogue in the sector. We encourage our readers to interact and engage with our content and contributors in an inclusive and respectful manner.

We are open in acknowledging mistakes when they are made and want to learn from them. Our procedure for the handling and resolution of complaints is to contact the editor in the first instance. Corrections and clarifications for factual errors will be included in the next available issue of IP.

If that does not resolve an issue we would escalate it and follow the process outlined below.

In managing and investigating complaints, CILIP will adhere to the following principles:

• Complaints will be dealt with in a fair, transparent and timely manner giving due regard to the ethical framework and broader EDI commitments
• the investigation, and evidence required, will be proportionate to the issues raised
• complainants will not be victimised or disadvantaged for bringing a complaint;
• complaints will be monitored and reported on to understand, where possible, the root causes
• where an investigation identifies problems in our services and/or policies, we will take steps to prevent any recurrence
• throughout the process, the focus will be on resolving issues not apportioning blame.

Introduction

Facet Publishing is the book publishing arm of CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, publishing professional, academic and educational content for those working, researching and studying in the library, information and knowledge sectors. It is run by a Publishing Team led by the Head of Publishing.

Editorial values

Facet abides by the industry-wide ‘commitment to professional behaviour in bookselling and publishing’, which was written and endorsed by the Booksellers Association, The Society of Authors, The Publishers Association and the Association of Authors’ Agents. The commitment if founded on the following principles:

1. We in the books industry support creative expression and freedom of speech. However, our creative realm is also a professional one and we expect high standards of behaviour from everyone we encounter in the course of our work, including colleagues and customers.


2. We will protect the passion, imagination and creativity of everyone in the books industry. We will celebrate and promote diversity and inclusion so that all voices can be heard.


3. We will recognise our influence and make a commitment to work together to prevent abuse of power, creating a work environment free of discrimination, harassment including sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation.


4. We will ensure that everyone in our industry is treated with dignity and respect so that individuals are supported and able to speak out.

The full commitment can be found here:

Authors and contributors

Third party/submitted/commissioned articles do not necessarily reflect official Facet Policy or Facet’s views. Inclusion in our books is not an endorsement, and we would encourage readers to engage with content and contributors in a respectful manner.

Authors, editors and contributors are required to abide by the following Code of Conduct:

1. Demeaning, discriminatory content based on ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief (or lack thereof), social class, political views, physical appearance and body size is strictly prohibited.
2. Content should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.
3. Where case studies, examples and illustrations are used, celebrate the diversity of our sector and wider society by proactively seeking out or creating examples that reflect this diversity.
4. Avoid language, content and actions that perpetuate stereotypes (negative or positive).
5. Avoid jargon as it can be exclusionary.
6. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Authors, editors and contributors must ensure that a fundamental respect for the rights, dignity, and value of all persons is observed and upheld (see “sensitive content” below).

Sensitive content: Facet is committed to upholding, promoting and defending intellectual freedom and does not wish to stifle debate or discourage a multiplicity of viewpoints. However we do expect our writers to ensure that any sensitive or controversial viewpoints or perspectives they deem necessary to present are presented critically and with due regard to the feelings of the audience.

Please reflect on whether any of your content raises sensitive issues. This may not be immediately obvious, so put yourself into the role of the reader.

Writers requiring further guidance with regard to sensitive content, please contact Pete Baker, Head of Publishing or Yvonne Morris, EDI Programmes Manager.

Complaints

Facet Publishing provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and to promote dialogue in the sector. We encourage our readers to interact and engage with our content and contributors in an inclusive and respectful manner.

We are open in acknowledging mistakes when they are made and want to learn from them. Our procedure for the handling and resolution of complaints is to contact the author in the first instance. Corrections and clarifications for factual errors will be included on the Facet website.

If that does not resolve an issue we would escalate it and follow the process outlined below.

In managing and investigating complaints, Facet will adhere to the following principles:

• Complaints will be dealt with in a fair, transparent and timely manner giving due regard to the ethical framework and broader EDI commitments
• the investigation, and evidence required, will be proportionate to the issues raised
• complainants will not be victimised or disadvantaged for bringing a complaint;
• complaints will be monitored and reported on to understand, where possible, the root causes
• where an investigation identifies problems in our services and/or policies, we will take steps to prevent any recurrence
• throughout the process, the focus will be on resolving issues not apportioning blame.