Code of conduct

The Mathematical Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, where all staff and students feel welcomed and accepted - irrespective of background, beliefs and cultures. We all share a responsibility to actively foster this environment.

In particular, we set out the following expectations:

Treat one another with dignity and respect, appreciating all forms of diversity and having an awareness and consideration of others.
Recognise that differences can lead to varying expectations and interpretations of behaviour but should be respectful of others' opinions and feelings.
Work constructively to make others feel supported and included - actively encourage participation and recognise the benefit of hearing from diverse voices.
Do not take part in or tolerate any discrimination, bullying or harassment; these behaviours are unacceptable.
Engage with relevant training and awareness events offered across the department, division and university.

Everyone in the department, including staff, students, and visitors, is expected to adhere to this code of conduct. The expectations for student conduct align with the guidelines set out by the University.

By adhering to these principles, we aim to foster a collaborative and respectful environment conducive to academic and personal growth for all members of the Mathematical Institute.

Meetings and lectures, seminars and conferences

Meetings, lectures, seminars, and other events should provide a respectful and inclusive environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas. Participants are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct, as well as the University's Code of practice on Freedom of Speech. (Should it be useful, a group of Oxford colleagues have collaborated to create a set of Free Speech 'tips' to support the discussion of difficult topics.)

There is no tolerance for any interactions, intentional or unintentional, that constitute harassment, discrimination or intimidation. While open discussions, debates and challenge are essential elements of academic interaction, they should be conducted with utmost respect for all involved.

Responsibility of Organisers and Chairs: Organisers and chairs of events and meetings have a responsibility for promoting and delivering these principles. Expectations should be clearly set out to participants, for example, sharing this Code of Conduct in advance, and stating house rules during an introduction. The Chair of an event must challenge poor interactions and/or share appropriate feedback with participants to avoid further instances or escalation. The department offers induction training to all new Committee Chairs, but please contact @email if you require any further support.
Respectful Interaction: Challenges should be directed towards ideas and should never be personal attacks on individuals expressing them. Participants should be aware that tone and body language is so impactful. Aggressive or intimidating language is not acceptable, and disruptive behaviour such as persistent intervention or repetition of remarks or questions must be avoided. All participants must respond appropriately to requests from the Chair.
Support for less experienced speakers: Support should be given to students and early-career researchers who may have less experience in meetings and seminars. Where the presenter has less experience, it may be helpful to allow only clarification questions during presentations, with other questions reserved for afterwards.
Teaching and Supervision: Teaching and supervision should be conducted inclusively to encourage active participation. Staff should be aware of the power dynamics in teaching relationships and ensure that any critique or feedback is focused on the individual's work and tailored to their level of experience. Supervisors and teachers should avoid any form of bullying, harassment, or discrimination, and be careful not to use offensive language.

Social and networking events

Social and networking events associated with the Mathematical Institute, such as informal gatherings and team-building activities, must adhere to the same guidelines as formal departmental events. Any form of harassment or discrimination is strictly prohibited. Organisers have the responsibility to promote and maintain these principles, to remind participants of the importance of respectful behaviour and inclusivity, and to address any issues promptly. Support should be offered to new members or those less familiar with social dynamics to foster inclusivity and respectful exchanges.

Preventing bullying and harassment

The Mathematical Institute does not tolerate any form of harassment or victimisation, and expects all members of our community and its visitors to treat each other with respect, fairness, and consideration. The department adheres to the University's Harassment Policy.

If you feel that you experience or witness bullying and/or harassment, please talk to someone. The Mathematical Institute has a number of Harassment Advisors, who are trained to listen to your concerns in a supportive, confidential, and non-judgmental space, and offer confidential support on next steps. Speaking to a harassment advisor does not initiate a formal process, but can provide information on the options available to report an incident of bullying or harassment.

Regular Responsible Bystander training sessions are delivered within the department and by the MPLS Divsion, which support attendees to develop skills, confidence and techniques required to respond if you do happen to see or hear inappropriate behaviour or language. Please contact @email if you wish to book a place.

Discrimination

The Mathematical Institute embraces diversity amongst its members and seeks to achieve equity in the experience, progression and achievement of all students and staff.

The department is committed to ensure that no member of its community is discriminated against on the basis of protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, or sexual orientation. In this respect, the department is guided by the University's Equality Policy, the Equality Act 2010, and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Addressing and resolving incidents

If you encounter behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to seek support as soon as possible. We are committed to addressing any issues that are brought to our attention swiftly, and to providing the necessary support for those affected.

Multiple reporting options are available and we encourage you to choose an approach that feels comfortable and manageable:

Speak to your supervisor, line manager, HR Team or Head of Academic Administration.
Speak confidently to a Harassment Advisor.
MPLS Resolution Service: trained resolvers, from across MPLS, support the parties involved to resolve issues and concerns in an informal and safe environment, through a sequential, structured and collaborative process.
Report + Support: an online platform that enables you to tell the University about an incident/concern of bullying and harassment, anonymously if you wish, and either on your own behalf or as a witness.
Disability Coordinator.
Student sexual violence and harassment support service: the support service will be able to help any student who has experienced sexual harassment or violence (this includes stalking and relationship abuse).
College support

Formal complaints are handled following the University's Harassment Policy. To make a formal complaint, you are encouraged to talk to a Harassment Advisor who can guide you through the process.

With oversight from the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, we are committed to learn and take action where appropriate to improve standards of behaviour.