Code of Conduct

Glasgow 2024 Code of Conduct

By participating in and/or interacting with any/all Glasgow 2024 activities, regardless of Event Venue or format, you agree that you have carefully read and agreed to this Code of Conduct.

This is version 2.01, approved November 2023.

Glasgow 2024 believes that a Code of Conduct (“CoC” or “Code”) helps to make our community one that is welcoming to all fans. We are committed to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, at all Glasgow 2024 related events. Set aside a few minutes to carefully review and understand our CoC as well as our related policies and statements which are important addenda to the overall CoC.

Every single person involved with Glasgow 2024 is expected to show respect towards everyone else. This includes all team members, as well as venue staff, the general public, and the various communities associated with the convention or other event(s) taking place.

Glasgow 2024 aspires to be a convention that welcomes people of all ages and, as such, children will be present at many events as well as in open spaces. Whether you notice them or not, they will witness your actions, so behave accordingly.

See Everyone is protected by this Code for an incomplete list of who is protected by this Code.

Regardless of any inclusion or exclusion on any list found in this document, Glasgow 2024 does not and will not tolerate any form of harassment of any participant. 

Why we have a Code of Conduct

About this Code

This Code seeks to create a safer space by discouraging anti-social behaviour and helping everyone to feel comfortable. It also guides us as to the behavioural standards we hope to see from those attending our events, and how to act when these are not met. Glasgow 2024 prioritises marginalised peoples’ safety over privileged peoples’ comfort.

The Code is a living document and we expect it to change over time to reflect changes in and beyond fandom as well as the convention ethos. We welcome feedback and suggestions for improvement; please feel free to contact us at coc@glasgow2024.org.

How to Help

  • Read and follow this Code of Conduct. Ask your friends to read it as well.
  • Ask first! The easiest way to avoid issues is to check before doing something, and it only takes a moment.
  • Remember that both the Glasgow 2024 Team and Attendees come from all over the world. Cross-cultural misunderstanding can easily happen, so consider this in your humour and interactions, both online and in-person.

Defining Terms

For the purposes of this Code, the following terms will be used:

  • An Event is any circumstance where two or more people are interacting in a space that is hosted, sponsored, or otherwise under the auspices of Glasgow 2024. This includes, but is not limited to, outreach functions, parties, meetings, specifically including these functions when held at any convention.
  • An Event Venue is the space where any portion of any Event takes place, as well as any overflow space(s) that may be utilised. The following are a few examples:
    • Pre-con parties: the room(s) where the party is happening;
    • Pre-con pub gatherings: the section(s) of the pub set aside for the gathering.
    • Pre-con booths or tables: the area immediately around the designated space.
    • During Glasgow 2024: all portions of the SEC where the con is occupying space, additional Event Venues (e.g., hotel meeting rooms, theatres, etc.) where con-organised or -sponsored activities are occurring, and all con-related online forums. This specifically includes booths, tables, or any similar spaces.
    • Glasgow 2024 Discord channels, facebook groups, and other social media sites run by the convention.
  • Team or Team Members include all Glasgow 2024 volunteers, staff, and committee members, whether they are participating on-site or virtually.
  • Attendees include all persons present at the Event including, but not limited to, members, exhibitors, artists, and vendors.
  • Participants will include both Team Members and Attendees.

Code of Conduct’s jurisdiction

When any interaction occurs or is witnessed by any reasonable person who might  believe that the Event is hosted or sponsored by Glasgow 2024, then this Code is in effect for all Participants.

When this Code is in effect

This Code applies to any and all aspects of the Glasgow 2024 convention, whether they are in person, virtual, or  hybrid. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

  • Any and all Glasgow 2024 Events, both before and after the 82nd World Science Fiction Convention, are covered by this Code.
  • Any and all Glasgow 2024 electronic forums, whether they are on Glasgow 2024 social media, a convention-specific virtual platform, or elsewhere.
  • Any and all Glasgow 2024 Events and Event Venues where one or more Team Members are specifically present to interact with the general public, with other Team Members, or both.

Everyone is responsible for abiding by this Code

This Code of Conduct applies to all Participants in the Glasgow 2024 convention. This Code also applies to Participants in Glasgow 2024 related Events at other Event Venues, including conventions. There are no exceptions for anyone, including those who may have real or perceived importance, rank, reputation, or personage.

Everyone is protected by this Code

In the context of the Glasgow 2024 Code of Conduct, “Everyone” includes all Participants of all Events, regardless of age; disability; faith or religious beliefs; fiction/fandom preferences; gender; gender identity or expression; nationality or cultural background; neurodiversity; physical ability, appearance or body size; race; religion or faith; sexual identity or orientation; and/or socioeconomic status.

Violations of this Code of Conduct

We expect everyone to be responsible when drinking, ingesting, consuming, or otherwise subjecting themselves to substances that may negatively impact their behaviour(s). Failure to be responsible in these activities do not relieve you of your responsibility to abide by this Code.

What to do if someone upsets or troubles you

If you are bothered by anyone, or witness another Participant being bothered by anyone, the first step is, when possible, to ask them to stop the behaviour. If this is not possible in your situation, you are not required to do so. Please do note that a few of the listed violations include conditions like “sustained” or “unwanted.” These can be difficult to act on if the person behaving badly is not told there is a problem.

Whether or not you do ask for them to stop, you absolutely may report the issue. Such a report is extremely useful for identifying patterns of misbehaviour.

What to do if you are asked to stop

If you are acting in a manner that is disrupting or bothering another participant and they ask you to stop, you are required to stop the activity immediately. If you believe that you should be able to act in such a manner, you are still required to stop immediately, but we encourage you to reach out to the CoC team who may be able to help explain it to you.. We will listen to both sides and assist in making a determination, potentially before a formal complaint is made.

Examples of Code violations

Behaviour, in person or online, that will be considered a violation of this Code includes, but is certainly not limited to:

Harassment

  • Unwelcome or unwanted sexual attention.
  • Displaying sexual or otherwise inappropriate images in public spaces, even on a handheld personal device.
  • Sustained personal space violation.
    • Minimal amounts may be understood when not intentional and required by circumstance, such as a crowded elevator or queue.
  • Unwelcome or unwanted physical contact.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
  • Repeatedly misgendering or deadnaming.
  • Comments intended to belittle, offend, or cause discomfort.
  • Comments intended to reinforce social structures of domination.
  • Comments intended to scorn or belittle personal choices around disease mitigation in favour of decisions which are more or less cautious than other participants choices.
  • Unwanted photography or recording of anyone without their consent.
  • Treating cosplay/costumes as consent for contact, interaction, or photography.
  • Wearing any item or combination of items, including but not limited to costumes, t-shirts, badges or other items, that:
    • are offensive based on the other conditions and/or examples in this Code; or
    • the wearer has previously been asked to remove or cover by the committee or a representative of the committee.
  • Body shaming.
  • Microaggressions.
  • Repeated or sustained disruption of talks or other events.
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour.
  • Weaponizing this Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct Team will not act on any complaints regarding:

  • “Reverse discrimination”, such as reverse racism and cisphobia because challenging biases and privileges is not a form of discrimination;
  • Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “I want you to stop that”, “leave me alone”, “go away”, or “I’m not discussing this with you;”
  • Refusal to explain or debate social justice concepts;
  • Communicating in a ‘tone’ you don’t find congenial;
  • Criticising oppressive behaviour or assumptions including, but not limited to racism, sexism, cissexism, or others.

In addition, all Participants are bound by the UK’s Equality Act 2010.

Convention rules

  • Repeatedly failing to display your convention badge when requested.
  • Repeated failing to follow instructions from the Team.
  • Jumping any queue without authorization.
    • There are specific rules governing staff and accessible participants jumping, or appearing to jump, the queue.
  • Smoking or vaping outside of the designated areas.
    • The SEC is a completely smoke-free facility, excepting designated smoking shelters, located around the exterior of the SEC.

Conflict Escalations

It is not a violation to disagree with another’s views. It is a violation to escalate a disagreement beyond civil discourse, including but not limited to:

  • Continuing an argument in such a way that it disturbs others who are not involved.
  • Escalating an argument beyond the verbal to any physical interaction.
  • Making threats of any kind, including threats of actions defined elsewhere in this Code, as well as threats of physical actions. Making these threats in seriousness, in the heat of the moment, or in jest are all precisely equivalent; if the person receiving the threat(s) feels they might be credible threats, they will be treated as such under this Code.

Exceptions

Exhibitors, vendors, and representatives from other events, at any Event Venue remain subject to this Code of Conduct. In particular, exhibitors should not openly display sexualized images, activities, or other material, although this content may be kept out of sight and offered based on a customer’s inquiry, in keeping with the Indecent Display (Controls) Act 1981. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

Discussion or images that fall into the following categories are welcome if and only if it meets all of the criteria that follows:

Nominally prohibited:

  • conspicuous sexual activity
  • sexualization of any person(s)
  • pornography
  • discrimination
  • similar or related topics

None of the above are permitted in any Event Venue unless all of the following are true:

  1. The committee has specifically granted prior permission in writing.
  2. It is necessary to the topic of discussion and no alternative exists.
  3. It is presented in a respectful manner, especially towards those directly or indirectly listed in Everyone is protected by this Code.
  4. Participants are warned in advance in the programme and respectfully given ample warning and the opportunity to leave before the content is shown or discussed.

This exception specifically does not permit the use of gratuitous sexual images as attention-getting devices nor does it allow the use of unnecessary examples. No Exceptions will be considered unless they meet all of the listed Exception requirements. Exception requests must be submitted not less than 36 hours in advance for an at-convention Event and not less than 7 days before a pre- or post-convention Event. Requests submitted between July 29, 2024 and August 8, 2024 will be denied without review.

Enforcement

Anyone who is asked to stop any harassing behaviour is expected to comply immediately.

If a Participant engages in harassing behaviour, the Glasgow 2024 Team retains the right to take any actions deemed necessary to keep the Event a welcoming environment for all participants. We may also take actions to redress anything apparently designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting any portion of the Event or making the environment hostile to any Participant. See Potential Actions.

By participating in and/or interacting with any/all Glasgow 2024 activities, regardless of Event Venue or format, you agree that you have carefully read and agreed to this Code of Conduct.

Why report?

Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our Events for everyone. We sincerely want you to be happy at our Events because people like you make our Events better places to be. If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please submit an initial report as soon as possible; we are unable to work on fixing a problem we are unaware of.

End of the Glasgow 2024 Code of Conduct

What follows is information about reporting violations of the Code.

Reporting Code Violations

The Listener Team is a group of people whose mandate is to receive reports on potential violations of the Code of Conduct. They can escalate issues appropriately, discuss them in a totally confidential manner, and/or act as mediators, according to the wishes of the person raising the issue.

Reporting methods and response time expectations

While we cannot follow up an anonymous initial report with you directly, we will make every attempt to fully investigate and take whatever actions are necessary to prevent a recurrence.

Regardless of the contacts listed below, you can always send an email to coc@glasgow2024.org to submit an initial report. If you send the email in addition to using one of the other methods, please let us know that you have done this so we can accurately link your initial reports.

  • In Person [pre-Convention]: At Events prior to Glasgow 2024, you can speak to any convention representative, and they will ensure that you are directed to the best person present to take your initial report.
    • Initial Listener Response time goal: 24-36 hours.
  • Online [pre-Convention]: In the event that an incident occurs while you are participating in an online forum that is sponsored by or branded as being an official online  Event Venue for Glasgow 2024, you can reach out to a forum moderator, who will be able to either take your initial report or have a more appropriate person reach out to you to take a full report.
    • Initial Listener Response time goal: 24-36 hours.
  • In Person [during-Convention]: Convention Staff members can be identified by their badges, or you can visit nearly any fixed station or table where you have previously seen Staff members, including Registration, Information, or Operations. Note that while there is no wrong place to begin, you may be offered a place to wait until a member of the Listeners or CoC team can respond.
    • Initial Listener Response time goal: 15 minutes. This may be slightly longer overnight.
  • Online [during-Virtual Convention]: We will post more details about the best way to make a report about incidents that occur in this medium closer to the convention, but email will always work for your initial report.
    • Initial Listener Response time goal: 30-60 minutes.
  • By Phone [Convention-Only]: During the convention, a phone number will be provided to all Members. That number will be continuously monitored by the Operations (Ops) team for the duration of the event. You will be able to call or message them and they will be able to contact the Listeners and CoC teams, as needed.
    • Initial Listener Response time goal: 15 minutes. This may be slightly longer overnight.
    • Note: Because CoC Team members are located around the globe  —  and all have responsibilities having nothing to do with the convention  —  phone access will only be available during the convention itself. 

Other reporting methods

No matter when or where you witness a potential violation of the Glasgow 2024 Code, you are always encouraged to report it to coc@glasgow2024.org. Before the convention begins, other methods may not be as effective. Here are a few possible methods and when to not use them.

Reporting to Volunteers during the convention

It takes hundreds of volunteers to make a Worldcon happen, but only a small fraction of these individuals have any experience with Listener or CoC topics. In addition, most Volunteers do not have any means of getting additional help for you. Please only reach out to Team Members with Staff badges.

Making your initial report via social media

Except for reporting to moderators on the Glasgow 2024 Discord server, please don’t make your initial (nor follow-up) reports on social media.

Some of the reasons for this advice includes:

  • Our CoC and Listener Teams are not ordinarily able to actively monitor any social media channels, including the convention Discord server.
  • Communications via social media outlets do not comply with our privacy protection requirements, and we can not respond to you with any level of detail for this same reason.
  • The CoC team has no access to any Glasgow 2024 social media channels, except as personal users, meaning we would not be able to respond in any official fashion.
  • Because of the on-site team’s responsibilities, even public messages might not be seen by the CoC team until it was hours, days, or even weeks too late to help.
    • Please note that reports made through moderators on the convention-run Discord servers can take your information and it will get to us in a more timely fashion.

Reporting Process

Events by Glasgow 2024

Issues arising at our own branded or sponsored Events, either in person or virtual, should always be reported via the Glasgow 2024 process. This same process should be used for any or all violations, whether they were made by attendees, volunteers, or team members.

Events by others

If something that concerns you occurs at an Event, such as a Glasgow 2024-sponsored party at another conventionthat is sponsored by another entity who has also published a Code of Conduct, please follow the reporting procedures set out in that document first. You may additionally choose to make a report via the Glasgow 2024 process. This will allow us to keep track of recurring issues and identify repeat offenders.

Expanding your initial report

If you do submit an initial report, our Listener Team will respond to you as quickly as possible. They may follow-up with you, both to gain a better understanding of the issue, and to learn what you would like to happen next. We understand that reporting can be upsetting, and we will handle the process as respectfully as possible while supporting you, the reporter. The Listener team will proceed at their discretion, based on the content, context and your wishes, as communicated to them.

When taking your report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. Once safe, we will ask you to tell us about what happened. We know this can be upsetting, but we will handle it as respectfully as possible, and you are welcome to bring someone to support you. You will never be asked to confront anyone and we will not reveal the source of our information, though depending on the nature of the incident, it may be possible that the violator could narrow it down by themselves.

We will keep you advised of the progress we’re making in handling the issue, and of any action we decide to take. We will take your views into account when deciding on that action.

Privacy: where your information is shared

In no case will your report be shared beyond the minimum necessary to ensure that it is managed properly. The list of people who may see your report will be limited to specific members of:

  • Listeners team;
  • CoC team; and
  • Glasgow 2024 committee.

To reiterate: your report will not be shared with all the members of these three groups, only with a limited need-to-know subset of them.

Relevant and specific pieces of information from your report may be shared to a larger number of teams who are better equipped, so they can perform specific tasks or implement specific changes.

Other assistance

Lastly, our team will be happy to help you contact Event Venue security, local law enforcement, or local support services; provide escorts; or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the Event.

Potential Actions

The Glasgow 2024 Team reserves the right to take any actions that are deemed appropriate to keep the Event welcoming to all. Code offenders will be contacted by one or more teams, who may take one or more actions, based on the specific circumstances including, but not limited to:

  • warning the offender;
  • mediating solutions between parties;
  • implementing an approach designed to keep affected parties separate;
  • taking any other action the team considers necessary, up to and including ejection from all venues, whether in person or online, without refund.

While it is our sincere hope that no interaction needs to escalate beyond a single warning, the CoC team remains committed to the ultimate goal of doing what it takes to provide a welcoming environment for all Participants.

Additional Resources

Resource Contact Information
Convention Support
SEC Main Number
  • 0141 248 3000
Police Scotland & Scottish Ambulance Service
  • 101 for advice
  • 999 for emergencies
Sexual Assault Resources

Additional Policies

The following is a list of additional policies. You are agreeing to follow ALL of these too:

Previous Versions

This Code of Conduct is version 2.0, published November 2023. Previous versions:

Credit where it’s due: this Code of Conduct is based on Geek Feminism’s example Conference Anti-Harassment Policy, and adapted by our CoC team.