Your Safety

How we are making the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Scottish Fundraising Conference safe and inclusive

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising is committed to protecting everyone who takes part in this event. Below we have outlined the steps and overarching principles that guide our approach when engaging with the event.

Planning

A revised Code of Behaviour for Training and Events to set out appropriate standards of behaviour, unacceptable behaviours, the actions we will take on breaches on the Code and a clear process to confidentially report inappropriate behaviour
Clearer instructions for individuals about the available sanctions, in instances where one of our Codes has been breached so consequences are understood and committed to by all.
A comprehensive review of our Safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that our principles - that we believe all those who come forward, that we will make it safe, simple, and supportive if people do disclose and that the process is a fair and balanced one – are further embedded into everything we do.
Safeguarding training for staff and volunteers to ensure they know how to practically implement steps to keep our events safe and to implement our principles and procedures effectively.
Trustee with dedicated responsibility for overseeing Safeguarding and Whistleblowing – Isobel Michael, enabling direct contact with her via safeguarding@institute-of-fundraising.org.uk

We know who is in the room

A delegate declaration to abide by the Code, to be completed when people book onto the Conference
Access to the event is restricted to registered attendees and approved suppliers

A robust process for checking and screening external suppliers, including a Speaker/Sponsor/Exhibitor Declaration to abide by the Code and to confirm understanding of the steps the Chartered Institute will undertake if there is any breach.  All Conference speakers/sponsors/exhibitors are being asked to sign the declaration ahead of the event

The space

We have selected a venue and format that allows us to register and identify authorised attendees before they have access to the event as well as choose how delegates engage with other attendees.

In the Conference sessions, any of the following things may happen:

Participants may be encouraged to ask questions before, during or after a session, in which their questions will be audible to the rest of the attendees. 
Surveys may be used to ask questions to attendees, to gauge their thoughts on a range of subjects. The responses are anonymised, and this data may be recorded anywhere by the Chartered Institute.

Expectations of our attendees

We share guidelines on our website and event platform as well as at the point of booking that attendees are expected to demonstrate
All delegates sign up to our Code of Behaviour for Training and Events upon booking

COVID 19

We will follow all government guidelines
We will inform all delegates of these measures when joining instructions are shared (to ensure we are following the most up-to-date guidelines)
We will provide more space during the registration process

The venue will have hand sanitisers available throughout for your use
All delegates must wear a mask while moving around, these can be removed while seated in sessions

Safeguarding measures

The following measures will be used in all sessions and throughout the event to ensure that attendees are protected while taking part in the Conference:

First and foremost, abusive or inappropriate behaviour by staff, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors or attendees in any session will not be tolerated and the offending person will be immediately removed from the session and potentially referred to the appropriate authorities. (See Behaviour section below for more details on this).
We will ensure that all sessions contain at least three attendees, and will be checked in on by at least one volunteer during the session period
Before taking any photos or videos at the Conference for personal use, delegates need to obtain the assent of any individuals featured, explaining how they will be used. Images or videos shared on social media should not identify or feature anyone who has not given consent for this to happen. Speakers will be invited to provide consent at the start of their session.

Behaviour

The Chartered Institute is committed to protecting fundraisers during our events and this includes protecting attendees from others who may seek to engage in abusive or inappropriate behaviour. We are clear that we have a zero tolerance policy to abusive or inappropriate behaviour. The following activities are considered abusive or inappropriate and will result in banning from the event and all future online or in-person events.

Posting abusive or inappropriate messages in public
Sending abusive or inappropriate messages to the host
Using abusive, insulting, or offensive language

Sharing inappropriate images in-person, via chat or as a virtual background

How to report a complaint

Contact the Head of Professional Conduct at complaints@institute-of-fundraising.org.uk, on 020 7840 1038, or by letter to:

The Head of Professional Conduct
Chartered Institute of Fundraising,
CAN Mezzanine
7-14 Great Dover St
London SE1 4YR

You may also raise a concern or complaint with a Chartered Institute member of staff or one of our volunteers in attendance at Chartered Institute events or training courses.  They will refer you to the Head of Professional Conduct or register your complaint or concern on your behalf.  

Going forward all investigations will be fully independent, and operational management of all complaints will sit with the Head of Professional Conduct. A new Professional Conduct Committee will have oversight of every part of the complaints and disciplinary process, from setting the Code of Conduct to having oversight of every complaint we receive.

Confidential complaints

If you wish to raise a complaint about discrimination, bullying, sexual misconduct or harassment (including sexual harassment) or anyone considering making a complaint of that nature, you can contact the free phone hotline 0800 6890843, provided by an independent third party HR consultancy, for confidential and practical support and advice. The hotline is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

The Chartered Institute has published advice and resources on safeguarding and keeping fundraisers safe. You can also access free and confidential support from Victim Support.