Code of Behaviour for Events and Activities (v.1)

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This code outlines the respectful behaviour all individuals attending EAZA organized events and activities are expected to show towards one another. Every participant to an EAZA event or conjunctional events, virtual or in person, including but not limited to attendees, speakers, volunteers, EAZA Executive Office staff, exhibitors, vendors, service providers, host and venue staff are expected and required to conform to the following policies and codes of behaviour.

This code demonstrates EAZA’s commitment to support to those who report and/or experience inappropriate behaviour at events and activities. EAZA seeks to ensure that a respectful environment is maintained, and inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated within the EAZA community. 

Respectful behaviour

EAZA prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming community and promotes positive working relationships and culture. Respectful behaviour should include (but not limited to):

• Treating colleagues with courtesy, politeness and kindness
• Welcoming and listening to expression of opinions and ideas from others
• Supporting and encouraging others in their job role
• Welcoming equality, diversity and inclusivity
• Not behaving inappropriately (see below)

Inappropriate behaviour

EAZA defines inappropriate behaviour as conduct that is unwarranted and can be reasonably interpreted to be discriminatory, demeaning, or derogatory.

Examples of inappropriate behaviour

The following examples are not exhaustive but are intended to illustrate ways in which inappropriate behaviour can be demonstrated.

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination of any kind
• Any abuse, including physical, verbal or non-verbal abuse,
• Misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, belittle, denigrate or injure a person’s reputation; or used as a tool to procure one’s own wishes
• Disruption of any presentation, during session presentations, in the exhibit hall, or at any events organized by EAZA during the meeting or other EAZA-contracted online platform,
• Harassing photography,
• Violating the rules and regulations of the virtual or in person event.

Reporting inappropriate behaviour

EAZA asks that all attendees that have experienced, witnessed or heard an unconfirmed report of inappropriate behaviour to report such behaviour immediately to any EAZA Executive Office (EEO) staff. The EEO staff will then contact the responsible person(s) for appropriate follow up.

All reported instances of perceived inappropriate behaviour will be investigated fully, and a fair hearing will be given to both sides.  Investigation is not an indicator that EAZA has already formed an opinion on a reported issue.

If necessary, the EAZA Executive Office or venue staff will take immediate action to investigate and address any violation, including but not limited to a verbal warning, expulsion from the event or activity (without a right to refund of any unused part of the event fee or other costs), and/or referral to relevant authorities.

For further information, or to report inappropriate behaviour, please contact these responsible persons at the EAZA Executive Office:

April Adams, Interim Director Member Services,  april.adams@eaza.net