Code of Conduct

Last Updated: 31 May 2026

1. Purpose

The Refract Foundation (‘Refract’, ‘we’, ‘our’, ‘us’) is committed to creating safe, welcoming, inclusive and respectful environments for everyone.

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, volunteers, mentors, speakers, partners, organisers and representatives involved in Refract Foundation activities.

2. Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to:

• Events and workshops
• Research activities
• The Digital Literacy Census
• Online communities and communication channels
• Meetings and outreach activities
• Any activity organised, operated or supported by Refract Foundation

3. Expected Behaviour

Participants are expected to:

• Treat others with dignity, respect and courtesy.
• Be welcoming and inclusive.
• Respect different backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.
• Communicate constructively and professionally.
• Follow reasonable instructions from organisers.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality.
• Help maintain a safe and positive environment.
• Act honestly and responsibly.

4. Inclusion and Equality

Refract Foundation is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination.

We expect all participants to respect individuals regardless of:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender identity
• Marital or family status
• Race, ethnicity or nationality
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Socioeconomic background
• Educational background

5. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviour is not acceptable:

• Harassment
• Intimidation
• Bullying
• Discrimination
• Hate speech
• Threatening behaviour
• Abusive conduct
• Unwanted sexual attention
• Deliberate disruption of activities
• Sharing personal information without permission
• Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns
• Misuse of Refract Foundation systems or services
• Any conduct that creates an unsafe, hostile or exclusionary environment

6. Online Conduct

When participating online, individuals must:

• Communicate respectfully.
• Avoid spam, trolling or disruptive behaviour.
• Respect the privacy of others.
• Follow the rules of the relevant platform.
• Avoid sharing harmful, illegal or inappropriate content.
• Use organisational communication channels appropriately.

7. Safeguarding Expectations

Participants must:

• Respect personal boundaries.
• Avoid inappropriate interactions with minors.
• Follow the Refract Foundation Safeguarding Policy.
• Report safeguarding concerns where appropriate.
• Act in a manner that prioritises the welfare of children and young people.

8. Reporting Concerns

Concerns relating to behaviour, safeguarding, discrimination, harassment or safety may be reported to:

conduct@refractfoundation.org or safeguarding@refractfoundation.org

Reports will be reviewed and handled appropriately.

9. Enforcement

Refract Foundation may take action where this Code of Conduct is breached, including:

• Informal warnings
• Formal warnings
• Removal from events
• Removal from programmes
• Suspension of participation
• Restrictions on future involvement
• Referral to educational institutions, partner organisations, platforms or authorities where appropriate

The response taken will depend on the nature and severity of the conduct.

10. False Reports

Knowingly making malicious or deliberately false reports may itself constitute a breach of this Code of Conduct.

This provision does not apply to reports made in good faith.

11. Changes

This Code of Conduct may be updated periodically.

Continued participation in Refract Foundation activities constitutes acceptance of the current version.

12. Contact

Conduct concerns: conduct@refractfoundation.org

Safeguarding concerns: safeguarding@refractfoundation.org

General enquiries: hello@refractfoundation.org

Website: refractfoundation.org