CODE, Convention Of Digital Entrepreneurs, both the company and the people we represent -- our members, startups, Chapter Directors, sponsors, speakers, and attendees -- must hold themselves to the highest standards as members of the CODE community. We recognise that each of us is an ambassador for CODE and reflects the organisation and its values in our actions. As part of the CODE community, we must act justly and respectfully. Those who do not abide by this Code of Conduct may be removed from the CODE community and/or organisation.
The CODE convention Code of Conduct revolves around our three key values:
Integrity: CODE members are expected to act and perform their duties ethically and honestly and with the utmost integrity. We strive to be transparent in all of our communications. Our reputation as a company that our community can trust is our most valuable asset, and it is up to all of us to ensure we continually earn that trust.
Privacy Policy: Our community trusts us with their personal information, and, in turn, we use all of the appropriate measures at our disposal to secure it. We respect requests for privacy and confidentiality. You can read more about our privacy policy here.
Anti-discrimination: We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment* based on race, colour, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We will take disciplinary action against any individual or community member who violates this Code of Conduct.
Anti-Racism: We have a zero-tolerance policy for racism, and perpetuating or endorsing racism are grounds for immediate dismissal. Anyone found not “standing up” against racism may also be seen to violate the code of conduct in certain circumstances. Stand up and speak up.
Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying: CODE prohibits discrimination, harassment and bullying in any form – verbal, physical, or visual. If you believe you’ve been bullied or harassed by anyone in our community, we strongly encourage you to report the incident to CODE Leadership immediately. We will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaints and take appropriate action. Any attendee, speaker, partner, or staff member demonstrating harassment through live chat, social media posts, networking booths, or direct messages will be asked to stop immediately and removed from the event if it continues.
Equal Opportunity & Fair Pay: Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We ensure fair pay for equal work and agree to compensate our members without regard to ability status, age, ancestry, civil union, class, colour, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military service, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or another legally-protected status.
Responsiveness: We keep our promises and strive to respond to all inquiries and concerns immediately.
Conflicts of Interest: We work for our company and partners, not for our personal benefit. CODE members and community leaders are committed to avoiding conflicts of interest that could allow them personal use at the expense of the CODE community. Anyone at CODE aware of a conflict of interest or concerned that a conflict might develop is required to discuss the matter with CODE Leadership.
Supportive Work & Event Environment: We commit to a supportive, open, and welcoming workplace and event environment that reflects a culture free of harassment, intimidation, bias, and unlawful discrimination. We enable all in our community to express their opinions, concerns and needs with the expectation that they will be heard and respected. We communicate professionally and appropriately at all times.
Avoid Gossio: We do not speak ill of others. We have each other’s back. We are constructive in our feedback and will always provide it directly to the individual or company to which it pertains.
No means no: We respect “no” as an answer and decision when it is made.
Diversity: We encourage diversity and are committed to building inclusive environments at our company and events that reflect the diversity of people and cultures we see in the world and our global community. Diversity and equality are foundational values that we draw upon when envisioning better events, programs and, ultimately, a more robust global community. Diversity, including but not limited to gender, race, and geography, will continue to guide our work in the following ways: inviting speakers and attendees to conferences and events, accepting startups into programs and memberships, selecting directors to lead chapters, featuring individuals on our blog and social channels, hiring vendors and team members, to name a few. Through all of the above and more, we will continue to use our platform to demonstrate the importance and expectation of diversity and equality in this industry. We accept the role as a leader in the space - educating, connecting, and elevating startups and entrepreneurs of all types - recognising and celebrating our differences, creating a more diverse and inclusive community for all.
Accountability: We stick to our word. We respect the legal agreements we sign and do our best to fulfil all obligations. If we can’t keep our commitments, we strive to make it right in every way possible.
Safe Workplace: We are committed to a violence-free work environment and will not tolerate any level of violence or the threat of violence in the workplace. Under no circumstances should anyone bring a weapon to work or an event. If you become aware of violating this policy, you should report it immediately.
Drugs & Alcohol: Substance abuse, illegal drugs, and underage drinking in our offices or at our events are strictly prohibited.
Stand Up: We appropriately intervene when we witness violations of this Code of Conduct. We will report such violations and sometimes recognise our stance in whatever way we feel obligated to.
Conclusion: CODE is a human-first community. It’s impossible to spell out every possible ethical scenario we might face. Instead, we rely on one another’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves and our company. We expect everyone at CODE -- the company and our community -- to represent our values and abide by this Code of Conduct in everything we do. Any violation of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including termination and, if warranted, legal proceedings. This Code is a statement of certain fundamental business principles, policies and procedures. If you have witnessed a violation of our Code of Conduct, please report it to CODE Leadership. If you have a question or concern, don’t just sit there. You can contact your manager or CODE Leadership. Finally, if you believe a violation of law has occurred, you can always raise that to CODE Leadership or with a government agency.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to: