MRS event harassment and safeguarding policy

MRS is committed to providing events and associated activities at which everyone is treated with dignity and respect and can participate in a safe, inclusive and professional environment. Bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, victimisation and other inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. 

This policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected of everyone attending, working at or contributing to an MRS event. It also establishes MRS’s approach to preventing inappropriate behaviour, reporting and responding to concerns, supporting those affected, and managing potentially sensitive event content. 

The policy applies to all MRS events and related activities, whether held in person, online or in a hybrid format. It applies to delegates, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, guests, volunteers, contractors, venue personnel, MRS staff and anyone else participating in or supporting an MRS event. 

MRS will take concerns seriously and respond promptly, sensitively and proportionately. Where this policy is breached, MRS may take action including issuing a warning, removing an individual from an event, restricting attendance at future events, raising the matter with an employer or relevant third party, or referring the matter to venue security or the appropriate authorities. 

The appendices provide the operational tools and standard communications used to implement this policy. They should be read alongside the relevant MRS employment, conduct and event-management policies. 

This policy also supports MRS in meeting its duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment connected with work and work-related events, including risks arising from third parties such as delegates, sponsors, clients, contractors, venue personnel and members of the public. 

Ownership, approval and review: MRS is responsible for maintaining this policy, ensuring it is reviewed at least annually and after any significant incident, material change in event format or relevant legal or organisational development. The responsible event lead is accountable for applying the policy to each event and confirming that event-specific risks, controls, reporting routes and escalation arrangements are in place. 

Click here to download the MRS event harassment and safeguarding policy (PDF).