Date: March 2025

Behavioural policy at R3 events

R3's programme of events and courses aim to support the development of insolvency and restructuring professionals across the UK and beyond. Attending an R3 event should be an inclusive and enjoyable experience and it is the collective responsibility of all attendees to contribute to a safe and supportive environment at these events.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the expected behaviour of attendees, including members, non-members, guests, speakers, sponsors, suppliers, and R3 staff, at R3 events. The terms 'event' will be used throughout the document but this policy applies at any R3 event or training course (in-person and virtual) taking place on R3 premises, at third party venues or on-line. It applies to events organised by R3 and/or any of its committees.

This policy is included within the terms and conditions of booking an event and agreeing to the terms and conditions is part of the booking process. Attendees bringing guests to events should share relevant pre-event communications to also ensure their understanding and compliance.

All attendees are expected to understand and comply with the policy, associated policies and all applicable laws during any in-person and/or virtual event, as well as uphold the expectations of their respective organisations. If there is any perceived difference between one of our policies and relevant laws, we will always act in accordance with the highest applicable standard.

Professional conduct

Attendees are expected to always maintain a level of professionalism during R3 events. All events, regardless of the nature of the event, are within a professional environment and attendees are representing their workplace and the profession.

Inclusive environment

All attendees should act in a way that is consistent with R3's commitment to the application and promotion of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility at all R3 events.

R3 will not tolerate bullying, harassment or sexist, racist or exclusionary comments or jokes. Harassment includes (but is not limited to):

• offensive or belittling comments related to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality or religion/beliefs
• inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo
• violence
• aggression
• sustained disruption of talks or other events
• deliberate intimidation
• stalking
• photography or recording of an individual in an inappropriate manner.

Alcohol and substance use

R3 has a duty to take care of the health and safety of all those participating and attending R3 events. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can seriously impair an individual's judgement and reactions leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries occurring, and it can have a detrimental impact on behaviour.

Consumption of alcohol must be conducted responsibly, and only when permitted as part of an in-person event. Attendees are expected to know their limits and drink responsibly.

Attendees are not permitted to bring in any food or alcohol from outside the premises to any in-person event unless they have permission from the organisers.

The use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited.

Breach of the policy and how to report a complaint

If an attendee observes someone making them or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome at an event, they can report it as soon as practically possible. If R3 staff are onsite at the event then in the first instance this report should normally be made to them directly. If no R3 staff are on site, or immediately available, then the complaint should be made in person to a member of the committee leading the event. This should then in turn be raised with the R3 team as soon as practically possible. If it is not practical for the attendee to make the complaint in person at the time then an email can be sent to the R3 team either via the CEO, Head of Training Academy or the Senior Events Manager. Contact details for all staff members can be found on the R3 website.

When someone is asked to stop any behaviour that makes others uncomfortable, they are expected to comply immediately. In response to inappropriate behaviour (e.g. sexual content, rudeness, unprofessional behaviour) organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including a request to cease the offending behaviour, with a warning of exclusion from the event if they do not comply; asking them to leave the event; or requesting R3 to limit their attendance at future R3 events. This will be decided by R3 on a case-by-case basis.

Specific actions may include but are not limited to:

• asking the person to cease the inappropriate behaviour, and warning them that any further reports will result in other sanctions
• requiring that the person avoid any interaction with, and physical proximity to, another person for the remainder of the event
• requiring that the person immediately leave the event and not return
• banning the person from future events
• reporting the incident to the person's employer
• raising a formal complaint under the R3 Complaints Policy.

Where the person behaving in an inappropriate way is a speaker the following actions may be taken:

• early termination of a talk that violates the policy
• not publishing the video or slides of a talk that violates the policy
• not allowing a speaker who violated the policy to give (further) talks at the event or subsequent R3 events
• immediately ending any event responsibilities or privileges held

Any complaints made regarding a R3 staff member will be referred to R3's employee disciplinary procedure as appropriate.

Legal action may be considered if a criminal offence is suspected and, if appropriate, the matter may be reported to the police or other relevant authorities.