At BABCP, we want everyone taking part in our meetings, events and activities to feel welcomed, respected and safe.
We believe the best conversations and interactions happen when people feel this way; are to able share experiences openly and be guided by our core values
The ‘Respect Statement’ is intended to be a positive reinforcement of what we expect in interactions with others and the environment we actively create within and outside of the BABCP:
- Shared responsibility – we all play a part in building respectful space where people feel able to contribute.
- Living BABCP values – acting with care, inclusion and integrity in how we communicate and collaborate
- Professional Standards – upholding our Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
- Respect – acknowledging diverse identities, backgrounds and lived experiences
It is important our members are able to engage in discussions and to be themselves in those forums. We realise there are times we will be engaging with sensitive, divisive or triggering topics and whilst we may not always be aware of others’ experiences, we can be respectful to each other. We believe that free speech means the right to share perspectives, ask questions and disagree – whilst taking responsibility for ensuring words and actions do not cause harm, silence others or perpetuate discrimination. The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) affirms that while preserving freedom of speech is important, hate crime and hate speech are unequivocally unacceptable. Such behaviours undermine professional standards and erode public confidence in healthcare practitioners.
Any alleged cases of harassment, discrimination, abuse or behaviour that undermines the safety and dignity of others should be reported so they can be investigated via our Complaints Procedures. This is both a reflection of our values, good practice and our legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 which protects individuals from discrimination based on their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Our commitment to each other will be to:
- Listen to each person’s contribution with respectful attention and appreciation. Approach conversations with curiosity and a willingness to learn rather than judgement.
- Speak from experience – We want everyone to share their contributions or experience if they wish to, while being mindful of the time available and others’ opportunity to speak. We will share personal experiences or evidence-based perspectives without over-generalising. Some words or phrases can carry unintended harmful meaning, and if we are made aware of this, we commit to reflecting and responding with openness and willingness to learn and change, without defensiveness.
- Include everyone – encouraging participation without pressure, making space for all voices and balancing this with reasonable adjustments.
- Honour diversity by welcoming engagement with people whose experiences and perspectives differ from our own – whether these are visible or not. We will try to recognise our own biases and privileges to reduce their impact on others in meetings and other activities. We will respect people’s pronouns, individual identities and boundaries.
- Acknowledge difference in language and opinion. We welcome opportunities to learn through discussion, questions, challenge and feedback. When giving feedback, we will do so constructively and with care, without dismissing anyone’s contribution. Where needed, we will define and agree collaboratively what important words mean, so that there is a shared understanding.
- Participate with care towards ourselves and to others, recognising that some topics may evoke strong emotional responses shaped by our lived experiences. We commit to taking care of our own wellbeing and will support others in doing the same. We want to create and maintain spaces where everyone feels safe to speak, without fear or being shamed, silenced or dismissed. We want to acknowledge how grateful we are for everyone’s attendance, attention and contribution.
This statement applies to all our meetings, conferences, events and activities (online or in-person).
Members should attend live during online activities. There should be no use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other means to attend when not present.
Participants should not copy or take screen shots of Q&A, chat room activity or slides that takes place in a virtual space, unless it is explicitly agreed the meeting will be recorded.
By registering, participating, or working at conferences, events, activities – attendees agree to the terms as outlined in here in this statement.
If you experience or witness behaviour which you feel falls short of this statement, you can contact the Chair or Organiser in the first instance. If there may have been a breach of our Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics – Raise a Concern.
BABCP reserves the right to remove someone from an event or meeting pending investigation by our Complaints Procedure.
The BABCP will:
- Share this statement with all our staff, standing committees, working groups, Branch and SIG committee members, conference organisers, speakers and attendees
- Ask people attending our meetings, activities and events to let us know in advance (if possible) if they have accessibility needs or require reasonable adjustments to fully participate
- Create varied opportunities for attendees to share thoughts and experiences, respecting each person’s right to choose how and when to contribute
- Listen to feedback, acting promptly on issues that require immediate attention, and using your insights to improve future events
- Offer relevant resources and signposting to sources of support
