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Code of Conduct: UKRI AI CDT in Safe AI Systems

The UKRI AI CDT in Safe AI Systems (SAINTS) at the University of York is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative culture. By participating in any SAINTS activity – including training courses, research workshops, webinars, and conferences – all attendees agree to uphold this Code of Conduct. As a community dedicated to the development of safe and trustworthy AI, we expect our professional conduct to reflect the same principles of integrity, accountability, and human-centric safety that we apply to our research.

Photo by Mei-Ling Mirow on Unsplash

1. Promote Mutual Respect

Participants are expected to demonstrate inclusive and professional behaviour at all times. Every member of our community has the right to an environment free from harassment, regardless of gender identity, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs.

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include, but are not limited to:

  • Harassment: Insulting or derogatory comments, offensive imagery, or deliberate intimidation.
  • Disruption: Sustained interruption of presentations, sessions, or collaborative discussions.
  • Inappropriate Conduct: Unwelcome sexual attention, inappropriate physical contact, or harassing photography/recording.
  • Subtle Exclusion: Microaggressions or behaviours that undermine individuals based on their identity or background.
  • Digital Misconduct: Cyberbullying, “trolling,” or disruptive behaviour in virtual environments and chat platforms.

2. Champion Growth and Rigorous Inquiry

The SAINTS CDT is a multidisciplinary environment. We support the development of all members, whether they are PhD researchers, academic supervisors, or industrial partners.

  • Supportive Critique: In the spirit of “Safe AI,” we encourage rigorous questioning of methods and ethics. However, discussions must remain constructive, empathetic, and focused on the work rather than the individual.
  • Knowledge Sharing: We expect an ethos of mutual learning, where members at all career stages are treated with professional courtesy.

 

3. Practice Active Allyship

Creating a secure and welcoming environment is a collective responsibility. It should not rest solely on those who experience misconduct to address it.

  • Be an Ally: If you witness inappropriate behaviour, we encourage you to act.
  • Action: This may involve respectfully challenging the behaviour if it is safe to do so, supporting the affected individual, or alerting an organiser.

Reporting Misconduct

If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, please take the following steps:

  1. On-site: Approach a member of the SAINTS operational team or an event organiser (identifiable by their University of York ID/Staff lanyards).
  2. Via Email: Contact the SAINTS administration team at saints-cdt@york.ac.uk.

Our Commitment: All reports will be handled with the utmost seriousness and treated in strict confidence. Investigations will be conducted fairly and impartially by the CDT Director. We will ensure that any action taken prioritises the safety and privacy of the reporter.

Enforcement

This Code of Conduct applies to all SAINTS events, whether held in-person, online, or in hybrid formats. The CDT leadership reserves the right to remove any participant deemed to have violated these standards and may restrict their attendance at future activities.