Code of conduct

The Ogden Trust aims to increase the uptake of physics post 16 for all young people, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds. We want all young people to have access to a high-quality, well-rounded, inclusive physics educational experience, and have the opportunity to feel that physics is for them. Access and inclusion is therefore at the heart of what the Trust does and ensuring a welcoming experience on our programmes is a key part of our strategy.

The Ogden Trust will not tolerate harassment in any form, whether related to sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, nationality, religion, social status and background, or actual or perceived intellect, or any other harassment that does not fall into one of these categories.

Those on our programmes are drawn from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. We value the contributions of our teachers and the others we work with and recognise the strength that different perspectives bring to our organisation. We want everyone to enjoy our programmes and events and feel able to participate in a professional and respectful fashion.

At all times, those involved with The Ogden Trust should:

• Behave respectfully and treat others with dignity.
• Be kind and not insult or put down others.
• Be aware that bullying, harassment or exclusionary behaviour of any kind is not appropriate.

At Ogden Trust events

Our events should be a welcoming, safe space for participants to develop and take part in a community of practice. We will endeavour to meet all reasonable access adjustments, provided we have sufficient notice.

We have the following expectations for those taking part in Ogden Trust events:

• All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.
• Participants should be positive and constructive in discussions and ensure that everyone is able to give their perspectives freely. Everyone should feel included and able to participate to the extent they wish to.
• Participants have different levels of physics knowledge. There is no such thing as a stupid question and all questions and suggestions are welcomed.
• Participants are encouraged to socialise in breaks and evenings if they wish to but must turn up on time for sessions and be capable of taking part. No one should be excluded because they do not wish to take part in a particular social activity.

We are open to learning and continuous improvement at all levels. We welcome feedback and we encourage everyone to let us know about their experience and how we can improve. Please complete our Compliments, Comments and Complaints form if you wish to get in touch. You can download our full policy here if you want to know more. If you are at an Ogden event and need to make a complaint please speak to a member of staff for more immediate action.

Activities run by those on Ogden Trust programmes

Many of the teachers, outreach officers and others taking part in our programmes will run activities for others as part of their work. Activity organisers should consider accessibility and inclusion as a central part of their planning and ensure that the activity meets the needs of all potential participants.

Organisers should ensure that:

• the venue is suitably accessible for all participants.
• all reasonable adjustments are made to enable participants to access the activities.
• events are free from bullying and harassment.
• content is designed to appeal to people with a range of backgrounds and prior experience. The science capital teaching approach material may be helpful in preparation.
• health and safety has been considered and risk assessments have been carried out for activities taking place, in line with professional guidance, for example from CLEAPSS, the health and safety association for schools.

If you are organising an event as part of an Ogden Trust programme and would like advice on any of these aspects, please contact office@ogdentrust.com

Health and wellbeing

We prioritise the health and wellbeing of those on our programmes, our staff and our consultants, and in addition to the conduct we expect at events, we also ask participants to consider their health prior to attending an event or meeting.

We ask that anyone who has symptoms of COVID or has been in close contact with someone with COVID, takes a lateral flow test, and should not attend an event or meeting if they register a positive result or have symptoms of COVID.

If you have symptoms of any illness, please consider carefully whether you should attend an event or meeting, especially when the health and wellbeing of others could also be affected.

Attendees are welcome to wear masks during an event. Please respect the decision of others to wear a mask.