We value equality and diversity and acknowledge that they strengthen our organisation. ARMA serves a wide range of professional and patient communities, and we recognise that inclusion means that all have a voice and can participate in decision making. We will ensure that we foster a dynamic culture of equality, diversity and inclusion to achieve our aim of promoting MSK health for all.
We believe that our stakeholders and everyone who comes into contact with us should be treated with dignity and respect – this includes staff, members, trustees, corporate partners, and other stakeholders. We want our meetings and events to be safe and supportive environments. This applies to everyone: we do not tolerate any discrimination or harassment, including around age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or class.
Participants in our meetings are expected to:
- Treat each other with respect and consideration, valuing diverse views and opinions and respecting each other’s views and professional expertise.
- Engage in a collaborative way.
- Communicate openly with respect for others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
- Communicate in ways which are easy for everyone to understand, e.g. not using jargon without explaining.
- Communicate and respect boundaries, bearing in mind that they are different for everyone, and ensure that the expression of any personal beliefs is tactful and professional, and does not compromise the right of other individuals to feel safe and respected.
- Keep any physical contact safe and socially appropriate.
- Speak up if something makes you uncomfortable, or if you notice another participant may be uncomfortable.
- Listen with an open mind if somebody else speaks up.
- Behave with integrity.
- Respect any specific meeting rules, e.g. If a meeting is confidential.
- Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, whether ARMA member host or commercial venue.
- For online meetings and events, participants should observe good practice, such as muting microphones when not speaking to minimise unnecessary noise. If using video, participants should be mindful of any visible background and ensure it is appropriate. Use of any chat function should also adhere to the expected behaviours outlined above.
If you have a complaint or been made to feel unsafe or unwelcome while engaging with our meetings or events, please contact the meeting organiser or follow our complaints procedure.
Version 1.0
Agreed at ARMA Board meeting on 28 October 2022
Review date October 2025