Introduction
Active Travel England is committed to ensuring that Making Active Places 2026 is a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.
This conference brings together professionals, practitioners, policymakers, and community voices as we showcase the latest UK government policy, guidance and industry developments in placemaking and active travel.
We ask every attendee to read this policy carefully before attending. By registering for and attending the conference, you agree to comply with the standards of conduct set out below.
Purpose
This policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all individuals attending Making Active Places 2026, including delegates, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff. It applies to all conference activities, including lectures, workshops and off-site experiences.
Expected standards of behaviour
All attendees are expected to:
- treat every other person at the conference with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, role, or views
- engage constructively and professionally in all sessions, discussions, and interactions
- respect the right of others to speak and be heard, including during question-and-answer sessions and workshops
- follow all reasonable instructions given by conference staff, venue staff, or Active Travel England officials
- comply with the venue's own rules and health and safety requirements
- respect the physical space, equipment, and materials provided at the conference
- take personal responsibility for their conduct throughout the event
Examples of unacceptable behaviour
The following are examples of behaviour that will be considered unacceptable. This list is illustrative and not exhaustive.
Harassment and discrimination
This includes making offensive, derogatory, or discriminatory remarks about a person's age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected or personal characteristic. It includes unwanted physical contact, sexual harassment, intimidatory behaviour, and persistent unwanted attention of any kind.
Aggressive or threatening conduct
This includes raising your voice in a threatening manner, making threatening gestures, issuing verbal or written threats, or behaving in a way that causes another person to fear for their safety.
Disruption of sessions
This includes repeatedly interrupting speakers, shouting over others, using devices in a way that disturbs those around you, or deliberately preventing a session from proceeding.
Bullying
This includes conduct that humiliates, demeans, or undermines another person, whether directed at a fellow delegate, a speaker, a member of conference staff, or any other individual present.
Discriminatory language or materials
This includes the use of slurs, stereotypes, or other language that demeans individuals or groups, and the display or distribution of materials of a discriminatory or offensive nature.
Misuse of the venue or its facilities
This includes damage to property, misuse of conference equipment, or behaviour that causes disruption to the wider venue or its other users.
Steps to take if poor behaviour occurs
Active Travel England takes all reports of poor behaviour seriously. The following graduated process will apply in most circumstances, although Active Travel England reserves the right to move directly to any stage where it considers the nature of the conduct warrants it.
Stage 1: Informal warning
In the first instance, a conference official or member of the Making Active Places team will speak privately with the individual concerned. They will explain the nature of the concern, refer to this policy, and ask the individual to modify their behaviour. The individual will be given a clear opportunity to understand what is expected of them going forward.
Stage 2: Formal warning
If the behaviour continues following an informal warning, or if the initial conduct is considered sufficiently serious, a formal warning will be issued. This will be given in person by a conference official or member of the Making Active Places team. The individual will be informed that any further breach of this policy may result in their removal from the event. A record of the warning will be kept.
Stage 3: Removal from the venue
If behaviour continues after a formal warning has been issued, or if the initial conduct is considered so serious as to make earlier stages inappropriate, the individual will be asked to leave the venue immediately.
Active Travel England reserves the right to require an individual to leave the conference without prior warning where the conduct poses a risk to the safety, wellbeing, or dignity of others. No refund (where applicable) will be provided to individuals removed under this stage.
Reporting a concern
If you witness or experience behaviour that you believe breaches this policy, you are encouraged to report it. All reports will be handled with sensitivity and as much confidentiality as the circumstances allow.
You can report a concern during the event by:
- speaking directly to any member of the Making Active Places conference team, identifiable by their lanyards
- approaching the conference information desk
You can report a concern after the event by:
Further information
By purchasing a ticket or registering to attend, you confirm that you have read and agree to comply with this policy.
For accessibility queries or to notify the conference team of any requirements you have in advance of the event, please contact makingactiveplaces@activetravelengland.gov.uk.
Active Travel England is committed to continuously improving the inclusivity of its events. Feedback on this policy or on the accessibility of the conference is welcome and can be submitted to makingactiveplaces@activetravelengland.gov.uk.