Our commitment to protecting everybody we work with

We have a positive and respectful working environment at the NHF. That is something we want to protect.

The NHF is committed to fostering safe, inclusive and respectful environments. This applies to everyone who works with, represents us or participates in NHF activities, including employees, members, speakers, exhibitors, contractors, suppliers, partner organisations, venue staff, representatives and other third parties.

Everyone must comply with the standards outlined here and cooperate in maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Organisations working with the NHF must make relevant employees, workers, representatives and subcontractors aware of these standards and take reasonable steps to support compliance.

Our standards

Everyone covered by our standards must treat people with dignity and respect, be inclusive and considerate. Harassment, bullying, discrimination, victimisation, sexual harassment and other conduct that undermines a person’s dignity, safety or wellbeing are not acceptable. This includes unwanted behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment, whether in person, online or through NHF communications.

Unacceptable behaviours include, but are not limited to:

• Threatening, intimidating, abusive or insulting language or behaviour.
• Bullying, unwanted comments, jokes, gestures or messages.
• Harassment connected to someone’s identity or protected characteristics.
• Sexual harassment, including unwanted sexual comments, attention, contact or sharing sexual content.
• Offensive behaviour in person, by phone or through digital channels

This applies to conduct in person and via social media communications.

Raising concerns

If you wish to raise a concern, witness, or become aware of a possible non-compliance with our standards, you can do so by contacting your NHF contact or our People team.

All concerns raised will be handled seriously, fairly, sensitively and will be reviewed and investigated in line with our policy.

Retaliation or detrimental treatment of anyone who raises a concern in good faith or supports an enquiry will not be tolerated.

Non-compliance 

The NHF may take proportionate action where harassment or other unacceptable behaviour is reported or identified. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Requiring an investigation and taking appropriate corrective action.
• Ending a contract with a supplier or partner, reviewing a membership relationship, excluding an organisation from future opportunities or activities, or referring the matter to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Thank you for supporting our commitment to a respectful workplace.