Code of Conduct

The Following is the CyberShift Alliance Code of Conduct

Thank you to the Australian Women in Security Network for allowing CyberShift to adapt and adopt the ASWN Code of Conduct, ensuring our communities are mutually aligned and consistent in approach.

We are an open network of people aiming to grow inclusion in the security community. We support, inspire, and act as role models. We connect the industry and those looking to enter the field with the tools, knowledge, network and platforms needed to build confidence and interest.

CyberShift presents opportunities to network, share knowledge and support one another.

At CyberShift, we believe our events, community and forums should represent a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment for all people, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion, ability, socio-economic background, experience, size, shape and so on. 

As a CyberShift participant, you are part of our community and must abide by the following:

  • Respect
    • I will respect the time and effort the CyberShift volunteers, coaches and mentors give to help me and my community
    • I will respect my fellow CyberShift participants at all times
    • I will not post anything defamatory, abusive, disrespectful in any forum 
  • Trust
    • I will not abuse or share any confidential information shared with me at events and in forums (especially if someone explicitly mentions Chatham House rule)
    • I will not use any information, skills or tools that I learn to break any laws

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated and we take our code of conduct and any formal complaints seriously.

How to Report Unacceptable Behaviour 

Option 1. 

Speak up. See it, say it, sort it. 

If you are disrespected, or witness this happening to someone else, engage politely with the person involved, if you feel able to, and let them know that you find their behaviour unacceptable and offensive. Sometimes the best way to change unacceptable behaviour is by bringing it to the perpetrator’s attention and giving them an opportunity to acknowledge this and apologise. 

Option 2. 

Report it to us via any of the following ways: 

  • Inform a member of our event staff 
  • Email us

When reporting, please provide as much detail as possible, including: 

  1. Your name and contact details (email, mobile phone and address)
  2. The time it occurred
  3. The place it occurred 
  4. The names and contact details of any witnesses
  5. The outcome you are expecting (e.g. letter of apology, steps taken to prevent a similar instance from occurring etc.)  

Note: You may remain anonymous if you so wish and providing any of the above information is optional

We don’t have a time limit for reporting unacceptable behaviour, although we encourage you to do it as quickly as possible, as it can be difficult to obtain accurate witness statements the longer time passes. If you report unacceptable behaviour more than 3-months after an incident, you should explain why as it may impact the ability to respond accordingly. We will consider your explanation and then endeavour to deal with your report. 

How we Handle Unacceptable Behaviour 

We are committed to ensuring that you and other attendees experience a positive, enjoyable and inclusive online experience and in-person club events. We strive for customer service excellence when reporting unacceptable behaviour. That’s why, for the duration of our event, we will have several reporting mechanisms available (e.g. suitable informed event staff, event feedback forms etc.). When you report unacceptable behaviour to us, we will respond promptly and with care, consideration and respect. 

Our process does not replace nor remove the formal mechanisms available to you as an individual to report inappropriate or offensive behaviour, such as making a police report. 

Our process is as follows: 

  • We will acknowledge your report and reply via email within 48 hours. 
  • We will perform a thorough investigation within 5 business days. We will keep it wholly professional and confidential. 
  • We will treat all the people involved fairly and objectively, irrespective of what our relationship with them is. 
  • We will take appropriate action e.g. issue warnings, give direction to learning resources on the topic of harassment, bullying or anti-social behaviour, enforce temporary or permanent suspensions, and if necessary, make a report to the police. 
  • We will take into consideration your wishes in any enforcement of the Code of Conduct. 
  • We will suggest measures we can take to ensure incidents of this nature do not reoccur at future events and implement those which are appropriate to the specific event. 
  • We reserve the right to remove people from the club or prevent people from joining the events. 
  • We will not name and shame individuals, but we will analyse our progress with regards to unacceptable behaviour.