HALO Community Code of Conduct
Background
„The HALO community conducts research in a highly specific workspace, while embracing diversity, demanding equality, and building capacity for the future. To achieve these, every member of the HALO research community should be able to work in a professional, respectful, and harassment-free environment.“
(HALO Community Code of Conduct)
Deployments of the HALO aircraft on missions in foreign environments with limited time-frames, physical space, and available manpower has proven to be a stressful situation for those involved. Thus, the HALO scientific steering committee (WLA) wants to ensure that everyone involved with HALO missions are aware of the situation, are able to look out for one-another, and make sure that the working environment is safe and productive for all.
„[The] circumstances during missions require heightened sensitivity towards the needs of other campaign participants. In this environment, but also at all other times, members of the HALO community are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, objectivity and honesty and in a manner that is professional, respectful, tolerant and responsible. The HALO community values an atmosphere based on trust, co-operation and mutual respect, both during professional and private interactions.“
(HALO Community Code of Conduct)
As a result, the Community Code of Conduct was implemented. This documents defines
- what we want our community to be like
- what is considered to be inappropriate behaviour
- what to do in case of a breach
Persons of Trust
„In the event that a member of the HALO community feels that an issue has arisen […], the member is encouraged to take action to prevent harmful behavior and seek discussion in confidence, with a person of their choice e.g., from a list of Persons of Trust […].“
(HALO Community Code of Conduct)
During HALO deployments, mission participants may feel stressed or overwhelmed due to the high workload, combined with unusual working hours, possibly in a different time-zone and climate. Limitations in physical space within the aircraft, high demands on security, and limited opportunities for retreat may prove to be stressful especially when combined with the separation fromthe usual environment with friends an/or family.
Often, it is helpful to talk to someone, who may have experience with the situation, and who may be able to give some support through an open ear, or even practical advice on technical issues. While we hope that any member of the HALO community will look out for their colleagues, we call for volunteers, who act as a Person of Trust during a HALO mission, aiming for a diverse group of individuals, including gender identification, cultural background, and status group.
Those volunteers receive training prior to a mission, which should prepare them for their role, through learning communication skills that aim at conflict resolving and providing guidance in tough situations.
Ressources
“ Note that this code of conduct applies not only to specific HALO deployments, but also any inperson meetings, teleconferences, e-mail exchanges, and other interactions in connection to HALO missions.
Through their active participation in a HALO mission or workshop any HALO community member consents to the rules and guidelines in this document.“
(HALO Community Code of Conduct)
We want to acknowledge, that the HALO community Code of Conduct is informed by the DFG Code of Conduct „Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice“ (2023), the AWI Code of Conduct Expeditions, and the WCRP Code of Conduct (vers. 07/2023).
The HALO Community Code of Conduct is to complement those rules of conduct and good scientific practice as defined by each community members’ affiliation. In case of conflicts those affiliations have their own ombutspersons, a list of which can be found here [Ombutsgremium.de].
Contact
Further assistance can always be sought through contact to the HALO user coordination
They can help with finding further contact information, general assistance with conflict management, and confidential exchange about necessary or possible actions to be taken.