OFEP6: OpenFlexure Code of Conduct
| OFEP | 6 |
|---|---|
| Author | Beth Probert |
| Created | 12-March-2026 |
| Status | Approved |
| Type of OFEP | Governance |
| Approved date | 29-April-2026 |
| Requires implementation | No |
| Implemented date | N/A |
| Updated dates (post-approval) | N/A |
1. Introduction
This OFEP defines the code of conduct for the OpenFlexure Project. This code of conduct applies to Core Team Members, Key Contributors, and all members of the OpenFlexure Community. The Code of Conduct exists to ensure that everyone involved with the OpenFlexure project is treated with respect, and to provide a set of processes to deal with unacceptable behaviour. This OFEP applies to both virtual presences, such as the OpenFlexure Forum and OpenFlexure social media pages, as well as to in-person and online meetings and events.
Our Code of Conduct is also publicly available on the OpenFlexure Website: https://openflexure.org/conduct/.
The Code of Conduct can be adapted by updating this OFEP. If this OFEP is updated, these updates must also be reflected in the Code of Conduct posted on the OpenFlexure Website.
2. Current state
The OpenFlexure Project has adopted an adaptation the Contributor Covenant version 1.4 as our code of conduct. All activities under the OpenFlexure banner should adhere to this, unless they obviously fall under another equivalent code (e.g. activities taking place between staff and students of a particular University). The Contributor Covenant set out that the "project maintainers" are responsible for enforcement. In the unfortunate circumstances where we need do enforce the code of conduct, this will be done by a member the Core Development Team. In the case where members of the Core Development Team are not able to agree the actions to be taken, then the enforcement will become the remit of the Steering Committee.
As noted in Section 3.4, reports of unnaceptable behaviour or harrassment should be sent to conduct@openflexure.org. This inbox is monitored by the Core Development Team.
2.1 Definitions
For the Code of Conduct below:
- "Project maintainers" refers to the OpenFlexure Core Development Team
- "Project’s leadership" refers to the OpenFlexure Steering Committee
For more detail on the Core Development Team and the OpenFlexure Steering Committee see OFEP9 on Governance.
3. The Code of Conduct.
Creating an open and welcoming community for all OpenFlexure contributors - learn about our standards, responsibilities, and commitment to respectful collaboration.
In the interest of fostering an open and welcoming environment, we as contributors and maintainers pledge to making participation in our project and our community a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of age, body size, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, level of experience, nationality, personal appearance, race, religion, or sexual identity and orientation.
3.1. Our Standards
Examples of behavior that contributes to creating a positive environment include:
- Using welcoming and inclusive language
- Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences
- Gracefully accepting constructive criticism
- Focusing on what is best for the community
- Showing empathy towards other community members
Examples of unacceptable behavior by participants include:
- The use of sexualized language or imagery and unwelcome sexual attention or advances
- Trolling, insulting/derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks
- Public or private harassment
- Publishing others’ private information, such as a physical or electronic address, without explicit permission
- Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting
3.2 Our Responsibilities
Project maintainers are responsible for clarifying the standards of acceptable behavior and are expected to take appropriate and fair corrective action in response to any instances of unacceptable behavior.
Project maintainers have the right and responsibility to remove, edit, or reject comments, commits, code, wiki edits, issues, and other contributions that are not aligned to this Code of Conduct, or to ban temporarily or permanently any contributor for other behaviors that they deem inappropriate, threatening, offensive, or harmful.
3.3 Scope
This Code of Conduct applies both within project spaces and in public spaces when an individual is representing the project or its community. Examples of representing a project or community include using an official project e-mail address, posting via an official social media account, or acting as an appointed representative at an online or offline event. Representation of a project may be further defined and clarified by project maintainers.
3.4 Enforcement
Instances of abusive, harassing, or otherwise unacceptable behaviour may be reported by contacting the project team at conduct@openflexure.org. All complaints will be reviewed and investigated and will result in a response that is deemed necessary and appropriate to the circumstances. The project team is obligated to maintain confidentiality with regard to the reporter of an incident. Further details of specific enforcement policies may be posted separately.
Project maintainers who do not follow or enforce the Code of Conduct in good faith may face temporary or permanent repercussions as determined by other members of the project’s leadership.
3.5 Attribution
This Code of Conduct is adapted from the Contributor Covenant, version 1.4, available at http://contributor-covenant.org/version/1/4.