Conference Policies

We are delighted to be hosting the 61st QRA ADM at Newcastle University. We intend to create a conference environment that is welcoming and respectful for all participants of all genders, race, ethnicities, ages, abilities, religions, and sexual orientation.

During the conference, if anything occurs that makes you or someone you know feel unsafe or excluded, we ask you to contact either Neil Ross (Neil.Ross@newcsatle.ac.uk) or Bethan Davies (Bethan.Davies@newcsatle.ac.uk), to raise the issue.  Any discussions will be dealt with in confidence.  

We follow the guidelines used by the INQUA 2019 Congress and the 2024 QRA Annual Discussion Meetings. These guidelines are:

1.  Everyone involved with the Newcastle 2025 QRA ADM is expected to show respect towards the attendees, venue staff, the Organising Committee, volunteers and all others participating with the meeting.

2. The open exchange of ideas and the freedom of thought and expression are central to the aims and goals of the QRA 2025 ADM.

3. The QRA 2025 ADM will be an environment that recognises the inherent worth of every person and group, that fosters dignity, understanding, and mutual respect, and that embraces diversity.

4. We will do our best to accommodate specific needs such as accessibility and dietary requirements.

5. The QRA 2025 ADM expects all interactions between attendees to be respectful and constructive, including interactions during the formal programme.

6. Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated at the QRA 2025 ADM. Examples of unacceptable behaviour include but are not limited to: bullying, intimidation, inappropriate physical contact or unwelcome sexual attention, continuous disruption of events or interference with participation or opportunity for participation of other people attending the meeting.

7. We require attendees to follow this code of conduct during all of the QRA 2025 ADM and in all online interactions associated with the meeting (including social media and any other online facilities) and related social activities.

Within the Henry Daysh Building:

• All conference spaces are easily accessible for wheelchair users with step free access to all locations.

• The lecture theatre contains space at the front for wheelchair users.

• Flexible solutions and seating options are available to all presenters (orals and posters). Please ask if you would like any adjustments made.

• Accessible parking is available if you need it – please contact the organisers to arrange this.

• The conference will run in hybrid form, with live streaming (see registration options).

• Toilets within the Henry Daysh building are single stall, with accessible toilets at each level.

• The building contains quiet rooms if you require a quiet location or a place to pray. If you need to use one of these spaces, please ask a member of the organising committee.

• The university also has several prayer rooms if required and the organising committee will be happy to guide you to these locations.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we aim to support members of our community whose caregiving responsibilities may make attending the conference more challenging. Unfortunately, Newcastle University does not have crèche facilities, and no childcare services will be provided for this meeting. However, we are happy to assist in identifying possible childcare arrangements for those visiting Newcastle with children. If you plan to bring your child(ren), we recommend contacting the organisers as early as possible, ideally before booking accommodation.

We encourage attendees with caregiving responsibilities to consider applying to the QRA Conference Fund or QRA Postgraduate Fund. These funds offer financial support to help carers attend conferences or carry out fieldwork. Examples of eligible caregiving expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Travel costs for children accompanying the applicant to conferences or fieldwork.

• Expenses for an accompanying adult to provide childcare.

• Additional childcare costs at home (e.g., nursery or childminder fees) while the applicant travels, beyond what is normally required for their job.

• Care costs for elderly or ill relatives while the applicant travels, beyond what is normally required for their job.

All conference activities, except for the icebreaker, conference dinner, and field trip, will be held on Newcastle University’s campus, specifically in the Henry Daysh Building. Several quiet rooms and changing facilities are available in the conference building for parents to nurse or change their child. There is also access to microwaves and kettles for heating milk or food. Please contact the meeting organisers if you wish to use these facilities.

Please note that the university is designed for adults, and precautions for children may be insufficient. We remind carers that they are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of children under 16 while on campus.