Inclusive Data Research Skills for Arts and Humanities/Purpose and context of code

The DAReS project set out to work with marginalised arts and humanities researchers at every career stage to develop and pilot an inclusive model for advanced data and digital research skills provision. The longer term goal is to transform known gaps in data and digital skills research training by moving away from a focus on individually oriented ‘skills literacies’ and towards the lack of inclusive approaches in arts and humanities data skills training. To achieve these aims, we recruited 30 co-designers who identified with under-represented groups with protected characteristics as identified by the 2010 Equalities act (black, ethnic minorities, those who are part of national or migration status minorities, part of the LGBTQ+ community, those with disabilities, neurodiversity (or neurodiversities).

We set out a programme of co-design work on inclusion and arts and humanities based data and digital research skills. In this work, we prioritised the ethical co-creation of materials, trust building and a learning environment shaped by inclusion and openness. Part of this work involved co-creating a code of conduct for the 12 month project specific to our community and through which we could articulate norms and share values and expectations.

This code of conduct has been adapted from this work specifically for the Hackathon. It includes contributions from everyone in the DAReS project and in our view, represents what we hope is both good inclusive practice and an on-going inclusive process - intended to build in and on a culture of respect. These are articulated in values, clear points on inclusive behaviours we ask all participants to strive for, and a commitment to avoid any behaviour that is prejudicial, biassed, or discriminatory. As part of a co-design project, this is also an evolving code of conduct and one that can be shaped by those who want to shape its future development.