Here at SQLBits we love to hear about what we’re doing well but almost more importantly, where we can make improvements, particularly in regard to how accessible we are making the event.
We firmly believe a community is only as strong as its inclusivity, and only then as diverse and equitable as its less well represented members.
We didn’t introduce things such as the creche (child care facility), the multi-faith quiet room or the on-site psychotherapist, at SQLBits 2022 or 23, just to tick a box on a DE&I form. We did it because it was the right thing to do, after our DE&I team had spent several months meeting regularly to bring these ideas to fruition, to make Bits as accessible an event as possible. We listened to the feedback, we posted surveys on social media, and we looked at what we could do better – then worked to make the changes we were asked for.
Code of Conduct
The DE&I team, driven by Annette, spent six months creating a detailed policy document for the SQLBits committee, clarifying behaviour and consequence protocols. This will be an ongoing piece of work as lessons are learned about how to keep both the community and the conference as safe as possible.
As a community, we don’t expect our members to behave in any ways inappropriately, we see the very best traits and behaviours in people and welcome and encourage them – but, if an individual fails to comply with our CoC, we have a clear and concise action plan in place.
Inclusivity
We do like to shout about the initiatives that the DE&I team have been working on and we really do want to make, and we believe we did make, SQLBits 2023 the most inclusive event to date. We understand that equity and diversity will naturally increase as the inclusivity grows, and we are always open to suggestions around this topic – we are especially keen to hear from the more under-represented groups in the tech industry about all the ways we can increase our inclusivity of those groups.
We do want to let everyone know that we will see the return of the creche in years to come (get in touch to arrange childcare once registration is open! – Age range 0 – 16), the multi-faith room, the availability of any physical aids required, the dedicated Quiet Room away from the noise at the famous Bits party, as well as at the games night, and the on-site psychotherapist (who will have her own room away from the expo if needed, and a mobile phone so she can be contacted in complete confidence)
Bits Buddies Podcast!
We are delighted to announce that some of our amazing Bits Buddies have launched a podcast! Calling themselves “Bits Buddies Blast” and interviewing each other for their first podcast before the event, and then talking to as many people at the event that they can poke a microphone at and ask for their “Bits Best Bytes/Bits of Bits that could be Better” and then continuing throughout the year every month. So far the episodes
The focus of this podcast is the people who make the community who drive the event – interviewing some of the most amazing members of the Bits community and asking the questions no one else had asked yet!! Talking about the connections we have all made because of Bits, the friendships that have grown from chance meetings at Bits, possibly even the odd romance that began at Bits, and the networking opportunities that exist because of all of these interactions.
Charities
And one more thing that we want to announce and publicise as much, and as far, as possible, even after SQLBits – Our chosen charities for 2023.
- Feed Newport. A food bank, a baby bank, a cultural food hub, a soup kitchen for the homeless and so much more. WE would appreciate any further donations for them!
- DKMS – Blood cell donor platform! We raised an amazing amount of money with the help of William, and we hope to get some matches in the near future!