NumFOCUS Code of Conduct Working Group is now accepting nominations

NumFOCUS
4 min readSep 20, 2024

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Submit a nomination

Deadline for nominations: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, 11:59 pm AoE

The NumFOCUS Code of Conduct

The NumFOCUS Board of Directors approved the new NumFOCUS Code of Conduct on Sept. 4, 2024. The NumFOCUS Code of Conduct Working Group must be established and receive training before the Code of Conduct can be implemented. We plan to complete this process by the end of January 2025.

Current NumFOCUS Sponsored and Affiliated projects can opt-in to use the new Code of Conduct (CoC). Starting Feb. 1, 2025, all NumFOCUS projects will have to opt-out of using the NumFOCUS CoC. NumFOCUS events, including PyData, will continue to be under the NumFOCUS Code of Conduct.

NumFOCUS Code of Conduct Working Group

The NumFOCUS Code of Conduct Working Group (WG) is a new committee supporting NumFOCUS Sponsored and Affiliated projects, and the NumFOCUS online and event communities. Its role is to review, investigate, respond, and advise on potential conduct violations. On request, the WG may also provide guidance to projects and communities in the NumFOCUS ecosystem. NumFOCUS event organizers will continue to form Code of Conduct Event Response Teams to receive reports and determine responses. Additionally, they may seek advice from the WG on the best approach to handling some reports.

For detailed information on the WG responsibilities and areas of support, refer to the WG Charter (Section: NumFOCUS Code of Conduct Working Group Charter).

For more information on the WG procedures, refer to https://numfocus.org/2025-code-of-conduct

Who can be nominated?

We welcome nominations and self-nominations.

In particular, we are looking for individuals who:

  • Are willing to support sustaining a culture that values kindness, mutual respect, tolerance, and learning.
  • Are “involved in the NumFOCUS community as leaders of individual projects, active contributors to the NF ecosystem, or volunteers from the wider scientific ecosystem”.

Experience in serving on Code of Conduct committees or people management is highly desirable.

Application — the next step

All nominees, including sef-nominees, will receive an email with the application form by Oct. 29. Filling out the application form is required to be recognized as a Working Group candidate. The form will include questions about your experience with a Code of Conduct, your motivation to join the group, and your contact information.

The NumFOCUS Board of Directors will use your responses to consider your application.

The Working Group election process

According to the NumFOCUS Code of Conduct Working Group Charter, the members of the inaugural group will be voted in by the NumFOCUS Board of Directors.

The initial members of the Working Group will be chosen by the NumFOCUS Board of Directors after an open call for volunteers is announced through NumFOCUS communication channels. Thereafter, WG members will vet future volunteers on an annual basis.

NumFOCUS Code of Conduct Working Group Charter,Committee Composition, 1.e.ii.

The initial Working Group will consist of at least 5 members. Each member will serve a one-year term with an option to renew for up to five years.

Candidates will receive a response regarding the Board’s decision by Dec. 15. Individuals who are selected by the Board will need to confirm their acceptance by replying to the email.

About serving in the Working Group

The Working Group members will serve one-year terms with an option to renew for up to five years. All group meetings and proceedings will be conducted online and will not require any travel.

Working Group Responsibilities

According to the Charter, the Working Group will carry out its mission in the following ways:

  1. Review and advise on policies related to the NumFOCUS Code of Conduct.
  2. Review, evaluate, and propose a course of action for the cases described in the CoC.
  3. Enforce recommended actions for the cases described in the CoC.

For details, refer to the WG Charter (Section: NumFOCUS Code of Conduct Working Group Charter).

The diagram below illustrates the most common cases of Working Group activities in relation to NumFOCUS Sponsored and Affiliated projects, as well as events (including PyData). It’s important to note that this will be the Working Group’s first term, and they will need practice to test the procedures and ensure smooth and effective operation.

Working Group onboarding process

The onboarding process for Working Group members will commence in January 2025 and include the following:

  • Completing the Code of Conduct Response training.
  • Onboarding meeting with the NumFOCUS DEI Coordinator.
  • Holding an official meeting of the Working Group to decide on individual roles (Chair and Secretary) and establish a schedule for regular meetings.

Nominations are open! Self-nominations are welcome.

Click Here for the Nomination Form

Nominations close on Sunday, October 20th, 2024, 11:59 pm AoE.

Questions? Comments? Email kamila@numforcus.org

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