As a judge for The Speaker Awards, I acknowledge the importance of maintaining integrity, fairness, and professionalism throughout the judging process. I understand that my role as a judge carries a responsibility to the competitors and the event as a whole.

By signing this code of conduct, I commit to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and providing fair evaluations to all participants.

1. Impartiality and Fairness:
I pledge to judge all speakers objectively and without bias, regardless of their background, affiliations, or personal preferences. I will assess speakers based solely on the criteria and guidelines provided by the event organisers. My evaluations will focus solely on their speaking abilities, presentation and bookability as a speaker.

2. Knowledge and Preparation:

I will familiarise myself with the event's rules, judging criteria, and guidelines provided by the organisers. I will also review any specific instructions or training materials provided.

3. Confidentiality:

I will maintain strict confidentiality about the judging process, deliberations, and any confidential information shared by event organisers or participants. I will not discuss individual competitors or their performances outside the judging room.

4. Respect and Professionalism:

I will treat all participants, event staff, fellow judges, and audience members with respect and professionalism. I will refrain from making derogatory comments or engaging in inappropriate behaviour during the event and for the duration of the time I am judging these awards.

5. Non-Discrimination:

I will not discriminate against participants based on their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other personal characteristic. I will focus solely on their speaking abilities and presentation.

6. Ethical Behaviour:

I will not engage in any unethical practices, such as accepting bribes, showing favouritism, or attempting to influence the outcome of the competition inappropriately. I will declare any conflicts of interest that may compromise my impartiality.

7. Financial Ties or Incentives:

I affirm that I have no financial ties, incentives, or vested interests from the organisers of The Speaker Awards. I confirm that I am not receiving any form of monetary compensation, gifts, sponsorship, or any other financial benefits that could compromise my impartiality or the perception thereof as a judge in this competition.
I further declare that I am participating in this event solely to uphold the principles of fairness, integrity, and professionalism, and to provide objective evaluations to all participants in accordance with the established judging criteria.

In the event that any financial ties or incentives arise during the course of my involvement as a judge, I commit to promptly disclosing such ties or incentives to the event organisers and recusing myself from judging duties, as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

8. Timeliness:

I will arrive punctually for all judging assignments and adhere to the event's schedule. If I am unable to fulfil my judging duties, I will notify the organisers as soon as possible.

9. Accountability:

I understand that I may be held accountable for any violations of this code of conduct. Event organisers reserve the right to remove me from judging duties if I fail to uphold these principles.

10. Continuous Improvement:

I am committed to improving my judging skills and staying informed about best practices in speaker evaluation.

Recusal Statement:

1. Recusal Criteria: 

I, as a judge for The Speaker Awards, understand the importance of impartiality and objectivity in the judging process. I commit to recusing myself from judging if any of the following situations apply:

1.1. Conflict of Interest: I have a personal, financial, or professional relationship with a participant, or I have a vested interest in their success or failure in the competition.

1.2. Bias or Prejudice: I hold personal biases, prejudices, or strong opinions that may affect my ability to evaluate participants fairly and impartially.

1.3. Lack of Objectivity: I am unable to judge a participant objectively due to personal feelings, emotions, or past interactions that could influence my judgement.

1.4. Familiarity: I have prior knowledge of a participant's speech content or performance, either through practice sessions, rehearsal attendance, or any other means that may compromise my ability to provide an unbiased assessment.

1.5. Health or Well-being: I am experiencing illness, fatigue, or any condition that may impair my judgement and prevent me from evaluating participants objectively.

1.6. Financial Connections: I become aware of any financial ties to the organisers or a participant.

2. Notification and Replacement: If I identify any of the above criteria, I will immediately notify the event organisers or chief judge in writing or verbally, explaining the reasons for my recusal.

3. Recusal Process: Upon recusal, I understand that the event organisers will replace me with an alternative judge to ensure a fair and impartial judging process for all participants.

4. Non-Disclosure: I pledge to maintain confidentiality regarding the reasons for my recusal, and I will not disclose any sensitive information about the participants involved.

Signature: ________________________(Judge's Name)Date: ________________________

By signing this code of conduct and recusal statement, I affirm my commitment to the principles outlined above and pledge to uphold the integrity and fairness of the The Speaker Awards.