Documents and Reports

SHAPE code of conduct

Summary

The EMCR SHAPE Futures Network (SHAPE Futures) is committed to leading a culture where everyone conducts themselves fairly, ethically and respectfully. The Code of Conduct provides guidance to SHAPE Futures members and those conducting business with the Network.

The Code and its related procedures apply to:

  • All members of the EMCR SHAPE Futures Network
  • The EMCR SHAPE Futures Network Executive Committee and any affiliated working groups
  • Anyone interning or volunteering for the Network
  • Contractors
  • Anyone participating in programs, committees, events, award programs and other Network activities

SHAPE Futures undertakes to provide a safe and inclusive network. Discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated at SHAPE Futures events or activities (in person or online). All Network activities and events encourage and promote intellectual freedom by ensuring a safe space to express and exchange ideas.

The work of SHAPE Futures underpinned by values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and fairness. We support respectful behaviour and do not tolerate harassment of any kind.

We acknowledge Australia’s First Nations peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands that nourish us and upon which we work. These lands were never ceded. We respect the rich and continuing cultures of First Nations Australians and undertake to provide culturally safe spaces that foster respect for the individual and collective experiences of First Nations peoples.

Individuals are required to declare potential and perceived conflicts of interest, and to maintain an awareness of their own conduct and interaction with others. Individuals are also required to be aware of the conduct of others and to intervene when conduct is inappropriate and/or does not accord with SHAPE Futures’ expectations and values. This intervention may be undertaken directly, or indirectly by alerting a member of the SHAPE Futures Executive Committee who can promptly address inappropriate behaviour.

While the Code focusses on the conduct of members, volunteers, contractors and others engaged with SHAPE Futures business, guidance is also provided to assist when handling the rare circumstance where the conduct of an individual operating beyond the Network has the potential to negatively impact SHAPE Futures.

The Code of Conduct’s Protocol provides guidance in dealing with breaches, and alleged breaches, of the Code including principles and practical procedures to guide confidentiality, intervention, reporting, investigation, disciplinary action and other matters.

Code of Conduct

1. Overview

This Code of Conduct (the Code) provides guidance to SHAPE Futures members, those conducting business with the Network and others representing or otherwise involved with the Network. It outlines conduct considered detrimental to the Network.

SHAPE Futures is committed to leading a culture where everyone conducts themselves fairly, ethically and respectfully.

The Code and its related procedures apply to:

  • All members of the EMCR SHAPE Futures Network
  • The EMCR SHAPE Futures Network Executive Committee and any affiliated working groups
  • Anyone interning or volunteering for the Network
  • Contractors
  • Anyone participating in programs, committees, events, award programs and other Network activities

2. Principles and undertaking

SHAPE Futures undertakes to provide a safe and inclusive network. Discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated at SHAPE Futures events or activities (in person or online). All Network activities and events encourage and promote intellectual freedom by ensuring a safe space to express and exchange ideas.

The work of SHAPE Futures is underpinned by values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and fairness. We support respectful behaviour and do not tolerate harassment of any kind.

We acknowledge Australia’s First Nations peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands that nourish us and upon which we work. These lands were never ceded. We respect the rich and continuing cultures of First Nations Australians and undertake to provide culturally safe spaces that foster respect for the individual and collective experiences of First Nations peoples.

3. Discrimination, harassment and bullying

SHAPE Futures members, those conducting business with the Network and others representing or otherwise involved with the Network shall not engage in discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), or bullying (definitions are provided by the Fair Work Commission).

Such behaviours are at odds with the principles of the Network and negatively impact the individuals and teams involved, the organisation and the sector as a whole.

Discrimination and all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment, is unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth), the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and the Race Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). An organisation can be vicariously liable for the unlawful actions of its employees and agents.

Discrimination is less favourable treatment of someone because of their sex, sexuality, gender identity age, disability or race and includes conditions or requirements that disadvantage persons because of one of these attributes which is not reasonable.

Examples of harassment include spreading rumours/gossip, isolating peers, racial slurs, mocking, stereotypical comments that are demeaning, direct threats of harm, swearing or abuse, destruction of property.

Sexual harassment takes many forms. It can occur during person-to-person interaction or in writing (hard copy, email, text message etc.). While there is no comprehensive list, the following are examples of conduct that could be found to be sexual harassment:

  • Unwelcome comments about appearance, dress, hairstyles
  • Jokes of a sexual nature or about a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Sexual objectification of people
  • Sexually explicit comments including in emails, SMS, phone messages or via social media
  • Intrusive questions or comments about another person’s private life, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual relationships and/or sexual practices
  • Forced physical intimacy, e.g., touching, grabbing, massaging, hugging, cornering, or kissing
  • Requests or pressure for sex or other sexual acts in exchange for favourable treatment
  • Actual or attempted sexual assault or rape

Examples of bullying include:

  • Behaving aggressively towards others
  • Teasing or playing practical jokes
  • Pressuring someone to behave inappropriately
  • Excluding someone from work-related events
  • Unreasonable work demands

4. Conduct directly associated with the Network

SHAPE Futures members, those conducting business with the Network and others representing or otherwise involved with the Network participating in SHAPE Futures activities or representing the Network in any official capacity are expected to maintain a standard of conduct in their dealings with and on behalf of the Network that:

  • Is consistent with the Network’s values
  • Supports and promotes diversity, participation, inclusivity, intellectual freedom, and freedom of expression
  • Is courteous and respectful of others
  • Upholds the reputation of the Network in the community
  • Accords with applicable legislation and organisational policies regarding bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment) and discrimination

Upholding the Code requires individuals to maintain an awareness and control of their own conduct and interaction with others. It also requires individuals to be aware of the conduct of others and to intervene when such conduct is inconsistent with or contrary to the standard of conduct set out above. This intervention may be direct, by intervening personally, or indirect, by alerting a member of the SHAPE Futures Executive Committee to promptly address the situation.

Actual or possible breaches of this Code in the context of SHAPE Futures activities will be subject to action including investigation, early resolution and if warranted disciplinary action as set out in the Appendix.

5. Conduct external to the Network

SHAPE Futures members, those conducting business with the Network and others representing or otherwise involved with the Network are expected to maintain a standard of conduct in their professional and private lives that:

  • Does not undermine the Network’s standing and reputation, or bring SHAPE Futures into disrepute
  • Accords with applicable legislation and organisational policies regarding bullying, harassment and discrimination

In general, SHAPE Futures will not investigate allegations of misconduct outside of its own activities or network context. However, if it becomes aware of actual or possible behaviours that may either undermine or damage its standing and reputation, or present an actual or potential risk of physical or psychological harm – currently or in future – to those under its duty of care, the Network may exercise any or all of the following actions:

  • Executive Committee Members: warning or expulsion of membership
  • Members: exclusion from future SHAPE Futures activities or expulsion of membership

Instances that may trigger such actions include, but are not limited to:

  • Public comments (lectures, articles, social media posts etc) beyond the accepted bounds of academic freedom that directly undermine the reputation of the Network, or the reputation of any of its members, or which knowingly publicise confidential SHAPE Futures information
  • Civil or criminal legal proceedings relating to alleged actions that, if occurring in a Network context, may present a risk of physical or psychological harm to others
  • Other organisations’ investigations or disciplinary procedures relating to alleged actions that, if occurring in a Network context, may present a risk of physical or psychological harm to others

6. Representation

SHAPE Futures members may represent themselves or their employers and take positions in their personal capacity. However, members may not present themselves as representing SHAPE Futures, nor represent any position not stated in a SHAPE Futures document as being that of the Network, without the explicit prior approval of the Network’s Executive Committee.

7. Use of Information

Confidential information is information obtained or developed in the course of the conduct of the Network’s business and which if disclosed could lead to risk, damage or injury to the Network’s interests, its Members or affiliates.

SHAPE Futures members, those conducting business with the Network and others representing or otherwise involved with the Network must:

  • Protect confidential information
  • Only access confidential information when it is required for Network business
  • Not use confidential information for any unofficial purposes
  • Only release confidential information if authorised to do so

SHAPE Futures members, those conducting business with the Network and others representing or otherwise involved with the Network are only permitted to release confidential information with the permission of the Executive Committee.

As a guideline, information should not be released unless it is:

  • Required to do so by law
  • Appropriate authority has been granted to release the information
  • The information is officially available to the public and is released in accordance with the Network’s procedures

8. Conflict of Interest

No SHAPE Futures membermay sign off on or manage a contract with a related party where that individual has a significant and/or material conflict of interest.

All conflicts of interest should be declared to the Executive Committee.

9. Addressing breaches and alleged breaches

The protocol for addressing breaches and alleged breaches of this Code of Conduct is set out in the Appendix.

10. Authority and review

This Code of Conduct and associated protocol have been approved by the EMCR SHAPE Futures Network Executive Committee as its formal statement of expectations of conduct, and protocol for handling observed or alleged breaches of the Code.

The Code and protocol are subject to change and will be reviewed by the Executive Committee at least biennially.

Agreed by the Executive Committee: April 2022

Annual Reports

2021 – 2022 report

2023 report

Universities Accord submission

Accord submission

Read our submission to the Universities Accord, which includes our thinking about some of the current challenges being faced by those working in the SHAPE disciplines, and what roles universities must play in helping to solve these challenges to make sure there is a thriving SHAPE EMCR workforce in the future.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian SHAPE EMCR Network recognises Australia’s First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land, and pays respect to Elders past and present. We acknowledge the continued cultural and spiritual connections to Country and community.