GSA Code of Conduct September 2020

Code of Conduct for GSA members and attendees for all GSA events and activities September 2020 The Governing Council prioritises the wellbeing of its members and, to support that, recognises the need for a Code of Conduct to outline expectations of behaviour for both members and nonmembers at GSA-related activities and events. The Governing Council, in consultation with Divisional and Branch committees, has developed a new Code of Conduct that we present here. The Code will help us define our societal values and guide our behaviours. It will help us create and strengthen our diversity by building an inclusive and respectful environment that members find welcoming and open. Events and activities run by the GSA are first and foremost aimed to bring together members and non-members from all backgrounds to interact, network, debate, discuss, socialise and enjoy all aspects of geoscience and related fields that come under the umbrella of the organisation. This Code of Conduct provides guiding principles of conduct for all members of the GSA when participating in any GSA-based activity and for non-members when participating in any GSA-based event. A GSAbased activity or event could include meetings, workshops, conferences, fieldtrips, publishing, committee and any other volunteer work. The Code is also designed to manage, or create a pathway to manage, undesirable behaviour. The Governing Council recommends that registration for any GSA event or activity includes an agreement from the registrant to abide by the Code. This Code of Conduct is separate to the existing Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for members of the Society that was introduced in 2016 as part of the Accredited Geoscientist program. When developing the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and based on much consultation and feedback, the Governing Council made the decision to keep that Code separate from a Code of Conduct. In essence, the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is related to professional practice, including research integrity and factual geological reporting, whereas the Code of Conduct directly sets standards for our behaviour and articulates our values. In short, a person’s conduct and behaviour at a GSA-related event or activity has to meet GSA member-approved guidelines. If you would like to know more about the GSA’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, please go to the GSA website: www.gsa.org.au, follow the links to the Governance pages and go to the dropdown menu: Code of Conduct. There are two parts to the GSA Code of Conduct — Part A: Code of Conduct and Part B: Disciplinary Actions.