Preamble
Our Code of Conduct outlines the principles, values and beliefs of Writing WA (‘this/the Organisation’), as a guide for the behaviour of all related parties. Staff, board members and consultants working on a contractual basis are expected to comport themselves according to the guidelines of this code. Members of the Organisation, visitors and/or guests are asked to likewise respect these guidelines.
Acknowledgement of Country
Writing WA recognises the First Nations peoples of Western Australia as our first memory holders and storytellers. Writing WA respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the land of the Whadjuk Noongar people. We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of this Country.
Objectives of this Code
- To express organisational values and shared beliefs.
- To support individuals within the Organisation in making clear the expectations for conduct, and in scaffolding the ability of all to navigate situations of ethical ambiguity.
- To promote excellence and a high ethical standard for all behaviour and activity.
- To provide a clear statement and grounding for governance.
- To offer public accountability.
Advocacy Statement
Writing WA acknowledges and respects the diverse opinions held by members of the writing industry, and we support their freedom to express these opinions. Writing WA’s policy on advocacy is similar to the policy of the Australian Society of Authors. Writing WA speaks only on matters that affect the professional lives of West Australian authors and storytellers, and where we believe our advocacy can make a material difference.
Core Values:
- Community – connection, collaboration, participation
- Inclusivity and diversity – all writers and storytellers, all genres
- Creativity – innovation, imagination
- Integrity – honesty, respect, transparency, accountability
Obligations of the Organisation:
- To ensure that all activities are conducted in such a manner as complies with the core values of this Organisation.
- To recognise, acknowledge and undertake consultation with the First Nations peoples of any Country on which a Writing WA event is held.
- To ensure that the conduct of individuals associated with the Organisation meets with and is held to the standards of our core values and beliefs, and meets with requirements of the Writing WA’s Constitution and Codes (see ‘Related Documents’).
- To ensure that conduct on the part of any individual or Organisation which sits in contradiction to the core values of Writing WA is not upheld, promoted or celebrated in any way.
Obligations of Individuals:
- To uphold and act in accordance with the Organisation’s core values, and the obligations of the Organisation.
- Behave honestly and with integrity, according to the values of this Organisation, upholding standards of equity, equality and justice in all activity and considerations related to the Organisation.
- Comply with all applicable laws, and act in accordance with the rules of the Organisation, complying in doing so with the standards of the Incorporated Associations Act (2015), Writing WA’s Constitution, and the Codes of the Organisation.
- Ensure that the Organisation is in every way meeting the requirements of these Codes.
- Recognise that failure to accord with these Codes or the broader Rules of the Organisation may lead to ramifications.
