Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Members of the Society
6 May 2016
Preamble to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
The Geological Society of Australia Incorporated (the Society), as part of its mission to promote all aspects of the geosciences including high standards of professional conduct and ethical standards by practitioners in the field of geosciences, requires Members to practise their profession according to agreed professional ethical standards as a condition of membership, in Australia or elsewhere.
This Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct promotes the standing of the geosciences and geoscientists, the well-being of industry, science, the community, and the natural environment, for today and in the future.
Membership of the Society signifies understanding of and commitment to the Society's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
The Geological Society of Australia Incorporated acknowledges that the practice of geoscience is a privilege that requires respect for and responsibility to other practitioners, colleagues, clients, employees, contractors and employers, investors and to the general public. The standard required is that of an ordinary reasonable person holding a similar position in the same circumstances.
Members will always show and advocate honesty, integrity, fairness, impartiality, candour, respect and trustworthiness to colleagues, clients, contractors and employees, and to financial and legal authorities, in the course of their professional life.
Members will seek to advance their technical competence and knowledge, to recognize the technical limitations of geoscience, and to recognize their own individual limitations.
Members will always observe their duty of care toward all those with and for whom they practise geoscience.
Members of the Society will seek to adhere to the highest possible standards of professional behaviour, and support equality of professional opportunity.
Members must comply with the Rules of the Society and must not act in a manner that is prejudicial to the interests or Objects of the Society.
Guide to the Operation of the Code
Forms and Ramifications of Ethical Behaviour
Only some of the forms and ramifications of these ethical obligations are explored here. These notes are not intended to be exhaustive in their review of ethical conduct.
Relationships of Members to Other Members and Geoscientists
1. Members will advocate adherence to this Code and discuss candidly any ethical concerns.
2. Members will observe their duty of care towards colleagues.
3. Members will not maliciously harm the reputation or business of other practitioners.
4. Members will acknowledge the work of others and reject improper credit.
5. Members will allow access to non-confidential data.
6. Members will deal ethically in employment and contracts.
7. Members will promote ethical dissemination of knowledge.
8. Members will be receptive to advice from other practitioners.
9. Members will mentor junior geoscientists and students.
10. Criticism will be measured, respectful, substantiated, and in the public interest.
11. Members will respond reasonably to criticism.
Relationships to Employees, Contractors, Employers or Clients
1. Members will promote client/employer interests while maintaining ethical standards.
2. Members will only accept work within their competence or recommend additional expertise.
3. Members will seek to correct ethical conflicts or consider resignation.
4. Members will respect confidentiality and use information appropriately.
5. Members will resolve conflicts of interest fairly.
6. Members will obtain written permission for royalties, commissions or patents.
7. Members will reject referral fees or inducements.
8. Members will act in good faith and encourage others to do so.
9. Members will report findings objectively, even if adverse to client interests.
Relationships to the Public
1. Members will consider community welfare, safety and environmental conservation.
2. Members will not make unsubstantiated or misleading public statements.
3. Members will consider broader community interests.
4. Members will not promote unsound or illegitimate ventures.
5. Members will ensure accuracy and objectivity in public communication.
6. Members will use current data, appropriate methods and sound interpretation.
7. Members will declare any personal interest in projects.
8. Members will present their qualifications and experience accurately.
Relationships to Legal, Government and Financial Authorities
1. Members will comply with all relevant laws, regulations and codes of practice.
2. Members reporting under JORC and ASX requirements will comply with those standards.
Breaches of Ethical Standards
1. Breaches are treated seriously and subject to a formal complaints process with possible sanctions.
2. Members should carefully assess evidence and seriousness before raising complaints.
3. Members involved in investigations must act honestly, fairly and confidentially.
4. Members must respect determinations made by the Society.
