FLEET code of conduct

This code provides a clear statement of the Centre’s expectations of its members in respect of their professional and personal conduct.

This Code applies to all FLEET members, however, the Code of Conduct of a member’s University or organisation overrides this document if there is a conflict.

Statement of FLEET Values, Culture, and Behaviour Expectations

The following values, culture and behaviour underpin the respectful and supportive workplace fostered within FLEET. All FLEET members are expected to contribute to forming a work environment that is equitable, inclusive and free from any form of harassment or discrimination, according to these values:

Values:

FLEET is based on the following values:

  • Honesty
  • Trust
  • Transparency
  • Respect
  • Diversity
  • Fairness
  • Inclusivity

Culture:

FLEET aims to achieve a culture that is:

  • Collegial
  • Supportive
  • Nurturing
  • Professional
  • Engaging
  • Empowering
  • Inclusive

Behaviours:

Behaviours that FLEET wishes to encourage and strengthen are:

  • Open, honest and timely communication
  • Active listening and learning
  • Treating people as individuals
  • Compassion
  • Understanding

Policy:

1. Personal and Professional Behaviour

General Conduct

In performing their duties and functions, all members must:

  • exercise their best professional and ethical judgement;
  • discharge their responsibilities with integrity and objectivity;
  • act fairly and reasonably, and treat colleagues, students and visitors to the Centre and members of the public with respect, impartiality, courtesy and sensitivity;
  • avoid conflicts of interest;
  • maintain a co-operative and collaborative approach to working relationships; and
  • comply with all applicable legislation, industrial instruments, professional codes of conduct or practice and their own organisation’s policies, including those relating to:
    • the conduct of research;
    • confidentiality and privacy of information;
    • equal opportunity;
    • work health and safety; and
    • efficient and effective use of resources.

Discrimination

Members must not discriminate against anyone in relation to FLEET activity on the grounds of gender, race, religion, nationality, political conviction, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, physical or intellectual impairment or physical appearance.

Bullying

  • Bullying is repeated unreasonable and inappropriate physical or psychological behaviour in the workplace or education environment which comprises behaviour that intimidates, offends, degrades, insults or humiliates an employee or student. Bullying behaviour can be a risk to health and safety. Legitimate comment, criticism and advice, including relevant negative comments or feedback provided in a reasonable manner from supervisors or academics on the work, study performance or behaviour of an individual or group, does not constitute bullying.
  • Bullying will not be tolerated in any FLEET related work or educational context and constitutes misconduct. Should a member be accused of bullying during a FLEET activity, the matter can be reported via the ‘Report inappropriate behaviour’ link on the FLEET intranet. Any such reports will be investigated and the FLEET Executive Committee will take appropriate action.

Sexual harassment

  • Sexual harassment is unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature including suggestive comments or jokes, unwanted staring or touching, intrusive questions about a person’s private life, repeated requests for dates or sex. Behaviour that is based on mutual attraction, friendship and respect, or where interactions are consensual, welcome and reciprocated is not sexual harassment.
  • Sexual harassment is unlawful under the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and constitutes misconduct. Should a member be accused of sexual harassment during a FLEET activity, the matter will be investigated and the FLEET Executive Committee will take appropriate action.

2. Conflicts of Interest

  • Members must comply with their employing organisation’s policy regarding Conflicts of Interest.
  • Members must ensure that there is no actual, potential or perceived conflict between their personal interests or their duties to other parties and their duties and responsibilities as members of FLEET.
  • Members must promptly disclose to FLEET all relevant facts and circumstances giving rise to an actual, potential or perceived conflict between their personal interests or their duties to other parties and their duties and responsibilities as members of FLEET; and cooperate with FLEET management to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to eliminate or manage such conflicts.

3. Gifts and Benefits

  • Members must not solicit or accept gifts or benefits, either for themselves or for another person, which may in any way, either directly or indirectly, compromise or influence them in their official FLEET capacity.
  • Members must report any offers of bribes to their supervisor, who should then ensure that the matter is reported as corrupt behavior in accordance with their own organisation’s code of conduct.

4. Use and Security of Official Information

Members MUST:

  • maintain the integrity, confidentiality and privacy of FLEET records and information which they have access to in the course of their employment or study;
  • take all reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorised access to, or misuse of, FLEET records and information; and
  • comply with their own organisation’s privacy and information policies.

Members MUST NOT:

  • disclose, or offer to supply, confidential or private FLEET records or information, except when authorised to do so as part of their normal duties and functions, or when required or permitted to do so by their own organisation’s policy, State or Commonwealth law, a court order or other legal instrument;
  • access or use information, including information on electronic systems and hardcopy files, other than for an authorised purpose; or
  • destroy, or authorise the destruction of, FLEET records other than in accordance with their organisation’s policy and relevant legislation.

6. Work, Health & Safety

Members must comply with their organisation’s Work Health & Safety policies and procedures and take reasonable care for their own health and safety and the health and safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

7. Breaches of the Code of Conduct

Breaches of this Code of Conduct will not be tolerated. Depending on the situation, breaches could result in informal or formal disciplinary proceedings. Any breaches should be reported to a supervisory officer independent of the breach. Any member who wishes to report a violation of this Code of Conduct is can speak, in confidence, to the:

OR Report the violation using the Report Unacceptable Behaviour link.

At any FLEET sponsored or affiliated conferences and workshops, participants will be asked to stop any inappropriate behaviour immediately. Participants may be asked to leave the event.

FLEET’s code of conduct was based on those developed by the ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D), and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS).