Governance

ASBS is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for our members and promotes respectful and equal treatment for all. We urge our members to look out for each other to create a comfortable space where people feel encouraged, can speak without fear, and know their opinions are valued. We prohibit any form of harassment or discrimination.

By becoming a member of ASBS you agree to abide by the following rules:

• Treat others with respect and consideration.
• Refrain from impacting others with unwanted verbal or physical conduct (sexual or otherwise) or from making degrading and disparaging statements related to age, background, professional status, career stage, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religious beliefs, appearance, physical or mental ability, gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Be conscientious about how your actions and comments might be perceived or misunderstood by others.
• Be mindful of behaviours or comments that intimidate, create discomfort, interfere with a person’s participation, reinforce social structures of domination, or that might be construed as an abuse of power.
• Be mindful of how you use social media when mentioning ASBS or other members, remembering that the internet is a public place.
• Do not cast doubt on the professional competence of others without good cause.
• Uphold standards of scientific integrity and professional ethics. 
• Act professionally regardless of your level of qualification.
• Declare conflicts of interest (perceived or actual) (e.g., when involved in grant assessments, judging awards, or investigating breaches to the code of conduct, etc.).
• Protect confidential ASBS information.

ASBS maintains the right to deny or cease membership if a person’s annual subscription is more than two consecutive years in arrears, they have not abided by our code of conduct, or it has been deemed their conduct has or is likely to bring discredit to the Society.

When attending an ASBS event or conference, members are required to abide by the conference Code of Conduct in addition to the Society’s Code of Conduct. Conference organisers may modify the conference Code of Conduct as appropriate for their specific event.

Dealing with a reported incident

If you believe someone has breached this Code of Conduct, please contact ASBS Council. We will promptly respond or facilitate a response to all incidents reported and will act with discretion and sensitivity as appropriate to the circumstances. Consequences of misconduct may include cessation of membership.

We will ensure our response to the matter will be:

• Proportional – the investigation and any subsequent actions will be proportional to the breach;
• Fair – we will do our utmost to be fair to all parties involved;
• Impartial – investigators and decision-makers must declare any conflicts of interests (perceived or actual);
• Timely – investigate and respond as soon as the matter allows, gathering as much information as we are able to minimise the impact on all parties;
• Transparent – information about the processes will be available to respondents and complainants;
• Confidential – information will be treated as confidential and not disclosed unless required. Breaches of the Code of Conduct may be communicated to all members, but complete anonymity and confidentiality will be maintained of the particulars of circumstances and individuals involved.