Banksia Academy Hub Code of Conduct

Overview

OBJECTIVE

This policy was created to provide a comprehensive and global Code of Conduct that includes professional principles and standards of Code of Conduct based on the core values of the organisation.

SCOPE

This policy applies to employees, independent contractors, Board members, Advisory Board members, Lived Experience Advisory Group Members, Hub members, consultants, interns, volunteers, and others acting on behalf of Banksia Academy Ltd, nationally and internationally.

POLICY

It is the policy of Banksia Academy Ltd that we conduct our activities according to the highest ethical and professional standards. In order to fulfill this organisation’s mission, vision, and core values, all mentioned above will adopt this Code of Conduct as a reminder of certain standards of conduct that we all must meet while working with and alongside Banksia Academy Ltd.

OUR MISSION

To provide training, education, access to appropriate and sustainable employment opportunities, and a program of trauma-informed wrap-around support for women and non-binary survivors of domestic and family violence.

OUR VISION

Established in 2022 to bridge the gaps in support post-crisis for victim survivors of domestic and family violence, Banksia Academy Ltd was created alongside our work-integrated social impact business, Scriibed. Scriibed is a Social Traders certified social enterprise, providing safe, flexible, and secure work in the digital economy. We believe that meaningful employment in safe and flexible jobs can deliver women survivors the long term social and financial independence that creates lasting social impact.

OUR INTEGRITY

We invest in listening to the voices of women with lived experience and do the hard work of providing training, education, and pathways into higher paid employment in the digital economy, whilst wrapping the right supports around women survivors. We believe this aspirational approach can break cycles of abuse and contribute to reaching critical Sustainable Development Goals for women and children.

The flow-on positive impacts for women, their children, and generations to come is incomparable to the status quo.

OUR THREE PILLARS

  1. Life-long learning - Through education partners and bespoke courses we offer a virtual job readiness program, digital skills and training, and soft skills learning to both find and thrive at work and in life.

  2. Higher paid work - We provide employment pathways into Scriibed and partner employers, working with employers to create safe, flexible, and secure work in jobs, specifically in the digital economy.

  3. Connection - Our survivor Hub offers both peer support and mentoring to support women to connect and develop networks to strengthen education and work opportunities.

Values and behaviours members are expected to practice

Respect and kindness

We respect and care for each other, practice kindness, and treat others as we would like to be treated. We listen to others in order to understand and empathise. We appreciate their perspectives, even when we disagree.

We approach those with whom we have a conflict directly and respectfully or seek support to address the issue in a constructive way. We seek to appreciate others’ strengths and accept others’ limitations. We seek to provide useful feedback and frame mistakes as opportunities to learn.

We are mindful of unequal power in our relations with others. We commit not to take advantage of these differences and rather seek to create power-balanced relationships.

Affirmative Consent

We ensure informed consent when interacting with others. We are mindful that power differentials may compromise consent. Gender, lower authority, or status, or lack of resources can inhibit free decisions by the individual or group with less power.

Fairness and equality

We see and treat others fairly and as equals. We oppose oppressive hierarchies that propel us to treat others as inferior or superior, denying the equal humanity, rights, and dignity of each individual.

We work on our unconscious biases in how we perceive ourselves and others. We aim to see others’ behaviour as reflecting their individualities, and not as representing their gender, race, nationality, sexuality, etc.

We strive to make opportunities and benefits equitably available for all. We foster an environment of inclusion, solidarity, and belonging.

Transparency and honesty

We commit to honesty in our communication with others. We commit to be transparent about our plans, intentions, and decisions.

We disclose to the relevant people any potential conflicts of interest with no delay.

Self-reflection and growth

We aspire to be self-critical of our actions, evaluate our relationships and decisions, and be open to discussing mistakes, and learning from them. We seek and listen to feedback that others give us, and take action accordingly.

Self-reflection is connected to self and collective care to create the space for new insights and growth.

Privacy and Confidentiality

We agree to maintain confidentiality of all members of the Hub and anything shared within the Hub, written or verbal, is classed as confidential and will not be shared outside of this safe space.

We respect the privacy of others and do not reveal the personal information of others. Specifically the sharing of any information that is identifying any Member of the Hub will result in exclusion from the Hub and possibly further action, including but not limited to, legal action.

Behaviours Banksia Academy Hub members commit not to engage in

Abusive behaviour

This includes a wide range of harmful behaviours which are intimidating, rude, unwelcome, offensive, demeaning, and that disrespect the dignity and autonomy of others.

Bullying, incivility, explosive anger, verbal and physical violence, and retaliation are examples of abusive behaviours. They can also be displayed in subtle forms, such as patronising attitudes, ignoring their voice, disrespectful body language, gossiping, and harsh criticism.

Discrimination

Discrimination entails treating people negatively on the basis of their race, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, age, religion, disabilities, or any other trait. It can manifest in behaviour or language that is racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, and classist.

Policies and institutional decisions against individuals or groups based on prejudices are also instances of discrimination. Favoritism toward those with certain backgrounds or traits and exclusion of those coming from marginalised communities are other forms of discrimination.

Conflicts of interest

It refers to situations in which personal interests are in conflict (or could be in conflict) with the interests of Banksia Academy Ltd. They are decisions or actions that benefit specific members, or their family or friends, affecting the interests of the organisation.

If a member or staff member is presented with a situation whose outcome creates personal benefit for themself, friends, or relations at the expense of the integrity of Banksia Academy Ltd, there may be a conflict of interest and it should be avoided.

Prohibited sharing of private information and confidential information

We respect each other’s privacy and do not reveal or share the personal information of others, including contact details, name, and place of residence.

Notes on implementation

Members are expected to read and sign this document and related policies. Learning spaces will be offered to reflect on these commitments and support each other. Anyone can report breaches of this Code of Conduct.

Corrective actions will be taken when breaches of this Code of Conduct occur, which may take the form of restorative approaches or disciplinary actions. Other measures of civil and penal responsibility may also be taken, according to the law of the land.