Speak Out August 2020 DIGITAL EDITION

The 2020 Code of Ethics is coming

Launch of the Code The launch of the 2020 Code was initially planned for the SPA National Conference in May 2020, however this action was not achieved as the conference was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The launch is now planned for Friday 23 October 2020. ‘Advance notice’ of the 2020 Code of Ethics from now will allow members to become familiar with the content prior to the launch, as members must comply with it after that date, and other stakeholders to plan for any changes to be made in their context. A range of activities are being planned between now and the launch date to encourage members to interact with the revised content and become familiar with the visual layout. Keep an eye on the new Learning Hub for podcasts and interviews, e-news, and social media. So what do I do now? Have a look at the 2020 Code of Ethics here. It is planned that members and external stakeholders will mostly interact with the 2020 Code online, through a dedicated interactive page on the SPA website. Work is currently underway to finalise development of that page with extensive links throughout the 2020 Code to resources that will support members to understand and uphold the Code. Resources will include definitions, internal resources such as Speech Pathology Australia policies, podcasts, clinical guidelines, FAQs, PD opportunities, and external resources such as links to legislation, references and government websites. Members will be advised when that new page is up and running, then we will encourage you to have a look and a ‘play’ with the interactive capabilities. Hard copies will also be available including a poster for your clinic wall, and a downloadable pdf. Please contact the Ethics Team if you have suggestions for resources that you and others will benefit from, or have other questions about the 2020 Code of Ethics.

A major review of the SPA Code of Ethics was undertaken during 2019. Actions undertaken during the review included: Appointment of an independent facilitator who completed a Scoping Review of other professional codes and review processes. Member survey during March 2019, 750 individuals responded. Australia wide in person and videoconferencing focus groups with members; discussion and input into what works well in the current Code and what should be considered for the 2020 Code. Input from key stakeholders, e.g. the Speech Pathology Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, SPA standards team working on the review of the professional standards, and other external stakeholder representatives. Thematic analysis of all the data collected The Ethics Board then used the detailed information gained by these activities to revise the Code. Subsequent review has been undertaken by the Board of Directors, legal counsel and members of our profession experienced in the work of the Ethics Board. 2020 Code of Ethics The 2020 Code of Ethics contains updated values, principles and standards for speech pathology professional practice in Australia. The 2020 Code has been aligned with contemporary practice, to ensure it supports and reflects professional practice now and across the next 10 years. It takes into account the changing internal and external environments for speech pathology practice including changes to models of services delivery, access to services, consumer engagement with speech pathology, the employment contexts of speech pathologists and with consideration of the eight core aspirations of the Speech Pathology 2030 report.

Ethics

Code of ethics

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Speak Out | August 2020