Speak Out draft text june 2016

If you are raising an issue for discussion on social media it is important to be mindful of who the audience will be...

demonstrating respect for the other professional by presenting information in an objective way, listening, reflecting, and being fully engaged in the discussion. Allow sufficient time to explore all viewpoints and avoid rushing, and make sure the potential for disruption is minimised, i.e. does it convey respect if you allow distractions from your phone? It is also worth thinking about the mode of communication, specifically as it relates to the significance of the issue being discussed. Should you have a face to face meeting to discuss an issue? Would a phone call be appropriate? If you are considering having a ‘discussion’ by email, can you be confident that the recipient interprets the information you have written in the way you intended? Is texting ever an appropriate format for a professional discussion aimed at resolving an issue? If you are raising an issue for discussion on social media it is important to be mindful of who the audience will be, i.e. are you presenting information on a professional forum (such as the SPA online communities) in a respectful way? We all value respectful and professional communication when we receive it, and it is a responsibility we should be conscious of when talking with others. Approaching all of our interactions with our colleagues with respect and fairness will ensure ethical standards of professional behaviour are achieved, and contribute to a high level of confidence in our professional standards for members of the public.

Trish Johnson Senior Advisor Ethics and Professional Issues