Code of Conduct
Effective: 10 November 2025*
Preamble
This Code governs every participant—contributors, reviewers, staff, advocates, and the publicin our transparent, rigorous, and collaborative process. Its twin pillars are intellectual integrity and respectful privacy. All participants must read, accept, and abide by this Code before engaging.
1. Core Principles
1. Honesty Present evidence accurately; disclose conflicts of interest.
2. Respect Treat every person with courtesy, regardless of viewpoint.
3. Privacy First Protect contributor identities and unpublished material.
4. Transparency Make methods, sources, and final outputs public; keep internal exchanges confidential unless consent is given.
5. Inclusivity Welcome diverse expertise and lived experience.
2. Contributor Privacy & Anonymity
2.1 All comments submitted in Step 3 are **strictly confidential** and used only to shape the Review Document (Step 4).
2.2 No contributor’s identity, affiliation, or comment will be published without **explicit, revocable written consent.
2.3 Contributors may choose:
Full attribution (name + affiliation)
Partial attribution (first name or pseudonym)
Complete anonymity
2.4 Internal circulation of the Review Document (Step 4) is limited to selected contributors and core team; recipients must sign an NDA excerpt agreeing to non-disclosure
2.5 Once a Working Final Document is complete (Step 6), only consenting contributors’ names appear. Non-consenting contributors are listed as “Anonymous Expert” if they wish acknowledgment.
2.6 Any breach of privacy will trigger immediate removal of the offending party and potential legal review.
3. Respectful Communication
1. Critique ideas, never individuals.
2. No harassment, doxxing, or retaliatory behaviour—online or offline.
3. Use inclusive language; avoid slurs or stereotypes.
4. Disagreements are resolved privately first, then escalated to the Moderation Panel if needed.
4. Intellectual Integrity
4.1 Cite sources using open-access links or DOIs where possible.
4.2 Declare funding, employment, or advocacy ties that could influence your contribution.
4.3 Do not plagiarise; attribute direct quotes and paraphrases.
4.4 Correct errors promptly and publicly in the final explainer.
5. Advocacy Phase (Step 9)
1. Only designated, consenting advocates speak on behalf of the group.
2. Advocates must accurately represent the final document; personal opinions are disclosed as such.
3. Lobbying complies with the Lobbying Codes of Conduct and is logged publicly.
6. Public Engagement
1. Published explainers (Step 8) are free to share with credit.
2. Public comments on the website are moderated for civility; repeat violators are blocked.
3. Feedback that improves accuracy is incorporated into errata or future editions.
7. Enforcement
| Minor (e.g., tone lapse) Private reminder
| Moderate (e.g., undisclosed conflict) Public correction + 6-month contribution ban.
| Severe (e.g., privacy breach, harassment) | Permanent expulsion + referral to authorities if illegal.
An independent Moderation Panel (3 Trustees, 1 staff) reviews reports within 48 hours.
8. Acceptance
By submitting an application, comment, or advocacy brief, you affirm:
“I have read, understood, and agree to the Code of Conduct, including its privacy protections.”
Digital signature is recorded; withdrawal of consent for name use is honored within 72 hours.