Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

1. Be inclusive

The ACS welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to members of any sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, social and economic class, educational level, colour, immigration status, sex, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.

2. Be considerate

We all depend on each other to produce the best results we can as an inclusive Society. Your decisions will affect clients and colleagues and you should take those consequences into account when making decisions.

3. Be respectful

We won’t all agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for disrespectful behaviour. We may all experience frustration from time to time, but we cannot allow that frustration to become personal attacks. An environment where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is not a productive or creative one.

4. Conduct yourself professionally

Always choose your words or actions carefully. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Harassment and exclusionary behaviour aren’t acceptable.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Threats of violence and bullying.
  • Discriminatory jokes and language.
  • Sharing inappropriate or unsolicited sexually explicit or violent material via electronic devices or other means.
  • Personal insults of any kind.
  • Unwelcome sexual attention.

In general, if someone asks you to stop doing something inappropriate, then stop.

5. Language matters

Use gender neutral language. For example Cinematographer and Director of Photography are gender neutral. Be mindful – Swearing or culturally inappropriate language may cause offence.

6. Make differences into strengths

We can find strength in diversity. Different people have different perspectives on issues, and that can be valuable for solving problems or generating new ideas. Being unable to understand why someone holds a viewpoint doesn’t mean that they’re wrong. Don’t forget that we all make mistakes. Focus on resolving issues and learning from mistakes.

7. Be pro-active as an Ethical Bystander

If you observe harassment, disrespectful or bullying behaviour towards another, you have a duty of care to act. Do not ignore it. Show you don’t condone it.

Be proactive, speak up immediately or seek appropriate intervention.

Ignoring the behaviour could be seen as silent approval. Don’t underestimate your impact as a bystander.

Inaction is not action. Speak Up!