These guidelines are designed to ensure that everyone participating in and engaging with ACSPRI’s offerings – including, but not limited to courses, workshops, and conferences – feels valued and safe. Mutual respect and consideration are fundamental to a successful and an enriching intellectual experience. By adhering to these guidelines, a collaborative atmosphere can be created, where diverse ideas and perspectives are shared openly and constructively.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in appropriate actions to maintain a respectful and safe environment. Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences might include a formal warning, removal from a specific ACSPRI offering, or expulsion from ACSPRI offerings without a refund. In cases of serious misconduct, further actions might be taken, including notifying the individual’s affiliated institution or organisation.
ACSPRI’s priority is to ensure that everyone can participate and engage in a positive and constructive manner, and ACSPRI appreciates your cooperation in upholding these standards.
Inclusive Language
- Use gender-neutral terms (e.g., ‘they’ instead of ‘he/she’), unless the preferred pronouns are known
- Avoid stereotypes and assumptions about any group
- Be mindful of cultural differences and avoid idioms or phrases that might not translate well
Content Sensitivity
- Where possible, ensure all images, examples, and case studies are diverse and representative of different groups
- Avoid content that could be offensive or triggering – if discussing sensitive topics, provide appropriate context and disclaimers
- Discussion during ACSPRI offerings should be treated as confidential and not used as future examples or anecdotes (unless the appropriate permissions have been obtained)
- When commenting on or critiquing unpublished research, ensure to: obtain the appropriate permissions; and inform the audience that the appropriate permissions were granted
- When commenting on or critiquing published research, presenters should avoid statements that might be interpreted as a personal attack or an attempt to harm reputation
Respectful Interaction
- Address all participants respectfully, using their preferred names and pronouns, when known
- Encourage questions and feedback from all participants, ensuring all participants feel heard and valued
- Ensure consistency (e.g., if you request questions to be posed at the end of the offering, ensure questions are not addressed during the offering)
Accessibility
- Use accessible formats for slides and handouts (e.g., large fonts, high contrast)
- Provide captions or transcripts for audio and video content
Bias Awareness
- Be aware of your own biases and actively work to mitigate them
- Seek feedback on your offering from diverse colleagues to identify and address unintentional biases
Professionalism
- Maintain a professional tone and demeanour throughout your offering
- Avoid jokes or comments that could be misinterpreted or deemed inappropriate
- Maintain a professional standard of discourse appropriate for the public record – as a guiding principle, state only what you would be comfortable stating on the public record
Continuous Improvement
- Stay informed about best practices for inclusive and respectful communication
- Regularly engage with information and resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion – these might include, but are not limited to:
- ACON: Pride Training
- Australian Disability Network: Resources
- Australian Human Rights Commission: The positive duty in the sex discrimination act
- Australian Human Rights Commission: Toolkits, guidelines and other resources
- business.gov.au: Equal opportunity and diversity
- Diversity Australia: Resources
- Diversity Council Australia: Resources
Endorsed By
The ACSPRI Executive Committee, March 2026