AUGEN is welcoming and supportive of all members and collaborators regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic and cultural background, disability, age, family/carer responsibilities, political ideology, and religious belief.

We are committed to fostering a genuinely inclusive culture, reflecting our commitment to principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recognise these principles as central to our leadership on activities of scholarship, learning and teaching, research and research training, and that the effectiveness of AUGEN in this capacity is enhanced by the diversity of our network.

We will demonstrate our commitment to these values in practice by:
• regularly reviewing our membership, nominations, and elections processes for diversity, with the option of co-opting additional members to AUGEN and its committee to bring diverse perspectives
• ensuring all members are treated equally and are able to contribute fully to the work of AUGEN
• ensuring that consultation, preparation, and communication on AUGEN matters take into account diversity and inclusion
• evolving our processes in response to best practice in equity, diversity, and inclusion

The AUGEN committee prioritises the wellbeing of all members of the AUGEN TEAM and is committed to an inclusive and respectful environment where members and supporters feel safe and valued. The Code of Conduct applies to all members as well as any other participants in our activities, such as meetings, discussion events, conferences, and social events and includes interactions that may occur in person, online and/or through electronic communications including email and social media. 

AUGEN events and activities aim to provide mechanism for members and non-members to interact, network, debate, discuss, socialise and enjoy all learning together and the support of a group of people who share similar interests and ethos. 

This Code of Conduct defines AUGEN’s values and helps guide our behaviours. The Code is also designed to help create a pathway to manage, undesirable behaviour. By joining AUGEN and/or by participating in any AUGEN event, members and other participants agree to abide by the Code.

1. AUGEN members are expected to act in a courteous and respectful manner at all times

2. AUGEN and its members promote equality of opportunity, regardless of age, race, nationality, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, ethnicity, marital status, political affiliation or culture

3. AUGEN will not tolerate any form of harassment or bullying. This includes, but is not limited to, abusive, threatening or offensive language or comments, aggressive or intimidating behaviour, belittling or humiliating comments, unjustified criticism or complaint

4. Communication will be fair and open and should be appropriate for people of many different backgrounds

5. Conflicts will be resolved in a fair and objective manner to produce an effective solution

6. When undertaking any AUGEN-related activity, members and other participants will not compromise the safety, welfare or health of the community or themselves

AUGEN members, or non-members attending an AUGEN event, in breach of this Code of Conduct will be subject to investigation. Any member or non-member experiencing or witnessing any apparent breach of the Code of Conduct should document details of the alleged breach, noting essential details such as where it occurred, who was involved, and what happened, providing supporting evidence (such as emails) where appropriate. Any report or concern about a Code of Conduct breach should be forwarded to any current member of the AUGEN committee. All reports of alleged breaches of the Code will be dealt with in a private and confidential manner. Except where public safety is at risk, a member’s privacy is to be strictly observed, and the matter treated confidentially. 

On receipt of any Code of Conduct concerns, the AUGEN committee will undertake a preliminary assessment and appoint a delegate to investigate the alleged Code of Conduct breach. The delegate may be a member of the committee or another external person appointed by the committee. If a member or non-member has concerns about committee members having breached the Code of Conduct and does not feel comfortable approaching another member of the committee to raise their concerns, they may approach the President of the Australian Geoscience Council. 

For members, any allegation of a Code of Conduct breach that is upheld following investigation (formal or informal) will result in one of: (1) a warning and explanation of the behaviour to the person concerned, (2) suspension from membership for a period of time, (3) termination of membership and expulsion (with no future prospects for readmission. For non-members any allegation of a Code of Conduct breach that is upheld following investigation (formal or informal) will result in exclusion from all future AUGEN events.

(modified from Geological Society of Australia Code of Conduct - https://tinyurl.com/mpft4n6x