Introduction to public consultation appendix 1

International Association of Public Participation

Code of ethics for public participation practitioners

1. Purpose. We support public participation as a process to make better decisions that incorporate the interests and concerns of all affected stakeholders and meet the needs of the decision-making body.
2. Role of practitioner.  We will enhance the public’s participation in the decision-making process and assist decision-makers in being responsive to the public’s concerns and suggestions.
3. Trust.  We will undertake and encourage actions that build trust and credibility for the process and among all the participants.
4. Defining the public’s role.  We will carefully consider and accurately portray the public’s role in the decision-making process.
5. Openness.  We will encourage the disclosure of all information relevant to the public’s understanding and evaluation of a decision.
6. Access to the process.  We will ensure that stakeholders have fair and equal access to the public participation process and the opportunity to influence decisions.
7. Respect for communities.  We will avoid strategies that risk polarising community interest or that appear to “divide and conquer.”
8. Advocacy.  We will advocate for the public participation process and will not advocate for a particular interest, party or project outcome.
9. Commitments.  We will ensure that all commitments made to the public, including those by the decision-maker, are made in good faith.
10. Support of the practice.  We will mentor new practitioners in the field and educate decision-makers and the public about the value and use of public participation.