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The Communications Council Agency Code of Ethics
Introduction
Ethics is a cornerstone of the changing face of business today. In developing the agency Code of Ethics, the Communications Council created a world-first in the advertising industry. More importantly, it is our Code – developed by the industry, for the industry and not imposed from outside the industry.
Every corporate member of the Communications Council is signatory to the Code of Ethics. This represents a commitment by agency staff and management to abide by the spirit and principles of the Code and in doing so, uphold the very highest standards of ethical practice.
This Code is not a set of rules encased within a legalistic framework. Rather, it is a combination of broad principles and specific issues which set standards of behaviour for people working in the advertising industry. Equally we have an obligation to understand and adhere to our clients' industry codes of conduct. The Communications Council does not seek to act as police, judge or jury on the issue of ethics. We see our role more as a guide to agencies as they navigate their way through advertising’s grey areas.
We are committed to uphold the integrity of the Code and in this regard, the Communications Council accepts written complaints which it undertakes to settle with the advice and assistance of The St James Ethics Centre.
For full details download the code booklet
Conducting In-house Ethics Workshops
The Communications Council conducts in-house ethics workshops for members - $400 for up to 30 people. For details, please contact Gawen Rudder on (02) 8297 8300 or gawen@communicationscouncil.org.au
An example of the type of issue raised in these workshops is contained in a series of 'E Word' articles in AdNews.
The 'E Word' - a column in AdNews
The E Word teases out often difficult, contemporary and sometimes controversial issues likely to provoke a range of responses. None of these responses are purported to be necessarily either the ‘Right’ or the ‘Wrong’ answers. Rather they are intended to stimulate readers to consider their own position on these ethical dilemmas.
- Who owns your Ideas? 16 January 2004
- Whispering with Intent, 30 January 2004
- The Kids are all Right, 13 February 2004
- Where is the Love? 26 March 2004
- Thy Shall Behave (or else!), 23 April 2004
- Life Sucks and then you Die, 21 May 2004
- Seeing is Believing, 18 June 2004
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