P4-5

demonstrating respect for the other professional by

presenting information in an objective way, listening,

reflecting, and being fully engaged in the discussion.

Allow sufficient time to explore all viewpoints and avoid

rushing, and make sure the potential for disruption

is minimised, i.e. does it convey respect if you allow

distractions from your phone?

It is also worth thinking about the mode of

communication, specifically as it relates to the

significance of the issue being discussed. Should

you have a face to face meeting to discuss an

issue? Would a phone call be appropriate? If you

are considering having a ‘discussion’ by email, can

you be confident that the recipient interprets the

information you have written in the way you intended?

Is texting ever an appropriate format for a professional

discussion aimed at resolving an issue? If you are

raising an issue for discussion on social media it is

important to be mindful of who the audience will be,

i.e. are you presenting information on a professional

forum (such as the SPA online communities) in a

respectful way?

We all value respectful and professional communication

when we receive it, and it is a responsibility we should

be conscious of when talking with others. Approaching

all of our interactions with our colleagues with

respect and fairness will ensure ethical standards of

professional behaviour are achieved, and contribute to

a high level of confidence in our professional standards

for members of the public.

Trish Johnson

Senior Advisor Ethics and Professional Issues

If you are raising an

issue for discussion

on social media it

is important to be

mindful of who the

audience will be...