Vocology in Practice - Ethical Code of Conduct

Updated June 2021

 

Reason for the Code of Conduct 

Membership to Vocology in Practice (ViP) automatically stipulates agreement to the following reasonable ethical guidelines stated below. Our goal is to foster a positive membership environment that reflects our mission statement:

"A peer-directed global network of elite voice professionals, supporting and expanding our collective expertise".

There is zero tolerance for bullying, gossip, and any sort of harassment (including, but not limited to, sexual), and we pride ourselves in being an inclusive network where everyone is welcome regardless of gender, race, ability, and background. 

Our ethical conduct adheres to the following  statements which reflect what we aim to do as a valued member of the network:

 

  • First, do no harm.
  • The welfare of students comes before our personal ambitions.
  • Our own expertise will be clearly outlined for both our peers and our students.
  • We will not claim expertise in areas outside of our educated/experienced field. Exploration and experimentation in areas unknown will respect all conduct outlined here.
  • We will refer our students to appropriate experts when necessary.
  • We will ‘Spread what we love, not what we hate’.

 

 

Ethical standards related to the organisation and competition

  • Members are expected to educate themselves in our seven principles (Artistry; Anatomy & Health; Musicianship; Voice Science; Body & Mind; Vocal Pedagogy; Business Practices & Personal/Professional Development),  and to have a good overview across the vocal pedagogy field, yet recognize limitations in own knowledge and appropriate areas of practice with the caveat of ‘first do no harm’.

  • It is unacceptable to talk derogatively about Vocology in Practice or about any of the members with students or people outside of the organization. We are also expected to treat direct or indirect competitors with respect, and show pride in our own organization and colleagues.

  • We aim to be sharing and approachable members of the community and offer advice and support to newer members of the profession.

  • We do not approach students that are studying with other teachers in order to “poach” them away, yet be open to work with other people in the field and in complementary fields if in the best interest of the student. 

 

Ethical standards expected in professional conduct and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

  • Members are expected to present themselves truthfully and professionally and with documented qualifications and teaching/performance experience.

  • ViP members constantly strive for continuous improvement and professional and personal development with an open minded approach to questioning our own views and an open ear when listening to peer network/s.

Ethical standards expected towards students

  • Members strive to avoid all kinds of discrimination, while recognizing that certain student groups may need more specialist knowledge than you are able to offer.

  • Members are expected to act responsibly toward your student. In recognizing our position of authority, not sharing any confidential information with others unless doing so may prevent harm.

  • We aim to offer truthful feedback and career advice to students in a supportive and constructive manner with the whole person in mind.

  • The teacher should not initiate intimate or other private relationships with students, and would be expected to end the professional relationship should a personal relationship occur amongst consenting adults.

  • A student who has or wants to move on and/or explore further study with other teachers will be treated with respect and transparency.

  • Members are expected to be without the influence of illegal drugs or intoxicated whenever presenting as an authorized Vocology in Practice member. 

 

Whistleblowing and reporting

If we experience conflicts or other problems in the organization, this should be brought to the attention of the executive board, or the Education director, president or secretary should any of the individual core members be part of the conflict.

If you feel that any members are not representing our principles and are not adhering to this, we hope you seek advice from the executive board, where we can decide together the best action going forward. 

There will be no negative consequences for anyone reporting an issue, and the member may choose to stay anonymous in the process. 

Disciplinary action
The initial contact with the member will be of a supporting nature, as we recognize that misunderstandings are common. Should it be necessary, a formal warning will be issued. The membership and authorization will be cancelled at the third notice with immediate effect. This decision can be appealed to the board of directors, but all efforts will be made to resolve the issue beforehand. 

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about this Ethical Code of Conduct, please contact us:

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