Updating our Code of Professional Standards and Ethics

Members of the working group overseeing this are Distinguished Professor Gaven Martin FRSNZ (convenor), Professor Barry Scott FRSNZ, Professor Tahu Kukutai MRSNZ, Professor Peter Watts FRSNZ, Kate O’Connor and Dr Jane Allison.

The terms of reference are to redevelop the structure and repackage the content of the existing Code to create a new version that is substantially equivalent and that:

• gives effect to our diversity principles
• separates what is advice/guidelines from what is actually the enforceable Code
• makes the standard by which complaints will be adjudicated as clear as possible
• includes good practices in Māori research and engaging with Māori communities
• includes contemporary good practice in regard to genetic technologies, materials and information

The working group will consult with stakeholders in the second half of 2017 on proposed changes and will identify any needs for supporting guidance materials to sit beside the Code.

Two other groups will support this work:

1. Contemporary Good Practice in Māori Research and Working with Māori Communities

The terms of reference for this group are to:

• Identify those aspects of the Code that may not represent contemporary practice on Māori research and engaging with Māori communities
• Undertake consultation with Māori researchers, research organisations and communities to develop and gain acceptance of proposed changes to the Code which will include contemporary practice
• Identify any needs for supporting guidance materials to sit beside the Code
• Collaborate with the working group developing a contemporary approach to the section on genetic information to ensure that section includes clauses acceptable to Māori.
• Monitor the development of the re-packaged Code to ensure nothing inconsistent with contemporary good practice is retained or introduced

Members of the working group are Professor Tahu Kukutai (convenor), Dr Maria Bargh, Dr Hinemoa Elder, Associate Professor Maui Hudson, Dr Dan Hikuroa, Marino Tahi, and A/Professor Hemi Whaanga .

2. Contemporary Approach to Genetic Information

The terms of reference for this group are to:

• Identify those aspects of the Code that may not represent contemporary practice in regard to working with genetic technologies, materials and information
• Develop proposed changes (including deletions) to the Code which will include contemporary practice
• Undertake consultation on the proposed changes with stakeholders
• Identify any needs for supporting guidance materials to sit beside the Code
• Collaborate with the working group developing a contemporary approach to the section on Māori research and engagement with Māori communities to ensure that the proposed clauses acceptable to Māori

The working group is the Society’s Expert Advice Panel on Gene Editing. 

View our current Code of Professional Standards and Ethics