1. Code of ethics project Workshop Convenor: Ruth Richards and Fran McGrath

2. Aims of this workshop To talk about the idea of developing a PHA “code of ethics’ –Aims, objectives, content, values, principles, –Possible audiences –Timeframe and process To invite your participation – what do you think should be in a PHA Code of Ethics? In particular, how should we ensure that our Code is bicultural?

3. Aims of PHA Code of Ethics Values and ethical concepts are important, the cornerstone of public health. But have we articulated, let alone agreed, what they are? Ethics underlie all our PHA position statements, but are often assumed, not explicit. Clarifying them will help provide a rationale for our present position statements and assist in developing new ones Present statements on health ethics are usually based on personal health – bioethics. Concerned with relationship between practitioner and patient. Ethics related to wider community should be different. So public health needs to develop and be clear on its own code of ethics

4. Audience(s) of PHA code of ethics Ourselves – PHA members and staff Those who help fund our activities, agencies such as the Ministry of Health with whom we contract People and organisations whom we wish to influence – politicians, the press, govt agencies Other NGOs Health practitioner groups Health and disability providers – eg DHBs, iwi organisations etc

5. How would Code of Ethics be used? To guide development of PHA policy positions and submissions To help inform PHA documents relating to its planning and accountability To be available on eg our website to help inform public and media of what public health is all about To assist in critiquing and ‘deconstructing’ policies based on values opposite to PHA ethics, to help establish that our policies are based on sound and coherent principles – not ad hoc ‘wishy-washy paternalistic do-goodism’ – or ‘jack-booted nanny state interferism’ (to take too possible stereotyped extremes!)

6. Values and principles (to spark discussion) Values –Justice – what is this? –Community good –Empowerment –Recognising mutual interdependence of everyone, and of people with their physical and social environments –Co-operation –Diversity

7. Basic concepts of public health– principles? Basic ideas of what public health is all about –Inequalities ultimate unfairness –Prevention –Long term view essential –Comprehensive approach essential, –Global and local approach essential

8. Principles Bicultural (how to operationalise, one basic way – in Māori as well as english) Recognising all cultures in NZ Tackling causation of ill-health Sustainability

9. What do other Code of Ethics look like? Handout: US code of ethics as example. Other examples? (which may turn up after research)

10. Process till now Project initiated by Wellington branch, supported now by PHA National Council and head office staff Wellington group responsible for putting together some ideas so far: Fran McGrath, Ruth Richards, Anna Matheson, Louise Delany, Teresa Wall, Louise Signal Brief literature review initiated

11. Process from now Ideas from this workshop to be gathered Names of interested people collected – people able to participate, comment etc. Please keep an eye out for list being circulated! Draft version: Sept 2006, circulated to interested people Refined, new draft produced, circulated to all members October. Comments sought by Xmas 2006 Draft with any amendments to Council for 1 st council meeting 2007 Finalised and ratified Conference 2007

12. Specific ideas wanted! Ideas on content Feedback from today How should we make the Code bicultural – ideas on a Māori ethical dimension. Who could we ask to help review and contribute?