Rules of Procedure for the CEDIS Governance Committee
Purpose: CEDIS Governance Committee is established to ensure ethical conduct, integrity, and compliance with ethical standards within CEDIS. Its primary purpose is to provide guidance, oversight, and recommendations on ethical matters and dilemmas encountered within CEDIS.
Composition:
- The Ethics Committee shall consist of 10 members appointed by the Direction Board and approved by the Scientific Council of CEDIS.
- Members shall be selected based on their expertise, integrity, and commitment to ethical principles.
- The Committee shall include representation from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and levels within CEDIS to ensure comprehensive perspectives.
- A Chairperson shall be appointed from among the Committee members to facilitate meetings, coordinate activities, and serve as the primary liaison with organizational leadership.
Responsibilities:
- Review and Develop Ethical Guidelines: The Committee shall review, develop, and periodically update ethical guidelines, policies, and procedures relevant to the activities of CEDIS, including but not limited to Antidiscrimination, Anti-Harassment, Copyright, Privacy, Political Lobbying, Conflict of Interest (General and Awards and Fellowships Committees), and Amicus-Advocacy.
- Provide Guidance and Interpretation: Members of CEDIS may seek guidance from the Ethics Committee on ethical issues, dilemmas, or conflicts of interest. The Committee shall provide interpretation, advice, and recommendations to address such matters.
- Ethical Oversight: The Committee shall oversee the implementation of ethical standards and ensure compliance throughout CEDIS.
- Confidentiality: All discussions, deliberations, and documents reviewed by the Ethics Committee shall be treated with utmost confidentiality to protect the privacy and integrity of individuals involved.
- Education and Training: The Committee shall organize educational programs, workshops, and training sessions to promote awareness of ethical standards and principles among members of CEDIS.
- Investigate Ethical Violations: In cases where ethical violations are suspected or reported, the Ethics Committee shall conduct impartial investigations, gather relevant information, and make recommendations for appropriate action.
- Reporting: The Committee shall provide regular reports to CEDIS leadership on its activities, emerging ethical issues, and recommendations for improvement.
- Collaboration: The Ethics Committee may collaborate with external stakeholders, professional organizations, or regulatory bodies to exchange best practices, address common challenges, and uphold ethical standards within the broader community.
Decision Making:
- Consensus: The Committee shall strive to reach decisions through consensus, with due consideration given to diverse perspectives and ethical principles.
- Voting: In cases where consensus cannot be reached, decisions may be made by majority vote, with the Chairperson having the deciding vote in the event of a tie.
Conflict of Interest:
- Disclosure: Committee members shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in relation to matters under consideration by the Ethics Committee.
- Recusal: Members with a conflict of interest shall recuse themselves from discussions and decisions related to the specific matter in question.
Amendments: This rule may be amended by a majority vote of the Ethics Committee, with due notice provided to all members prior to any proposed changes taking effect.
Adherence: All members of CEDIS are expected to adhere to the guidelines, policies, and decisions set forth by the Ethics Committee. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action as determined by organizational policies.
Review: This rule shall be subject to periodic review and evaluation to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to CEDIS’s evolving needs and ethical landscape.