For the past 15 years, my practice has focused on collaborating with others, working with a diverse range of people in multiple settings. There is a responsibility of care which comes when working in a socially engaged way and I want that approach to be transparent. Ethics is an on-going process and every time I work with new people, I learn and adapt what the term means and practical actions needed to ensure a relevant approach. These are some key ethical principals which currently inform my work.
Transparency
I will communicate clearly and be transparent in my aims and rationale for a project from how it is funded, who is involved, any limitations or challenges the projects may bring, the duration of the project and how and what may be left behind for that community at the end.
Care
The ethics of care underpins my practice - to treat those I work with and for in a way that I would want to be treated myself, with respect, patiences and kindness.
My approach to practice is underpinned by the 4 principals and phases of care (from feminist ethics of care - (Tronto, 2013) )
1) Attentiveness - caring about
2) Responsibility - caring for
3) Competence – care giving
4) Responsiveness – care receiving.
I am also working on embedding more approaches to self-care within my practice, reflecting on the idea that in order to look after others you need to be well within yourself.
Integrity
I am trying to only work with organisations which align with my own ethical principals of transparency, integrity, care, communication and consent. I acknowledge this isn’t always realistic but I am actively looking for authenticity in organisations and project partners and who lead by example as a gauge to who I work with.
Communication
Language is incredibly important to communicate ideas of collaborative practice, and to create an accessible and inclusive space for people to get involved in a project. I will avoid using jargon or over complicated language, when working in community settings. I prefer to use the term ‘community collaborators’ (rather than participants or subjects) when working in socially engaged practice. I will however, acknowledge that different terms or language needs to exist within different contexts and will be community and project partner led when it comes to communicating with others.
Consent, Crediting and Confidentiality
I will discuss and gain informed consent from people I am collaborating with, and make it clear that they can withdraw that consent at any time. I will ensure people’s data is secure using data protection UK GDPR guidelines. I will respect confidentiality and ensure all safeguarding concerns and needs are built into the planning and delivery of a project to ensure people can engage in multiple ways which are engaging but appropriate depending on individuals’ circumstances. I always choose to co-credit any collaborative work made as to better communicate the co-authored approach to practice but the way any artwork is credited is always agreed with participants and community groups in a way that works for them, meaning the description may look different each time.
