Scope of Application
The OASPA participation standards apply to all individuals participating in OASPA activities, including participants in annual general meetings, attendees at OASPA workshops, conferences, and events, OASPA board members in all board-related activities, members of OASPA committees, working groups, and project teams, internal and external OASPA staff interactions, and all other OASPA-convened meetings and interactions, whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid.
We observe these participation standards in all of our meetings, communications, and interactions in recognition of the importance of collegiality and respect in diverse communities and the need to maintain trust and credibility. OASPA feels it is her responsibility to model ethical behaviour that reflects the values she promotes in open access publishing.
Our Commitments
These standards are founded on core principles of respect, integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and accountability.
- Inclusion and Participation: We will listen to, and enable participation and inputs from everyone in our community so that they feel they are able to contribute meaningfully to a shared mission of advancing open access scholarly publishing in a collaborative way.
- Kindness and Mutual understanding: We will treat each other with kindness and respect, avoiding insults and put-downs, understanding that constructive criticism focuses on ideas and approaches rather than individuals. We will be considerate in our communications, whether in verbal conversation or via online media.
- Respectful and Professional Conduct: We will conduct ourselves in a respectful manner and treat each other with dignity, respect, and kindness, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability status, physical appearance, body size, race and ethnicity, age, culture, religion, affiliation, institutional size, publishing model, or other defining personal or professional characteristics.
- Confidentiality: We will respect one another’s privacy and maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding sensitive organisational matters, competitive information and personal details shared during any activities covered by these standards. Such information will only be shared when explicitly authorised or when legally required. All individuals attending or participating in OASPA activities will be informed of any recording, sharing, or confidentiality arrangements prior to participating.
- Prohibition of Harassment: We agree that harassment and exclusionary behaviour are not appropriate in any OASPA context. Harassment includes offensive, demeaning and disrespectful verbal comments, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of discussions, inappropriate physical contact and unwanted sexual attention.
- Constructive Engagement: We will contribute to discussions with a constructive and positive approach, seeking to advance OASPA’s mission through collaborative engagement and evidence-based dialogue.
- Integrity and Transparency: We will act with integrity and transparency in all our professional dealings, avoiding conflicts of interest and disclosing potential conflicts when they arise.
Individual Responsibility and Accountability
Each and everyone is responsible for adhering to these standards and encouraging others to do the same. We all share the responsibility to create and maintain a professional environment. This includes speaking up when we observe behaviour that does not meet these standards and supporting those who may be affected by inappropriate conduct.
Reporting and Response procedures
If you witness behaviour that violates these standards, or if you are the object of inappropriate comments or attention, please contact Bernie Folan (bernie.folan@oaspa.org) OASPA Communications, Engagement and Outreach Manager, or the OASPA Board Secretary (secretary@oaspa.org).
All reports will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly and fairly.
Inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from meetings or events, and in cases involving board members or staff, may be addressed through formal governance procedures as outlined in OASPA’s Board Regulations and in the Staff Handbook. OASPA is committed to protecting those who report violations from retaliation and ensuring that everyone can engage safely and productively in our activities.
v11082025