This Code of Practice operates in conjunction with CIAO’s Usage Terms. The Usage Terms establish the legal framework governing access, licensing, intellectual property, and liability. This Code of Practice establishes ethical and operational standards for members, partners, and contributors. Compliance with both documents is mandatory. In the event of conflict, the Usage Terms govern legal rights and obligations, while this Code of Practice governs ethical and operational conduct.
Article 1: Scope
1.1 This Code of Practice applies to all CIAO members, partners, contributors, and affiliated organizations.
1.2 It governs professional conduct, use of CIAO materials, and participation in CIAO activities.
Article 2: Compliance
2.1 All participants must comply with the CIAO Governance Charter and Ethics principles.
2.2 Breaches of governance or ethics will be treated as violations of this Code of Practice.
Article 3: Professional Conduct
3.1 Members must engage respectfully with peers, avoiding harassment, discrimination, or misrepresentation.
3.2 Confidential information obtained through CIAO activities must be protected and not disclosed without authorisation.
3.3 Contributions must be accurate, evidence-based, and free from bias.
Article 4: Use of CIAO Materials
4.1 Free resources provided under the Creative Commons license must be used in accordance with that license.
4.2 Paid membership resources are subject to membership agreements and may not be redistributed without authorisation.
4.3 Members must respect intellectual property rights and acknowledge CIAO when referencing its materials.
Article 5: Contribution Standards
5.1 Submissions to CIAO must follow documented methodology.
5.2 Contributors must disclose sources and provide rationale for all claims.
5.3 Peer review processes must be respected; contributors must respond constructively to feedback.
Article 6: Continuous Improvement
6.1 Members are expected to participate in feedback loops and consultations to strengthen CIAO’s methodology.
6.2 Partners must support CIAO’s progression by sharing lessons learned and best practices.
Article 7: Sanctions
7.1 Violations of this Code of Practice may result in:
- Suspension of membership or partnership privileges.
- Removal from governance roles.
- Revocation of membership.
- Public disclosure of violations.
7.2 Sanctions will be applied proportionately, following review by the Oversight Board as constituted under Governance Charter Article 5.
Article 8: Review & Updates
8.1 This Code of Practice will be reviewed annually.
8.2 Updates will be published openly and communicated to all members and partners.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Code of Practice or our governance practices, please contact us at: sr@c-ao.com with Subject noting specifically the subscribed sub-domain member organisation name that you are querying this policy for, else we would respond from a CIAO Standard perspective i.e. C-AO.com.
Email: sr@c-ao.com
© 2026 [C-AO.com].
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Foundational Authority
This Code of Practice operates under the CIAO Constitution and the Governance Charter. The Code is Class B foundational governance: it codifies the behavioural standards binding members, partners, advisors, and Secretariat staff in their participation in the CIAO community, within the body framework set out by the Constitution and operationalised by the Charter. Where this Code conflicts with the Constitution or with provisions in the Charter that have Constitutional standing, the higher document prevails; the Code is amended through the Change Management & Versioning Process to resolve any such conflict.