Ethics and independence
Our commitments to integrity, independence, and ethical conduct in all aspects of our work.
Our charter
AIGC Australia exists to promote responsible AI governance across Australian organisations. The credibility of our work depends entirely on our independence, integrity, and commitment to ethical practice.
This charter sets out the principles and commitments that guide our operations, assessor conduct, and organisational governance.
Our purpose
To provide independent, credible governance assessment that organisations deploying artificial intelligence are doing so responsibly, transparently, and consistent with recognised ethical principles. We seek to contribute to the public interest by promoting accountability in AI deployment.
Independence commitments
Structural independence
We maintain operational independence in our assessment function. We have no ownership, financial, or governance relationships with organisations we assess, technology vendors, or consulting firms that could compromise our objectivity.
- No equity or ownership interests in assessed organisations
- No commercial partnerships with AI vendors or consultancies
- Independent governance structure defined in our published Governance Charter
Decision independence
All assessment outcomes are determined solely on the basis of evidence evaluated against established criteria. No external party can influence assessment outcomes.
- Fixed fee structures independent of assessment outcomes
- Assessor compensation not linked to assessment outcomes
- No commercial pressure to grant or withhold a favourable assessment
- Assessment outcomes not influenced by revenue dependency or repeat engagement
Assessor independence
Individual assessors must be free from conflicts that could affect their objectivity. We maintain strict protocols to ensure assessor independence.
- Mandatory conflict of interest declarations before each engagement
- Cooling-off periods for assessors with prior relationships
- Assessors involved in governance assessment are prohibited from providing advisory services to the same organisation within defined separation and cooling-off safeguards
Conflict of interest management
We maintain a comprehensive conflict of interest policy that requires disclosure and management of any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts. This applies to all personnel involved in assessment, governance, or advisory functions.
Identification
All personnel must proactively identify and declare relationships, interests, or circumstances that could compromise objectivity.
Assessment
Declared conflicts are assessed for significance and potential impact on objectivity by a senior reviewer not involved in the engagement.
Management
Appropriate measures are implemented, ranging from disclosure to recusal, depending on conflict severity.
Documentation
All conflict declarations and management decisions are documented and retained.
Assessor conduct standards
Integrity
Assessors must act honestly and in good faith in all professional dealings. Findings must accurately reflect evidence and be free from bias or distortion.
Objectivity
Assessment judgments must be based on evidence and criteria, not personal opinions, preferences, or external pressures.
Competence
Assessors must maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct assessments competently and in accordance with current standards. Assessors are subject to periodic performance review and calibration.
Confidentiality
Information obtained during assessments must be treated confidentially and used only for assessment purposes unless disclosure is required by law.
Professional behaviour
Assessors must conduct themselves professionally, treating assessed organisations and their personnel with respect and courtesy.
Due care
Assessments must be conducted with appropriate thoroughness and attention to detail, ensuring findings are well-supported.
Transparency commitments
Public documentation
Our assessment framework, methodology, and governance structures are publicly documented. Organisations considering a governance assessment can understand our approach before engaging.
Clear criteria
Assessment criteria are communicated clearly to organisations before and during the assessment process. There are no hidden requirements or undisclosed evaluation factors.
Reasoned decisions
All assessment outcomes are accompanied by written reasons. Organisations receive clear explanation of how their practices were evaluated and why particular conclusions were reached.
Accessible appeals
We maintain a documented complaints and appeals process that is accessible to all organisations. The process is designed to be fair, timely, and independently reviewed.
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable for upholding these commitments through:
- Advisory Council guidance: The Advisory Council provides strategic guidance on governance and methodology, without involvement in individual assessment outcomes
- Quality review: Regular internal review of assessment quality and consistency
- Complaints mechanism: Accessible process for raising concerns about our conduct
- Continuous improvement: Regular review and enhancement of our processes and standards
Questions about our commitments?
We welcome inquiries about our ethics and independence practices.