circle of Wise Colleagues (CoWC) for the ITAA Ethics Committee Background

Work on updating the ITAA Ethical Code of Conduct and the Complaints Procedure was initiated in 2018. Through a separate process, surveyed members indicated curiosity and agreement with the process of revising The Code of Ethics and recommended that an ‘eldership’ role be developed to support the work of the Ethics committee.

This ‘elders’ role suggestion has been taken up by the Ethics committee and has been titled Circle of Wise Colleagues. It is ideally three senio Save r TA colleagues who are held in high regard. The overall goal is to further the philosophy of ‘engaging in a spirit of enquiry’: to dialogue, support develop awareness and create opportunities for growth and learning for all affected parties; engaging in a thoughtful ‘both/and’ mindset so it affords the opportunity to explore the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of our contemporary world.

This CoWC serves as a resource support, development, and challenge for the Ethics Committee.

The functions of the CoWC

Process Review

At the end of each phase of the process to address an ethical concern, the formal enquiry committee will review its conduct to ensure that the process has been correctly followed. This aspect of each phase review will include a representative from the Circle of Wise Colleagues, providing process oversight. In circumstances where the committee cannot or could not follow the procedure precisely, this will be noted with reasons, without necessarily interrupting the formal enquiry process.

Resolve Issues of Concern at the Lowest Level of Escalation

See Phase 2: paragraph 3.1. “Mediation or Formal Enquiry is not required. A process takes place at the lowest level of escalation and with the lowest use of resources (financial and role players) which allows the concern to be resolved. As not all circumstances can be foreseen, the particulars of this process will not be defined here, but rather left to the various parties (Petitioner, Respondent, Ethics Committee) to co-create at the time. Examples: the petitioner and respondent choose to meet together; or the Ethics Committee Chairs or Circle of Wise Colleagues facilitate a meeting of the parties to resolve the Issue of Concern.”

Resolve Bias

The CoWC may be invited to act as a supervisory resource to mitigate and/or detect and/or respond to bias in the ITAA Ethics Committee group, its individuals, and process.

Reflective Practice

A type of collegial supervision in which an exchange of ideas regarding difficult questions takes place.

Defining the Role of Wise Colleague

Members of the ITAA Circle of Wise Colleagues (COWC) assume the role of active, ethically minded colleagues. Active and ethically minded means:

  • Celebrating successes and providing support during times of difficulty.

  • Contributing to a sense of trust, respect, community, engagement, and support by scheduling regular opportunities to connect.

  • Encouraging a sense of belonging and purpose

  • Offering appropriate objective feedback and challenge

Wise Colleague Activities

  • Reflecting on any issues of concern/s raised and working collaboratively with the committee, make recommendations to make the Ethical Code of Conduct more robust and appropriate.

  • Proposing changes to enhance the Ethics Committee’s effectiveness.

  • An educative role. Being available to members of the ITAA to discuss general ethical matters in a collegial way so that new insights and new perspectives for action can be considered.

  • At relevant phases, provide oversight regarding the process to address an ethical concern. This means providing an outside/objective perspective on the process, noting bias, parallel process, and any other phenomena (organisational or relational) which have impacted proceedings.

  • Assist the ethics and/or formal enquiry committees through objective consulting and robust challenge resulting in the best, healthy outcome. The Circle of Wise Colleagues can also be called upon and contracted specifically to assist the Petitioner formulate their concern. This could be very useful if there are language barriers or if the Petitioner is not a Practitioner, i.e. not familiar with ethics codes etc. The contract between the CoWC and the Petitioner is based on a pre-formulated contract template, to ensure that a coherent process is followed, mitigating any complications that might arise in subsequent steps.

  • Play a supportive role to the Ethics Committee to resolve scenarios which are not explicitly or procedurally addressed in the Code of Ethics.

Benefits for CoWC Members

Mutual Colleagueship – CoWC members offer the committee wisdom, experience and thoughtful considerations and the Ethics Committee members value and appreciate their input. This gives all parties the opportunity to explore meaningful and profound theoretical and practical ethical issues. This will support Ethics Committee member professional development as well as adding significant value for ITAA members.

Structure of the CoWC

It is envisaged:

  • There will be a minimum of three people in the Circle.

  • CoWC membership will be for a period of two years, after which a second period of two years is possible. Members leaving the CoWC have the opportunity to nominate another ITAA member. The committee appointments members.

  • The Circle will meet a minimum of three times a year. If there is a need or reason for multiple meetings, the Circle of Wise Colleagues can organise these. For additional meetings to be held, consensus must be reached by at least three (3) members to do so.

  • The membership of the COWC is voluntary They are not accountable to third parties that might delegate them.

  • A co-chair of the Ethics Committee will act as a liaison for the COWC. This liaison will also attend COWC meetings.

Disclaimer

The Circle of Wise Colleagues of the ITAA Ethics Committee project is in an experimental phase. The year January 2026 to January 2027 will be used to explore whether and how such a Circle of Wise Colleagues can make a valuable contribution to the further development of Ethical thinking and action within the worldwide TA community.