Our Guiding Principles for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are:
BENEFITS
The work of Red Nose will ensure that any outcomes that come directly or indirectly from our projects have a positive impact on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. These benefits may be immediate, short-term or long term.
PRIORITIES
The work of Red Nose will reflect priorities identified by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – improving maternal, infant and child health outcomes. Further endorsement by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community will be sought to enhance acceptability, relevance and accountability of the work of Red Nose.
INVOLVEMENT
The involvement of Aboriginal people and organisations is essential in developing the protocols, policies and health promotion initiatives. This involvement must be maintained throughout the work of Red Nose. Information will be clear and understandable and communicated thought the appropriate channels.
PARTNERSHIP
The work of Red Nose should be imbedded in the establishment of mutual trust and equivalent partnerships.
RESPECT
Throughout the work of Red Nose, respect for Aboriginal knowledge and expertise, Aboriginal knowledge systems and custodianship of that knowledge will be clearly demonstrated.
COMMUNICATION
Talking and listening must be equal. Communication will be culturally and community relevant and reflect a willingness to listen and learn.
RECIPROCITY
Red Nose commits to deliver tangible benefits for the Aboriginal communities. These benefits will be clearly identified in discussion with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and reflect community priorities.
OWNERSHIP
Clear documentation will be developed that identifies an understanding of the levels of community ownership over education material and health promotion initiatives arising from the work of Red Nose.
CONTROL
Red Nose will ensure as a priority that the aspirations and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are recognised and respected in all their work.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION AND EXCHANGE
Sharing and translation of the knowledge with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities generated through the process of work of Red Nose must be integrated into all stages of the work Red Nose’s National Scientific Advisory Group. Incorporating the knowledge and wisdom of the Aboriginal communities in the translation of the information will enable accurate interpretation of the information and validate meaning and maximise inclusivity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the work of Red Nose.
Benefit defined as ‘the establishment or enhancement of capacities, opportunities or outcomes that advance the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and are valued by them’. Ref NHMRC Values and Ethics: guidelines for ethical conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. Canberra Commonwealth of Australia. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/e52.pdf (accessed 16th Feb 2016)