REFLECT is a decision-making model that helps APS employees recognise and work through ethical issues and dilemmas within the framework of the APS Values, Employment Principles, and Code of Conduct.
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1. Recognise a potential issue or problem
Ask yourself:
do I have a gut feeling that something is not right?
do I feel this is a risky situation?
Recognise the situation as one that may involve tensions:
between two or more of the Values
between the Values/Code and personal values.
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2. Find relevant information
Find the relevant information and gather the facts:
what was the trigger and what are the circumstances?
identify the relevant legislation, policies and guidance (APS-wide and agency specific)
identify the rights and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders
identify any precedent decisions.
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3. Linger at the 'Fork in the Road'
Linger at the 'Fork in the Road', pause to consult:
supervisors and managers
respected colleagues, peers, or support services—remember privacy.
Talk it through, use intuition and analysis, listen and reflect.
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4. Evaluate the options
Evaluate options, identify consequences, look at the processes:
identify the risks
discard unrealistic options
apply the accountability test—would the decision stand up to public scrutiny/independent review?
be prepared to explain the reasons for your decision.
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5. Come to a decision
Come to a decision:
act on it and make a record if necessary.
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6. Take time to reflect
Take time to REFLECT and review
how did it turn out for all concerned?
learn from your decision
if you had to do it all over again what would you do differently?
