Terms of Engagement for BCACC Communities of Practice (CoPs)
We ask everyone to read and agree to our Terms of Engagement, which apply across every group to ensure a safe, respectful, and professional environment.
1. Purpose and Scope:
Communities of Practice are voluntary, peer-led groups that foster professional growth, knowledge exchange, and community building among RCCs. Each CoP may focus on a specific theme (e.g., trauma-informed care, cultural safety, supervision practices), but all share the goal of enhancing clinical excellence and ethical practice.
CoPs are not therapy groups, supervision spaces, or venues for client consultation.
Participation is intended to support reflective practice, continuing education, and collegial support.
2. Respect and Inclusivity:
All members are expected to engage with openness, curiosity, and respect for diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives.
Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, or any other identity is strictly prohibited.
Members should practice cultural humility and sensitivity, being mindful of power dynamics in discussions.
Disagreements are natural and welcome when expressed respectfully and constructively.
3. Confidentiality:
Confidentiality is foundational to trust within CoPs.
Client-related discussions must be fully anonymized, with no identifying details shared.
Members agree not to disclose any personal or professional information shared by others in the group.
Breaches of confidentiality may result in removal from the CoP and reporting to BCACC if necessary.
4. Professional Conduct:
Members are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.
All interactions should reflect BCACC’s ethical principles, including integrity, compassion, and accountability.
Feedback should be offered with care and received with openness.
Members should avoid dominating conversations or engaging in judgmental or dismissive behavior.
5. Participation and Engagement
Active and thoughtful participation is encouraged to foster a vibrant and supportive learning environment.
Listening attentively and allowing space for others to speak is essential.
Members are encouraged to share resources, insights, and questions that benefit the group.
6. Learning and Growth
CoPs are spaces for mutual learning, reflection, and professional development.
Members are encouraged to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and reflect on their own clinical practice.
The group may engage in case-based discussions, literature reviews, guest presentations, or experiential exercises.
Self-awareness and a willingness to learn from others are key to meaningful engagement.
7. Accountability
Each member is responsible for their behavior and contributions within the CoP.
If concerns arise about a member’s conduct, they should be addressed respectfully and, if needed, escalated to BCACC staff.
Members are expected to take ownership of mistakes and work toward resolution in good faith.
Facilitators may set boundaries or take action to maintain group safety and integrity.
8. Facilitation and Structure
CoPs may be facilitated by one or more RCCs who guide discussions and uphold group norms.
Facilitators are responsible for managing time and ensuring inclusive participation.
Facilitators may also serve as points of contact for BCACC staff support.
9. Use of Technology
Online CoPs must prioritize privacy, accessibility, and respectful digital communication.
Platforms used should be secure and compliant with Canadian privacy laws (e.g., PIPEDA).
10. Review and Revisions
These Terms of Engagement are living guidelines and may evolve based on the needs of the community.
Members are invited to provide feedback and suggest improvements.
Periodic reviews (e.g., annually) can help ensure the terms remain relevant and effective.
