Code of Practice

Published:
September 19, 2024

Our mission: The World Stuttering & Cluttering Organization is a not-for-profit, international, interdisciplinary organization devoted to the understanding and management of stuttering and cluttering, and to the improvement in the quality of life for persons who stutter and clutter.

WSCO committee members, Directors and members of the Executive Board are expected to:

  1. Function as a member of the organization. Any specific questions at meetings, online, or in any other venue regarding the WSCO’s position on research and clinical topics should be forwarded to the WSCO President and Executive Board for review and comment.
  2. Recognize the organization and structure of stuttering and cluttering research and the important place that WSCO committee members and officers may hold in guiding research and treatment in stuttering and cluttering. When representing the WSCO, they should refrain from promoting a specific area of research and should understand the boundaries that are needed when encountering researchers from other institutions and organizations that may not be familiar with the roles WSCO officers may hold.
  3. Demonstrate professional conduct at all times, including when communicating differences of opinion. When participating in meetings, workshops or other events as an WSCO member, members must be respectful in communicating with researchers and other members. Confidentiality should be maintained as appropriate.
  4. Place an appropriate disclaimer within activities that are framed as opinion pieces (e.g., editorials, blogs and personal views, as opposed to research articles) that "opinions expressed in this article/activity/blog reflect the author's own and do not reflect the view of the WSCO, for which the author serves as an officer."
  5. Function as a reviewer and advisor for basic and clinical researchers. It should be understood that when research proposals are presented, the contents are kept confidential. Additionally, the researcher has the right to accept or refuse any feedback given to them by members of the WSCO.
  6. Share their knowledge and expertise with other WSCO members and suggest educational/advocate opportunities for the benefit of the entire WSCO.
  7. Refrain from soliciting business/referrals from other members with the intent to profit from these solicitations. Make every attempt to avoid conflicts of interest. When conflicts of interest do arise, make them known to the President and Executive Board.
  8. Use best efforts to participate in WSCO conference calls and to respond to requests from the President and Executive Board in a timely manner.