WISE works with incredibly vulnerable groups of people who depend on external support for basic rights such as health and education. The power imbalance is enormous. In an increasingly competitive and media-savvy world, we may be tempted to showcase our work through sleek communications, but we must do so while respect the dignity of the communities we work with.

Therefore, we are committed to a thoughtful and responsible approach to our external communications.

Core values

The values that underlie our policy are:

• Respect for the dignity of the people concerned;
• Belief in the equality of all people;
• Need to promote fairness, solidarity, and justice.

We recognise that failure to embody these values could lead to:

• Harm to the people concerned and the communities they represent;
• Increased risks of lawsuits and difficulty in defending a lawsuit;
• Potential financial costs such as lawsuits and withdrawal of funding;
• Potential reputational costs as a result of complaints or lawsuits.

Ethical principles

Issues covered

The policy will cover the following issues:

Guidelines for interviews and taking photos/videos

The recommended approach to conducting interviews with and taking photographs or videos of people, considering cultural sensitivity, legal implications, and informed consent. Although not legally required, it is good practice to obtain written consent when possible, especially when sensitive, personal, and private information is revealed in the story, photo, or caption.

A consent form is included in the Annex.

Guidelines for using quotations and photos/videos

The recommended approach to using quotations and photographs in WISE's communications.

Copyright and use of third-party photos and videos

Ownership issues and the use of photos and videos by third parties. 

A permission template is included in the Annex.

Training

All team members involved in developing content for WISE's communications channels and taking photos/videos must be familiar with this policy before they participate in any relevant activities. 

References

The policy has been developed from extracts or adaptations of the following references:

• Development and photography ethics (K4Health, 2013). Johns Hopkins University.
• Dochas' Code of Conduct on Images and Messages (2021)
• Photography policy worksheet (K4Health, 2013). Johns Hopkins University.
• The practicalities of informed consent in development photography (Idris 2015). Save the Children International.
• UN photo usage guidelines

No review of applicable law as related to the practice and use of photography and videos has been performed for the development of this draft policy.

Media Consent Form (Action for Change in Southeast Asia)

This form can be read or spoken by ActSEA’s team to the person whose photo or story we are using. The process must be recorded (film or sound) or signed by the person. Please tick the box for each statement read/answered and if necessary, provide your reasons on the explanation sheet.

These stories and photos will be used to help ActSEA promote and publicize the organization or program that you are involved in. It may also be used for ActSEA’s reports or shared and used by partner organizations. Your story may be featured in various forms: international and regional media (print or online), emails, presentations, social media, newsletters, publications, websites, television, and radio.

• You can refuse to be recorded/photographed or interviewed. You have the freedom to tell or not tell your story, and there are no adverse consequences if you choose not to. On that basis, would you like to continue? Put a tick (✓) for Yes and (x) for No.
• These stories can be seen or heard by anyone in the world. Is there someone or a group of people you don't want to see your story/photo? For example: family, relatives, your employer, or the government? If so, please explain on the explanation sheet (attached) or can be explained by audio (voice recorder).
• If so, would you like your identity to be hidden/disguised? For example: cover your face, use someone else's voice, use a different name, or not publishing specific details in your story (e.g. date, location). If so, please explain on the explanation sheet (attached) or can be explained by audio (voice recorder).

Your story will be stored in the ActSEA's storage service. We will provide you with our contact number, and if you change your mind you can contact us to withdraw your consent.

This consent form is valid for the duration of ActSEA's programme with the partner.

Please complete the form below to indicate that you give ActSEA permission to use and share your story as described above.

This Page Should be Submitted to the Relevant Person Whose Content Has Been Collected

Thank you for allowing us to collect your stories and/or photos. Your data will be stored securely on ActSEA's cloud storage service (Google Drive and Google Photos). If you wish to withdraw your prior consent, please contact us at [email protected]. 

ActSEA is committed to taking excellent care of your personal data and protecting any personal information we obtain about you.

Names & Contacts of people you have met with

Annexes