> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://policies.aic.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://policies.aic.io/inclusive-leadership-policy.md). # Inclusive Leadership Policy ### Purpose AIC expects leaders to create working environments where people can contribute, challenge, deliver and improve without fear of abuse, discrimination or exclusion. Leadership is not only about delivery. It is also about conduct, trust, standards and accountability. ### Policy Statement AIC leaders, managers and delivery leads are responsible for setting the tone. They must act when behaviour falls below the required standard. ### Leadership Expectations Leaders are expected to: * model respectful behaviour * make fair decisions * create psychologically safe working environments * challenge unacceptable conduct * listen to concerns * avoid favouritism * support reasonable adjustments * make meetings inclusive * give constructive feedback * document serious concerns * escalate appropriately * protect people from retaliation ### Inclusive Decision-Making Leaders should make decisions based on: * evidence * role requirements * delivery need * customer constraints * security requirements * capability * conduct * risk Leaders should avoid decisions based on: * personal bias * favouritism * stereotypes * assumptions * exclusionary networks * pressure from inappropriate sources ### Meetings and Participation Leaders should ensure meetings: * have a clear purpose * allow relevant voices to contribute * do not reward aggression * do not allow repeated interruption or dismissal * capture decisions and actions * support remote or hybrid participants * respect accessibility needs where known ### Feedback Culture Feedback should be: * clear * specific * timely * proportionate * focused on behaviour, output or impact * delivered respectfully Feedback should not be used to humiliate, threaten or undermine. ### Responding to Concerns When concerns are raised, leaders must: * listen properly * avoid dismissive responses * consider immediate safety or access issues * preserve confidentiality where possible * record key facts * escalate serious issues * prevent retaliation ### Failure to Lead Properly A leader may breach this policy by: * ignoring concerns * enabling abusive behaviour * retaliating against complainants * applying standards inconsistently * making biased decisions * failing to act on known risks * tolerating hostile team culture ### Accountability AIC will hold leaders accountable for the working environments they create and tolerate. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://policies.aic.io/inclusive-leadership-policy.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.