St James Ethics Centre

Established in 1989, St James Ethics Centre is an independent, not-for-profit organisation serving as a catalyst and enabler for society to think, debate and act in good conscience, particularly in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity. Operating both in Australia and abroad, the Ethics Centre is unique in the world for its support to the general community on ethical issues, creation and management of public debates and application of ethical principles to specific issues in public institutions, not-for-profits and companies. The relief of suffering and distress is the cornerstone of St James Ethics Centre's activities.

WHAT IS ETHICS?

Ethics is about answering the question “What ought I to do?” Whenever you are faced with this question, you are dealing with ethics.

SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

St James Ethics Centre provides opportunities to become a member, volunteer, attend our events and donate. Donations of $2 and upwards are tax deductible in Australia.

Ethics Centre services

Advocacy

Public forums and commentary encouraging active discussion on the ethical dimensions of life
Intelligence Squared debates, following the Oxford and Cambridge Union style debates, attact 10,000 people each year to Sydney's City Recital Hall Angel Place and Melbourne's Town Hall and reach additional viewers through the ABC podcasts
Festival of Dangerous Ideas, co-presented annually with Sydney Opera House, brings renowned international participants and attracts more than 21,000 attendees

Consulting

Services assisting organisations to strengthen risk management strategies, develop ethical frameworks, navigate discussion on ethical issues and provide emotional support for ethical failure.

Ethi-call

Free, confidential and non-judgemental support line helping individuals to reflect on and explore ethical issues and dilemmas

Leadership

Experiential programs to develop practices incorporating 'what ought one to do?' in leadership decisions

Learning

Face-to-face and online customised ethics programs for large and small organisations, individuals and government

Ethics Centre projects

Ethics education in NSW

Following eight years of lobbying to the NSW State Government, ethics classes are now being rolled out into NSW Primary Schools. Learn how you can get involved.

Responsible business practice

Ethical and responsible business practice recognises the interconnectedness and interdependence of business, our communities, our environment and our marketplace. The Global Reporting Initiative, Global Compact Network Australia and Good Business Register are housed at St James Ethics Centre.

"The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it ... that all being equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in life, health, liberty or possessions ..."

John Locke