Code of Conduct
PREAMBLE
To provide a procedure which ensures that there is a single code of conduct which is used by all members and others who work for, with or on behalf of the Alliance and applies equally to all members, supporters, volunteers and contractors at all locations, for all activities for, with or on behalf of the Alliance.
When a member is not endeavouring to comply with the code, the person or group may be subject to the Alliance Discipline Procedure if subsequent advice and requests for co-operation continue to fail after being advised.
The Board should ensure that all members know and understand the code, reinforce the code by setting a good example and recognise members who meet or exceed it. All Members, Contractors and Consultants have a personal responsibility to make themselves aware of and to comply with the code.
The code is appropriate for the activities of the Alliance and its members. It is therefore expected that as the Alliance progresses the code will be periodically reviewed by the Board to maintain its relevance.
Any recommendation or suggestion will be considered by the Board within a consultative process involving members. Changes or updates to this Code will require Board Approval in accordance with the Constitution.
CODE OF CONDUCT
This code has been established to support a spiritual and holistic culture in which members and the Alliance will prosper and thereby enhance our public image, community recognition and acceptance.
Service: When dealing with members and the public, be honest, courteous and respectful. Give accurate and truthful information, prompt attention and observe fairness, equity and empathy in all dealings. All activities and services provided to Minors, the Aged and Disabled are provided by authorised adults having a current Working With Children Clearance (WWCC) or Exemption.
Behaviour: Members may only claim to have those skills and abilities which they can demonstrate and are accredited to use. Members perform their duties unaffected by medication, alcohol or other drugs whilst their appearance is neat, tidy, professional and appropriate for their activity. Members must eliminate all forms of discrimination, harassment and vilification towards any race, colour, creed or any other reason. Respect the broadest diversity and understanding of their own service/modality as well as of other people. Do not use their positions to exert any influence over others at any time or claim to provide a cure for any medical condition or provide any financial or legal advice.
Teamwork: Members work together towards agreed goals and communicate regularly with one another. They are encouraged to look for ways to improve methods and processes of their activity, modalities and solve any problems. They provide guidance, coaching, ensure appropriate on-going training and development and recognise results.
Standards: Members have a personal responsibility to comply with identified fraternity standards, paying appropriate attention to quality and detail. They satisfactorily meet the requirements of their service/modality, follow instructions which are reasonable and lawful, and within their capability and training. Members refuse participation in illegal, corrupt or fraudulent conduct. Members are expected to observe their standards and Articles of Faith to the highest degree of integrity by example. Members have the choice to charge for the provision of their goods and services or may decide to provide their services at no charge or fee.
Use of Resources: The Alliance operates as a Not For Profit, Charitable and Benevolent based organisation. Members must ensure they have the necessary delegation for all authorised expenditure. They carefully and economically use their materials, facilities, funds, people and equipment for authorised purposes, and take reasonable steps to prevent any misuse by others.
Information: Members must have approval before they access information, disclose any confidential information or make any official comment. They cannot represent the Alliance without approval. They provide access to information when required by law or to assist other members in their duties in accordance with the Privacy Act Principles and Policy. They do not misuse any information obtained either for reward or gain, or to take advantage of another person. Members must have written approval before disposing of intellectual property or any assets purchased for, by or used by the Alliance.
Commitment: Members provide quality services and support in their approved modality. All conflicts of interest are disclosed. Members avoid actions that bring their Alliance, group, modality or other people into disrepute.
Attendance: Members attend activities as required for their modality or as a service provider, are dressed appropriately and are punctual. They present themselves in a very professional manner.
Safety: Members ensure that the health, safety and welfare of themselves, other members and the public is not in any way endangered. The Alliance has a Do No Harm Policy for all services provided by members. It is essential that any situation requiring immediate medical attention is referred or taken without delay to professional medical practitioners or a hospital.
Child Care Standards and the National Redress System, Workplace Health and Safety, Care for the Aged, Disabled and Vulnerable people all form a part of the Alliance approach to Community welfare.
The Alliance has a Safety Policy that requires a Risk Management Plan for every activity at every location and include where possible the provision of a qualified First-Aid Officer for every public event.
To provide extra clarity of the Code and assist in the interpretation of what is viewed as prohibited conduct the following is included.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
Every member of the Alliance has a shared responsibility toward improving the quality of the environment in which they practice their craft and skills. By agreeing to be a member of the Alliance you have agreed to refrain from conduct which is detrimental to our aims and objectives.
The prohibited conduct that is listed below is not an inclusive list, as the Alliance cannot, with reliable foresight, determine what inappropriate conduct under every circumstance may be. Moreover, the Alliance does not limit its right to discipline or expel members for any misconduct or conduct considered inappropriate.
The Alliance maintains the right to terminate it’s members at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and with or without a reason especially when someone is hurt, physically, mentally or emotionally.
A complaint to the Alliance, or violation of the prohibited conduct set forth below, or any other conduct deemed inappropriate by the Board and contravenes the Code of Conduct Policy, may subject the member to disciplinary action, including oral or written warnings, suspension or possible expulsion. If you have doubts about your personal conduct or that of any fellow member, immediately consult the Board for clarification.
The following list contains examples of conduct considered improper. This is not a complete list and understand that other unlisted behaviours may also result in discipline.
1. Possessing, using, selling, negotiating the sale of, or being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or other controlled substances without a medical prescription while on Alliance business.
2. Falsification of any related document or details including, but not limited to, membership, insurance, personnel files, skills, qualifications, experience, communications, claims including expense records, etc.
3. Theft or destruction of Alliance property or that of visitors, clients or fellow members.
4. Possession of potentially hazardous or dangerous property, such as firearms, weapons, chemicals, or any item used to harm others, etc., without prior authorisation or appropriate licenses and safeguards.
5. Fighting with or harassment of any fellow member or customer including any domestic violence or abuse anywhere at any time.
6. Unauthorized or excessive use of Alliance property or the property of any visitors, customers, fellow members, including but not limited to, vehicles, supplies, telephones, mail, computers and other equipment, etc.
7, Disclosure of any Alliance confidential or proprietary information of the Alliance or any member, to any unauthorised persons or groups.
8. Insubordination, including but not limited to, refusal to perform a requested or required legitimate activity except where it is unsafe to do so.
9. Failure to follow, or general neglect of, the Alliance Constitution, Rules, Policies, Procedures and Directives. Any Alliance Guidelines are issued as advice and are optional.
10. Excessive tardiness or absences.
11. Solicitation of fellow members on Alliance premises.
12. Failure to dress appropriately.
13. Failure to keep your activity area in a safe, neat and sanitary condition.
14. Use of obscene or otherwise inappropriate language, conduct or behaviour in the work place.
15. Any horseplay which is either distracting to fellow members or which could create dangers to others.
16. Criminal activity leading to a conviction at, or outside, the workplace.
17. Off-duty conduct which can affect the Alliance’s credibility or reputation.
18. Outside activities that interfere with your ability to perform your function at the Alliance, such as contact or high risk sports or with activities of other organisations.
19. Gambling whilst on Alliance business.
20. Neglect of responsible duties.
21. Taking unauthorised gratuities in connection with Alliance business or activities without Board approval.
22. Lending keys to Alliance assets to unauthorized persons or allowing unauthorised duplicate keys.
23. Harassment of, discrimination against, or taking advantage of, a member, customer or visitor because of that person’s appearance, race, religion, colour, sex, age, disability, nation of origin or membership status or for any other reason.
24. Bad-mouthing or spreading hearsay rumours of any kind.
25. Failure to provide quality goods and services to a member, visitor or client that seeks your service regardless of any payment or exchange of any kind.
26. Failure to inform the clients of their rights and/or the Alliance Complaint/Feedback Procedure.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The Alliance may implement Progressive Discipline and may discipline or terminate a member where they violate this Code of Conduct, or where the quality or value of their work fails to meet expectations.
Based on the nature and/or extent of the event, breach or violation, the Alliance may proceed as follows –
• the 1st Incident – verbal warning;
• the 2nd Incident – written warning;
• the 3rd Incident – an investigation that may recommend no action, suspension or expulsion.
In cases of harm where immediate medical attention is required the Procedure will promptly be upgraded to a Stage 3 Incident and be referred to Police.
The Alliance Constitution allows for an Appeal for members who are subject to any Discipline action.
The Board reserves the right to review this document as the need arises.
**********************************************************************