Code of Conduct
Updated April 20, 2005
One of the requirements for Membership
and Accreditation is a Code of Conduct.
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Code of Conduct
Preamble
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To provide
a procedure which ensures that there is a single code of conduct
which is accepted, relevant and used by all members and others
who work for, with or on behalf of the ASA
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The code
applies equally to all members, leaders, ministers, supporters,
consultants and contractors at all levels, at all locations for
all activities for, with or on behalf of the ASA, whether or not
they form part of a group, church, centre, committee or business
operating for profit or not. The code covers the following
areas: service, behaviour, teamwork, standards, use of
resources, information, commitment, attendance, and safety. The
option of additions to the code by requirements at the local
level allows for standards specific to an activity, location or
profession whilst still remaining consistent with the general
ambit and intention of this code. This preamble as an
explanation forms a part of the code.
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Every
member is issued with a copy of the ASA "Code of Conduct" The
code is understood to be the minimum requirement and is seen as
part of a total quality approach of the ASA. Meeting relevant
standards is part of complying with the code of conduct When a
member is not endeavouring to comply with the code, the group or
person may be subject to discipline if other advice and requests
for cooperation fails. Leaders 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. Leaders
ensure that members can comply with the code by checking that
standards applying to them or their activities are identified
recorded and advertised. Members are kept informed about the
code and explain any changes as they arise All opportunities
including scheduled occasions are used for informing members
about the code such as: meetings, training and coaching programs
/ feedback sessions / performance development and review /
safety audits, newsletters and other publications Leaders have
the important responsibility of ensuring that members have and
use the equipment, systems, training and information they need
to perform their activities and have opportunities to improve
practices, systems and procedures which includes a process for
feedback on all issues.
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All
leaders are responsible for implementing this procedure with
respect to the members in their group. Members, groups,
churches, centres, supporters, contractors and consultants have
a personal responsibility to make themselves aware of and to
comply with the code.
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Leaders
are expected to ensure that any barriers to meeting the code are
removed within the extent of their function, location and area
of responsibility.
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The code
is appropriate for the current activities of the ASA and its
members. It is therefore expected that as the ASA progresses the
code will require reviews to maintain its relevance. Any
recommendation or suggestion will be considered by the ASA
Management Committee within a consultative process involving its
members.
Code of
Conduct -
The ASA is
committed to becoming the leader of the Spiritualist and related
Spiritual fraternity in Australia. A critical factor that will
determine its success is the conduct of its members. This code has
been established to support an organisational culture in which
individuals and the organisation will prosper. The term "member"
used in the code applies to members at all levels and locations,
groups, churches, centres, supporters, including businesses,
contractors and consultants.
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Service:
When dealing with members and the public, members are honest,
courteous and respectful. They give accurate information, prompt
attention and observe fairness and equity in all their dealings.
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Behaviour:
Members only claim to have those skills and abilities which they can
demonstrate and are accredited to use. Members perform their duties
unaffected by the consumption of alcohol or the use of other drugs.
The appearance of members is neat, tidy and appropriate for their
activity. Members eliminate all forms of discrimination, harassment
and vilification. Members respect the broadest diversity and
understanding of their own modality and for other people as well.
Members do not use their positions to exert inappropriate influence
over others at any time.
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Teamwork:
Members work together towards agreed goals and communicate regularly
with one another about progress. They are encouraged to look for
ways to improve methods and processes of their modality and to solve
problems. Leaders provide guidance, coaching, ensure appropriate
training and development, and recognise results.
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Standards:
Members have a personal responsibility to comply with identified
standards, paying appropriate attention to quality and detail. They
satisfactorily meet the requirements of their modality, follow
instructions which are reasonable and lawful, and within their
capability and training. Members refuse participation in corrupt or
fraudulent conduct. Members are expected to report suspected corrupt
or fraudulent practices of others and will be protected from
reprisal by the ASA. Members observe the relevant provisions for
conditions of membership. Ordained Ministers are expected to observe
their standards or canons of faith to the highest degree of
integrity by example.
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Use of
resources:
The ASA is a non profit organisation. Members must ensure they have
the necessary delegation to authorise expenditure. They carefully
and economically use their materials, facilities, funds, people and
equipment for authorised purposes, and take reasonable steps to
prevent misuse of these by others. Members conserve and efficiently
use resources through recycling, energy saving and waste
minimisation.
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Information:
Members must have approval before disclosing any confidential
information or making any official comment. They provide access to
information when required by law or to assist other members in their
duties. They do not misuse any information obtained either for
reward or gain, or to take advantage of another person. They only
access information for which they are authorised. Members must have
written approval before disposing of intellectual property or
assets.
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Commitment:
Members provide quality services and support in their modality.
Unauthorised or inappropriate gifts or benefits are refused, and all
conflicts of interest disclosed. Members avoid actions that bring
the organisation, their group, their modality or other members into
disrepute.
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Attendance:
Members attend activities as required for their modality, are
dressed appropriately and
punctual.
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Safety:
Members ensure that the health, safety and welfare of themselves,
other members and the public is not endangered. They contribute to
the development of safe working practices, comply with rules and
regulations, undertake training as required. Aim to provide a Safety
or First Aid attendant at each activity. Take reasonable steps to
prevent misuse of safety and first aid equipment. Wear safety
clothing and use safety equipment whenever required. Cooperate with
safety monitoring, and report to their leader accidents, injuries,
unsafe practices and harmful situations in their activity area.
Revision 1, April
2004
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