Member Code of Conduct

 

Introduction

WISA is committed to conducting all activities with honesty and integrity, in accordance with high ethical and legal standards and with respect for our Management Committee, members, partners and affiliates.

This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviours and professionalism expected of all members and non-members who participate in WISA activities.

WISA members should agree to adhere to this code of conduct for the duration of their membership. A member who is found to be in breach of this code of conduct may have their membership revoked by the WISA Management Committee. Such revoking of membership does not preclude any further legal action should such action be deemed appropriate.

WISA as an organisation may be judged by the conduct of individual members, working groups, Management Committee members, and employees. All these people should conduct themselves in such a way that reflects the vision, aims and values of WISA and the conduct outlined in this document.

 

Responsibilities of WISA Members

This code covers matters undertaken by WISA members while attending WISA events, on WISA business or interacting during WISA events. WISA members must treat others with respect and must not encourage or participate in bullying or intimidation of other people WISA member, employees or otherwise. This includes appropriate use of language and ethical consideration in all communications, such as WISA communications, conference papers, emails, WISA website and WISA authorised social media.

WISA members will act with honesty in all dealings with other members. Members must not misrepresent or withhold information from the WISA Executive Officer related to WISA services, events, projects and initiatives.

WISA members will adhere to all equality laws and regulations and shall not discriminate against any person. They should ensure that any work undertaken for WISA does not bring WISA into disrepute or threaten WISA legal obligations.

Any person holding an official position in WISA (i.e. Working groups, Management Committee or staff) is expected to comply with all WISA policies and procedures as set out via the policies located on the WISA website. Failure to do so may result in removal from that office.

The WISA name and logo are copyrighted and belong to WISA. They should not be used by individual members unless the member has received permission from the WISA Executive Officer and use both in accordance with the WISA Style Guide, available from the WISA Executive Officer.

WISA members should use their membership benefits appropriately and should safeguard the benefits of their membership, and not transfer these benefits to others. If a member of WISA should know of, or become aware of, any breach of this Code of Conduct by another member they should notify the WISA Executive Officer or contact the current WISA Chair.

Any complaint that a member has breached this Code of Conduct shall be dealt with in accordance with the WISA complaints procedure outlined below. However this action does not preclude legal action being taken if deemed appropriate by the WISA Management Committee. 

 

Member Values

  1. Encompassing our Management Committee, members, partners, and affiliates, shall act with integrity in dealing with customers, with their fellow members, and with the general public.
  2. WISA acknowledges inclusiveness – we recognise that diversity is strength and will seek to involve all people, as active participants in our community.
  3. Members shall comply with the laws and codes that govern their profession; including but not limited to: Food Standard Australia regulations, biosecurity and quarantine regulations (Australian Quarantine Inspection Service), chemical use (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority approved), responsible labour and environmental practices.
  4. Members shall not harm the professional reputation of another member.
  5. Members shall help to improve the body of knowledge of the industry by exchanging information and experience with fellow members and by applying their skill and training for the benefit of others.
  6. Members will treat fellow industry members with respect and professional courtesy.
  7. Members shall co-operate with fellow members in upholding and enforcing the Code.

 

Complaints Policy and Procedures

This policy aims to set out a mechanism for resolving any disputes arising from members, Management Committee members and staff. WISA members may file a complaint if dissatisfied with an aspect of behaviour or service rendered by another WISA member while on WISA business.

In the event that a complaint is made against a member, that member must cooperate fully with any investigation of that complaint. If any member wishes to make a complaint against an WISA staff member or a consultant, employed by WISA, the complaint, in the first instance, should be addressed to the current WISA Chair who will ensure that it is dealt with through the appropriate channels.

If the complaint is about the WISA Chair, then the complaint, in the first instance, should be addressed to the current WISA Vice Chair.

In the first instance, informal means should be used to resolve any dispute.

This should include mediation if appropriate.

If this is not possible then the procedure set out below should be followed.

  1. Comments provided verbally will not be considered a formal complaint unless also delivered in writing. Complaints should be sent in writing via email or hard copy to the Executive Officer eo@wisa.org.au or to the Chair chair@wisa.org.au
  2. Complaints should include a detailed description of the circumstances surrounding the complaint, along with any relevant documentation.
  3. WISA will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and request any necessary information in writing. Complaints will be reviewed in the first instance by the current Chair or by the current Vice Chair and an initial response will be issued in writing within one calendar month.
  4. A complaint can be escalated by the current Chair. This would involve establishing an independent investigative panel that will have decision-making authority in the matter. This panel would be convened on a case-by-case by the current Chair and normally consist of current or former Executive of WISA with no direct connection to the members involved. The current Chair will write to the complainant/s and the subject/s of the complaint to set out the composition of the panel and give them a chance to object to any particular member with supporting evidence.
  5. At the start of the investigative panel’s work, they should decide whether anyone should be suspended from holding a role or carrying out a function in WISA while the matter is under investigation.
  6. The investigative panel will then carry out their investigation in a timely manner with support from the current Chair/ Vice Chair. At the conclusion of the investigation, the panel may decide that: No further action is necessary; A written warning is issued; An individual is removed from a position of responsibility or suspended for a period of time; The behaviour should be referred to an individual’s host institution or other relevant organisation/ body; Management Committee be asked to revoke someone’s membership of WISA.
  7. Once the investigative panel reach a decision, any decision is final and there are no further internal appeals.
  8. Should a complaint be upheld against a member of WISA, the Management Committee reserves the right to terminate their membership and if appropriate refer the matter for further legal consideration.