Our Code of Conduct (Ethical Practice)

Preamble

The Code of Conduct is a public statement of the standards of conduct and integrity expected of members of Active Ageing Australia (AAA). It aims to guide staff, members of the Board and Volunteers in identifying and resolving issues of ethical conduct which may arise in the course of their duties and, in so doing, maintain public trust and confidence in the integrity and professionalism of AAA.

Policy Statement

One of the guiding principles of AAA is a commitment to exemplary standards of integrity in all aspects of its affairs. The focus of the Code is therefore on providing support for staff, members of the Board and Volunteers in achieving those standards. Breaches of the Code may result in disciplinary action.

Scope

This policy applies to all AAA employees, members of the Board and Volunteers who are employed by AAA or work in an AAA workplace.

Responsibilities

The application and effectiveness of this policy is the responsibility of all staff members, members of the Board and Volunteers.

Principles

Respect for the Law

AAA staff, board members and volunteers have an obligation to observe the laws of the State and the Commonwealth and to comply with the policies and procedures of AAA.

Respect for People

Staff, board members and volunteers are expected to treat clients, other staff and members of the community equitably and with respect. This involves:

  • Courtesy and responsiveness in dealing with others
  • Fairness in supervising and dealing with other staff
  • Making decisions that are procedurally fair to people
  • Avoiding discrimination on grounds such as gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, cultural background, religion, marital status, age or political conviction
  • An awareness of and respect for cultural difference
  • Avoiding behaviour which might reasonably be perceived as harassment, bullying or intimidation

Integrity

Staff, board members and volunteers should be honest in carrying out their duties, and avoid conflicts between their private interests and their employee responsibilities with respect to:

  • Personal relationships
  • Sexual relationships
  • Financial relationships
  • Receipt of gifts
  • Outside work
  • Use of confidential information obtained in the course of their duties
  • External activities and public comment.

Diligence

Staff should carry out their duties in a professional and conscientious manner. This involves:

  • Carrying out official decisions and policies faithfully and impartially
  • Seeking to attain the highest possible standards of performance
  • Exercising care for others in employment-related activities
  • Ensuring outside extraneous interests do not interfere with a staff member’s official duties or responsibilities
  • Adhering to professional codes of conduct where applicable.

Economy and Efficiency

  • Staff should use AAA resources only for legitimate work-related purposes.
  • Staff should avoid waste, remembering to minimise, reuse, recycle.
  • Staff should maintain adequate security over AAA property, facilities and resources.

Member Protection

Active Ageing Australia is committed to working with clubs and organisations that meet the requirements of SA Government legislation and the Office for Recreation and Sport.

All members who sign up to a sport or recreation organisation, can rightly expect that they will be protected from harassment, discrimination or harm from others in the organisation.