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Code of Ethics

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This Code of Ethics is a statement of the ethical principles, values and behaviours expected of members of the KSHS-Gilmore College Allumni Association Inc.

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The Code of Ethics is intended to assist all members to identify and resolve ethical issues that might arise during their times as members of the Association. It is designed to guide them in their dealings with other members.

 

The Code of Ethics puts forward a set of general principles rather than detailed prescriptions. It stands beside, but does not exclude or replace, the rights and obligations of members under common law or legislation.

 

The Code of Conduct then provides more specific information about the Association’s policies, rules and expectations based on these principles.

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It is essential that all members recognise and respect not only their own rights and responsibilities, but also the rights and responsibilities of other members of the Association and those of the Association itself.

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The Code of Ethics is based on three universal ethical principles. These are:

 

Equity and Justice

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People are to be treated fairly – not discriminated against, abused or exploited. Justice is concerned with power sharing and preventing the abuse of power. In a just community all members can access opportunities that allow for their full participation in that community.

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Respect for People

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People should be treated as individuals with rights to be honoured and defended. Respect empowers others to claim their rights and to achieve their potential. Respect for the rights of other people is the basis on which individuals become members of a community and accept their social responsibilities to behave with integrity.

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Membership of a community means that individuals not only have rights but also duties and responsibilities to others to act openly and honestly. Demonstrating respect for persons requires, for example, dealing with disagreements by reasoned argument rather than by using language (words, style and tone) that have the effect of inappropriately attacking or demeaning the listener.

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Personal and Professional Responsibility

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The principle of taking personal and professional responsibility requires not only that people avoid doing harm to others but also that they exhibit courteous behaviour, upholding the standards expected of all members of the Association as part of achieving a common good. In so doing they are expected to protect the rights of others and respect the diversity of cultures and peoples. Those well positioned to assert their rights have a reciprocal duty to exercise care towards those who depend on them for their wellbeing. This principle involves stewardship of assets, resources and the environment.

 

When a conflict arises between Association members, the issue should be disclosed to an appropriate officer of the Association executive in line with the Association's Constitution (see Rule 26). 

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Code of Conduct

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The Code of Conduct is based on principles, values and behaviours outlined in the Code of Ethics. This Code applies to all members of the Association. Guests of the Association (and any employees) are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this Code.

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The Code of Conduct underlines:

  • The rights of members to be treated fairly and equitably;

  • Avenues for resolving complaints or breaches of policies and Codes; and

  • The legal and ethical obligations and expectations of all members to act in accordance with the expressed standards of conduct, integrity and accountability contained in relevant legislation and Association rules, policies and procedures.

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The objectives of the Code are to:

  • Provide direction to members and those working with the Association;

  • Assist members in dealing with ethical issues in ways that reflect the Association's values and standards;

  • Promote professionalism and excellence;

  • Express shared assumptions and organisational values;

  • Provide members with direction in ethically ambiguous situations;

  • Detail the Association's social responsibilities; and

  • Provide a statement on public accountability and corporate governance.

 

The Code does not supersede other policies or agreements that Association has in place. 

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The Code of Conduct does not and cannot cover every possible situation. You can, however, test yourself on whether your behaviour is ethical by asking yourself five questions:

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  • Would I be happy to have what I am saying or doing be on the public record or appear on the front page of the newspaper?

  • Does what I am saying or doing serve a purpose beyond self-interest?

  • Would I like to be spoken to or treated in this way?

  • How will taking this action reflect on my character, or the reputation of the Association?

  • What would the Association be like if we all made decisions like this or behaved in this way?

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Obligation of Individuals

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Members are responsible for their own behaviour and obliged to conduct themselves in the following manner with regard to each and every undertaking associated with Alumni business:

  • Behave honestly and with integrity;

  • Act with care and diligence;

  • Treat everyone with respect and courtesy and without harassment;

  • Use Association property and money efficiently, carefully and honestly with due authorisation and without misappropriation;

  • Comply with all applicable laws;

  • Comply with any lawful or reasonable direction given by a person with the authority to give the direction;

  • Behave in a way that upholds the values, integrity and reputation of the Association.

 

Failure to act in accordance with these obligations can be a cause for investigation under the relevant provisions of the Alumni Charter.

Relevant Legislation

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There are a number of Commonwealth and State Acts relevant to members. While the Alumni Association has a charter and policies, guidelines that reflect this legislation, such Acts take precedence over any internal policies or practices (including this Code).

Relevant examples of this legislation are:

 

State Legislation

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  • Associations Incorporation Act 2015

  • Corruption and Crime Commission Act

  • Criminal Law Amendment Act

  • Disability Services Act

  • Equal Opportunity Act

  • Financial Management Act

  • Freedom of Information Act

  • Gender Reassignment Act

  • Lesbian and Gay Law Reform Act

  • Occupational Safety and Health Act

  • Public Interest Disclosure Act

  • Worker’s Compensation and Injury Act

 

Commonwealth Legislation

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  • Age Discrimination Act

  • Australian Human Rights Commission Act

  • Copyright Act

  • Disability Discrimination Act

  • Disability Standards for Education

  • Privacy Act

  • Racial Discrimination Act

  • Sex Discrimination Act

  • Taxation Acts (various)

  • Telecommunications Acts (various)

  • Workplace Gender Equality Act

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This list of legislation  is current as of January 2018.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other Acts may apply in some circumstances.

In your membership application form you will be required to indicate if you agree to abide by the Association's Charter, Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

Acknowledgement: The above are based on the current University of Western Australia Codes of Ethics and Conduct.

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