Code of Conduct for Members

Introduction #

The ethical climate of an organisation is an essential element in establishing its credibility and furthering its mission. The U3A movement in Victoria is dedicated to providing a competent and ethical service to Third Age members of the community and undertakes to provide its members with a trustworthy, fair, honest environment based upon equal opportunity to participate in U3A programs and activities.

Purpose #

The purpose of this policy is to document U3A Horsham & District Inc. Code of Conduct for members and the processes that will be followed where a breach of the Code of Conduct is reported.

Policy #

1. U3A Horsham & District Inc. commits itself to operating in accordance with this Code of Conduct for the benefit and protection of the organisation and of members’ personal rights.

• Feel safe and respected
• A supportive and positive learning environment
• Participate in learning, social and recreational opportunities
• Receive services fully compliant with U3A norms
• Make a complaint and receive prompt and fair resolution thereof
• Have access to guidelines, policies and procedures adopted by U3A Horsham & District Inc.

2. Every member of A U3A Horsham & District Inc. has the responsibility to

• Respect the beliefs, needs and background of others Act and speak respectfully
• Understand and follow the organisation’s guidelines, policies and procedures
• Carry out all activities in an appropriate manner
• Work cooperatively for the benefit of all members
• Maintain positive relationships
• Care for the property and possessions of the organisation and members
• Help create an inclusive environment
• Report actual or potentially unsafe situations or conduct
• Wear a name badge to assist in the governance of the organisation

Principles #

The principles set out in this Code of Conduct are intended to apply to:

• Any U3A-related context including classes, activities, social functions, meetings, conferences and excursions/trips.
• The principles set out in this Code of Conduct Policy apply equally to all members and volunteers/employees.
• Any queries about this Code of Conduct Policy should be referred to U3A Horsham & District Incorporated President

Complaints Procedure #

1. Where a person believes they have been subject to treatment or conduct that is in
   breach of this Code of Conduct he/she may lodge a complaint with the Secretary who
   will notify the President.
2. Should the President or Secretary be involved in any way in the complaint a delegate from the U3A Horsham & District Inc. Committee of Management must be appointed.
3. A report of a breach of the Code of Conduct will be investigated promptly, confidentially and fairly, in accordance with the organisation’s Grievance Policy.
4. A four-level complaints procedure is outlined in the Grievance Policy which is also available on the U3A Horsham & District website.

Responsibilities #

1. U3A Horsham & District Incorporated Committee of Management is responsible for:

• Developing, adopting, implementing, publishing and reviewing this Code of Conduct
• Investigating and resolving any complaint made about a breach of this Code of Conduct

2. U3A Horsham & District Incorporated President/Secretary is responsible for:

• Receiving and responding to enquiries about this Code of Conduct
• Receiving complaints about an alleged breach of this Code of Conduct and for bringing the matter before the Committee of Management promptly.

Authorisation #

This policy was adopted by the Committee of Management of U3A Horsham & District Inc. and minuted as such on 13th January, 2023.

This policy will be published by the Committee of Management of U3A Horsham & District Incorporated on its website within four weeks of the date of this authorisation.

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