Purpose - Why do we have this policy?

This policy lets you know what we all need to do to enact our code of conduct in our complex work environment.
It provides you with guidelines about acceptable behaviour in line with our legal obligations, vision, mission and philosophy.

Scope
This policy applies to all Board members about your behaviour around:
● Organisational Governance
● Privacy and confidentiality
● Promoting a positive image of Australian Street Aid Project and the people we provide services to
● Appropriate communication
● Trust and respect.

Policy

We are committed to ensuring that our organisation provides quality and ethically responsive services. To achieve this, we inform you of our legal obligations, vision, mission, philosophy and goals.
We are also committed to providing a supportive governance environment that promotes mental wellbeing. Modelling the right behaviour is an important part of your role and your adherence to this Code of Conduct is required for your success in our organisation.

What this means for you

You need to learn about our organisation, your responsibilities and behave suitably. We aim to support you and our clients. You play a big role in effectively governing our organisation. You may be asked to leave the Board or Sub-Committee if you behave in ways outside of this code of conduct. 

Responsibilities

All Board and Sub-Committee members are responsible for following our Code of Conduct. The Chair are responsible for addressing breaches of this Code of Conduct. 

Code of Conduct

As an Australian Street Aid Project Board & Sub-Committee member, you must:
● Become familiar with our purpose and goals, and work towards creating a successful, positive, and supportive environment. This means taking responsibility for learning about our organisation and your role.
● Ensure your decisions are reasonable and lawful decisions.
● Make sure you follow all our policies, procedures, and rules and maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.
o Ensure familiarity with and adherence to your Work Health and safety obligations and our procedures.
o Maintain confidentiality of information obtained during your role on the Board, including, commercial information about the company, personal information of other Board and Sub-Committee members, staff and service users.
o Not discriminated against service users, volunteers, staff, other directors, sub-committee members and stakeholders and inform others of their rights regarding our organisation.
● Show respect for and understanding of the needs of people who are experiencing homelessness and others.
o People who reflect the diversity of cultures in our region.
o People with complex needs.
o Learn about the relevant supports available in our community.
o Support all eligible persons to access the resources, services, and opportunities available through us.
● Maintain a high level of ethics, integrity, honesty, and professionalism in engaging with directors, volunteers, staff, and community members.
● Ensure that your personal values, if contrary to our purpose, philosophy, and goals are neither practised nor exercised during Board or Sub-committee meetings or your interactions with directors, volunteers, staff and stakeholders.
● Contribute to a positive Board and Sub-Committee people culture. 

Procedures

Communicating the Code of Conduct
It is the responsibility of the Chair and Secretary to ensure that all Directors and Sub-Committee members are aware of our Code of Conduct and the expectations of the behaviour of people volunteering on the Board, sub-committees and working in the organisation. The Code of Conduct is communicated through:
● Provision of the Code of Conduct during induction.
● Discussion at Board and Sub-Committee meetings where necessary.

Learning and Acknowledging the Code of Conduct
All Board and Sub-Committee members are to acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the Code of Conduct during their induction process by:
● Completing the short online presentation outlining the expectation detailed in the Code of Conduct.
● Submitting agreement to the code of conduct

Consequences for breaches
Breaches of the Code of Conduct may be considered serious misconduct with disciplinary action (which may include removal from the Board or Sub-Committee) may arise, following appropriate investigations.
The process for dealing with breaches of the Code of conduct is as follows:
● In the first instance, breaches of the Code of Conduct are to be dealt with by the Chair.
● The Chair is to apply the procedures outlined in this governance manual.
● For serious misconduct, the Chair is to refer and/or discuss the matter with the Board or external authorities as needed.

Review of the Code of Conduct
Ongoing compliance with our Code of Conduct policy and procedures will be reviewed through:
● Regular review and update of our policies and procedures, as detailed in the organisation’s quality Management Calendar.
● Board and Sub-Committee member empowerment through training, recognition and participation.
● Enabling Board and Sub-Committee members to add matters for discussion to meeting agendas.

In the event of any conflict or inconsistency of information, the policy statement and details prevail over the “what this means for you” statement.