1. POLICY
- Members must perform their duties in a manner that maintains and fosters public confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of The Experts Register. Trust and mutual respect are the cornerstones of any relationship between a member and his/her clients. As The Experts Register’s most valuable and important assets, members therefore are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour and respect.
- Regulations for the acceptable conduct and behaviour of members are necessary for the professional operation of The Experts Register and to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of both staff/contractors and service providers. members are expected to govern their conduct and behaviour in a manner consistent with the guidelines set out herein.
- A breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action which may lead to suspension or deregistration of a Member from The Experts Register.
- Any Member, who is disciplined in any way by The Experts Register‘s Administration, indemnifies The Experts Register against any claims, resultant from such suspension or deregistration.
2. PURPOSE
- The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to provide guidelines, which may be changed from time to time, as to what is considered acceptable and unacceptable conduct and to encourage consistency throughout the sector.
- This code clarifies The Experts Register’s expectations of its Members and re-affirms its commitment to enhancing Member’s needs and maintaining professional responsibility on behalf of the Public and the members. It provides a guide for consistent behaviour in service delivery. This code is a formal statement of the policies and principles of conduct embraced by The Experts Register and its Members. Contravention of this code is a serious matter and The Experts Register and will be dealt with firmly and without mercy.
3. SCOPE
- This Code of Conduct applies to all Categories of Member registration provided by The Experts Register. All members will be deemed to have accepted this Code of Conduct upon registration and the annual renewal of Membership.
- Members are expected to be aware of, and comply with, The Experts Register‘s Code of Conduct and its related policies.
4. RESPONSIBILITY
- Members are expected to observe these rules of conduct at all times, and more so in interaction with people introduced to by means of their membership to The Experts Register.
- Members must follow the highest standards of ethical behaviour in the course of their work to ensure that public confidence and trust is maintained. The Experts Register and its Members must reflect superior quality, service and conduct, promoting a perception of a reputable and trustworthy facility.
- The Experts Register may issue a warning to members when their conduct or behaviour is inconsistent with the ethos of this Code of Conduct.
- All members share a collective obligation to ensure professional, respectful representation of The Experts Register.
5. PROCEDURE
- In order to engender mutual trust and respect within The Experts Register and between The Experts Register and external stakeholders, principles of honesty, integrity, fair trade and the highest ethical standards must support all undertakings.
- Members must not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of facts or any other unfair or unethical activity. The Experts Register and its members will be judged not only in terms of competence in conducting business, but also on their integrity and behaviour at work, in the community, political environment, and in the public expression of personal views.
- Members must be aware of the policy framework that guides and governs behaviour in the performance of day-to-day activities. They agree to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with that framework.
- The following are some examples of acceptable or unacceptable conduct:
i. Appropriate Conduct and Behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
- Adherence to published policies, practices and procedures
- Competent performance of all member duties assigned
- Courtesy and respect towards fellow members, customers, and any other person who deals with The Experts Register in the conduct of business within the public domain
- Maintaining confidentiality regarding any information obtained about a client or co-member
- Avoiding behaviour which may cause unnecessary distress or be perceived as an insult, or result in loss of dignity, privacy or autonomy of clients, Users or related and peripheral community members
- Promoting and safeguarding the general well-being of Users, service providers, tutors and fellow members at all times by ensuring that no act or omission places anyone at risk
ii. Inappropriate Conduct and Behaviour includes but is not limited to:
- Using obscene or abusive language
- Spreading malicious gossip or rumours
- Harassing, threatening, intimidating or coercing anyone at any time
- Working whilst under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other prohibited substances
- Non-compliance with The Experts Register policies and this code of conduct
iii. Unacceptable Conduct or Behaviour includes:
- Inappropriate comments regarding any person’s gender, sexual orientation,ethnicity, religion, culture, age, physical appearance or disability.
- Falsification of training or submitted records and documentation
- Sexual harassment of any kind.
- Aggressive or confrontational behaviour.
- Lack of due diligence in performing duties.
- Submitting false information.
- Posting offensive text or images.
Inappropriate and unacceptable conduct could result in disciplinary action which may include deregistration as an Experts Register member without notice or compensation.
6. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
Action taken is at the discretion of the concerned party or parties. Possible action includes reporting breaches and suspected breaches of the code on a confidential, anonymous basis. Any person wishing to report a potential or actual breach of this code should submit a verbal or written account to The Experts Register.
- The designated person who received the report will address the matter with the party or parties concerned and will refer the matter to The Experts Register administration for closure.
- If further action is required, a meeting will be convened between all parties concerned, and a designated mediator. The outcome of such meetings shall confidential and reports shall only go to those individuals deemed acceptable by both parties.
- The meeting will constitute a formal forum to validate or disqualify the report and to document such. The nature of such an inquiry will be at the discretion of The Experts Register‘s administration.
- Before any action is taken, individuals will be advised that vexatious, unfounded or frivolous accusations constitute another form of inappropriate action. Persons found to be engaging in this will incur disciplinary measures which may include deregistration as a member of The Experts Register.
- Concluding action will be evaluated and applied timeously, taking into account the seriousness of the violation as well as any failure to cooperate in any investigation processes.
- Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, counselling, disqualification of membership, suspension or deregistration as a member of The Experts Register .
Generally, any member who seriously breaches The Experts Register‘s policy will be deregistered with immediate effect.
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