Code of Conduct

Policy Adopted September 5th, 2017

Purpose and Scope

1. This Code of Conduct identifies the standard of behaviour that is expected of St Margaret Sailing Club (SMSC) members, directors, employees, clients, guests, contractors and stakeholders whether on-site at SMSC or off-site while participating in activities associated or identified with SMSC. Members, directors, employees, clients, guests, contractors and stakeholders may hereafter be collectively identified as parties to this Code of Conduct.

2. Where parties to the Code of Conduct are not members or employees of SMSC (e.g., a guest of a member or a contractor) the member or employee sponsoring or employing the party may be held responsible for behaviour contravening the Code of Conduct.

3. This Code of Conduct does not replace or supersede SMSC policies, rules or regulations which govern activities rather than behaviours.

General Principles

4. SMSC recognises that the determination of unacceptable behaviour is generally based upon the perceptions of the receiver of the behaviour rather than the intentions of the actor.

5. SMSC expects parties to this Code of Conduct to behave in a manner that does not contravene any laws or SMSC by-laws, policy or rules.

6. SMSC expects parties to this Code of Conduct:

a. To be fair, considerate and honest in their treatment of others;

b. To respect and have proper regard for members rights and privileges;

c. To respect the privacy of others, including protection of confidentiality;

d. To be mindful of the safety of others; and

e. To follow lawful directions from a club employee and/or member of the Board of Directors.

7. SMSC expects that parties to this Code of Conduct will:

a. Not discriminate, abuse, harass, ridicule, or embarrass individuals or groups;

b. Not use offensive language;

c. Not intimidate or act aggressively towards others;

d. Not use alcohol excessively;

e. Not act in a manner that becomes a public nuisance or a threat to the safety of individuals or the public; and

f. Not represent SMSC in any dealings, unless authorised to do so by a responsible director or the SMSC manager.

Conflict of Interest

8. In addition to the General Principles of the Code of Conduct, SMSC expects members and employees, and especially directors, to avoid conflict of interest, which includes but is not limited to situations:

a. Where a member’s, employee’s or director’s private affairs or financial interests are in conflict with their duties, responsibilities or obligations at SMSC, or result in a perception that a conflict exists;

b. Which could impair the member’s, employee’s or director’s ability to act in the best interests of SMSC; or

c. Where actions of the member, employee or director would compromise or undermine the trust that members place in SMSC.

9. A member or director may enter into a contractual relationship with SMSC but may not vote on or participate in any discussion or resolution to approve a contract in which they have an interest, nor will a member or director with delegated authority sign off in such circumstances.

Disciplinary Procedures and Appeals

10. Allegations of infractions of this Code of Conduct shall be reported in writing to the Commodore, or alternatively to another Director should the allegation involve the Commodore.

11. The Board of Directors will address allegations of infractions of this Code of Conduct, or appeals of decisions, under such SMSC Disciplinary or Dispute Resolution policies as may exist at the time of the report.