SC Code of Conduct

Sub Committee Guidelines & Code Of Conduct

The Association of Rotational Moulders Australasia knows how valuable our volunteers are to the proper management of the organization.  In many cases projects simply could not be completed without substantial input by the volunteer members of our sub committees.  ARMA understands we have obligations to our volunteers to ensure their opinions are considered, their work is recognized and they are protected by good governance practices.  In turn, we ask that our volunteers are active, communicate well within a group and are enthusiastic about the project and ethical in their behavior.

Level of Commitment

We understand that the role of a sub committee member often comes way down a long list of other duties and there will be times when volunteers simply cannot contribute because of their workload.  If this or another situation arises, we expect our volunteers to advise us of the problem and if necessary, resign from the sub committee.  The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer are responsible for monitoring the performance of each sub committee and every member of that committee.  In plain words, we need active participants who understand you need to give something in order to get something.  Each and every sub committee member will be expected to offer some comment, review documents as they are being developed and if necessary attend teleconference meetings, or respond to emails by the indicated deadline.

Conflict of Interest

Volunteers who are interested in joining sub committees simply to get information being developed before their competitors, or those who are working on similar projects and see sub committees as a good way to use research and expertise being offered to the association probably have a conflict of interest.  Its vital that you disclose any conflict of interest and allow the organization to assess if your involvement can be balanced with a conflict.  Making use of information developed in another organizations sub committees without advising them or asking permission could incur legal action.

Code of Behaviour & Breaches

When competitors work together there can be a temptation to use sub committee discussions either for your own company's benefit or to damage a competitor.  If ARMA allows this behavior there is a danger that no-one in the industry will be willing to work together for the good of all.  It is vital for the sub committee to be able to work effectively that a level trust is maintained between the participants.  To help this occur, all sub committee members MUST abide by the following Code of Behaviour.

• We agree ARMA sub committee related correspondence is to be considered confidential until formally published by ARMA.
• We agree to treat each other with respect and professionalism.
• We will honour times when information cannot be shared because of commercial sensitivities.
• We respect confidentiality of fellow volunteers if its requested.
• We agree not to take any legal action against fellow sub committee members and or the association for any comments made during discussions in sub committee meetings, to allow free and open expression of opinion.
• We will always be an active participant to discussions and debate.
• Breach of this clause may result in a volunteer being expelled from a sub committee without notice.

Contact With Stakeholders

Each sub committee will be established by a Chairperson, who is always the only authorized and official representative of the sub committee.  While several members of a sub committee may be delegates to make representations, ask questions or make contact outside of the committee to bring back information, official responses can only come from the Chairperson.

Contact With Media

All media enquiries on any matter relating to the Association or its sub committees, projects it is currently undertaking or media releases must be referred for comment to the Chief Executive Officer.

What Happens When Things Don't Work Out?

If there is a problem on sub committees or with other volunteers, initially this will be discussed either with the Chairperson of the sub committee or with the Chief Executive Officer.  If a resolution cannot be found, the matter will be referred to the ARMA Board for an urgent decision and the volunteer may be asked to resign from the sub committee or project, at their discretion.  A formal complaint can also be made through the Association's Member Protection Policy system.