1. Introduction

Buddy up Australia has established a Code of Conduct for members and representatives to set the specific expectations of behaviour, so members feel safe and supported.

2. Our Vision and Mission

Buddy Up Australia believes that every Australian who has provided service to our country has the right to feel connected and valued with their local community. Buddy up Australia aims to enrich the lives of Australian service personnel by connecting them to their community through purposeful volunteering, social and physical activity.

Vision: Our Veterans, First Responders and their families are thriving.

Mission: To serve those who have served their country and community.

3. Our Values and Principles

Our members are expected to act consistently with Buddy Up Australia's values:

Wellness - we build healthy bodies and minds to contribute fully to our community

Mateship -we respect others despite differences and build meaningful relationships

Service - we commit to our purpose to help others and ourselves feel valued

Courage - we share our story to help others and ourselves and create solutions when faced with challenges

Buddy Up Australia's values will be promoted through our website, print material, chapter leadership training and modelling by our long-term members.

4. Scope

This policy applies to all Buddy Up Australia members as defined by the BUA Constitution and all representatives of Buddy Up including employees, volunteers and contractors.

5. Version

6. Compliance with laws

Members and representatives must always comply with all applicable Commonwealth and State laws and regulations, including Buddy Up Australia policies and procedures.

7. Use of Company or Personal Information

A member or representative may learn confidential information about Buddy Up Australia or its members. Unless the member or representative has permission, that information must not be used, disclosed or discussed by the member, particularly for personal interests, reward, gain or benefits. Members and representatives are required to adhere to the Privacy Act, the Australian Privacy Principles and internal policies relating to dealing with personal information and maintaining confidentiality.

8. Use of Company resources, Assets and Facilities

Members and representatives are responsible for ensuring that all Buddy Up Australia equipment and facilities are used efficiently, economically, as authorised and for their proper purpose, and must not be used for personal interests, reward, gain, or benefits without Board approval. Any member or representative using resources, assets and facilities are responsible for their return, condition, and security.

9. Political and/or Religious Activities

Buddy Up Australia is a non-political and non-religious organisation. All members and representatives are to respect the different opinions and beliefs of others and are not to promote their own political or religious beliefs in the name of Buddy Up Australia.

10. Use of Alcohol and other Drugs

Buddy Up Australia is committed to providing an environment which is free from the hazards associated with drugs and alcohol. Members and representatives attending events organised by Buddy Up Australia are expected to comply with the Buddy Up Australia Alcohol and Other Drugs policy, behave responsibly and not cause offence or distress to any other member, representative, guest or member of the public.

11. Non Discriminatory Practises and Appropriate Behaviour

Buddy Up Australia does not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination to other members, representatives, guests or members of the public. Members and representatives are to be treated fairly and equitably at all times. All members and representatives are required to report any bullying, harassment or discrimination to a responsible representative. Further detail is covered in our Member Protection Policy.

12. Acceptance of Gifts and Benefits

Buddy Up Australia recognises that accepting, soliciting, offering or providing gifts and benefits that may impair, or be perceived to impair the integrity of people, processes or decisions is unacceptable.

As a rule, Members and Representatives should not accept gifts or benefits for themselves or others, including family, that could reasonably be perceived as influencing the performance of their duties or Buddy Up Australia’s integrity.

Gifts or mementos may be accepted if they are obviously of a symbolic nature and provided there is no inducement to act more favourably in the giver’s interest in the future.

13. Vulnerable People

Buddy Up Australia is committed to providing a safe environment that protects all vulnerable people from harm or risk of harm, and that upholds the rights of children, young people and vulnerable people to feel and be safe. Further detail is covered in our Member Protection Policy.

14. Media and Social Media

Members and representatives are not to initiate contact with the media unless authorised by Buddy Up Australia’s Program Manager, Executive Director or the Board.

Media enquiries are to be immediately directed to the Program Manager or Executive Director for response. If a member or representative is approached by the media for comment about Buddy Up Australia, the member or representative is to consider the impact of their comments, and not provide anything other than factual information to promote public understanding of Buddy Up Australia’s services and activities.

When using social media to promote the activities of Buddy Up Australia, members and representatives are reminded of the impact of their statements and respect the “unknown” audience i.e. would the general public think the comments were suitable?
Any activity which is disrespectful to Buddy Up Australia, or its members may be cause for disciplinary action including termination of membership. Buddy Up Australia will moderate all social media platforms and may remove inappropriate content.

Serious breaches must be reported to the Board to determine appropriate action.

15. Conflict of Interest

Members and representatives of Buddy Up Australia have an obligation to avoid unacceptable ethical, legal, financial or other conflicts of interests and to ensure that their activities and interests do not conflict with their obligations to Buddy Up Australia. Disclosure of conflicts should be made to the Chairman of the Board and Directors through the process outlined in the Buddy Up Australia Constitution.

16. Whistle-blower disclosures and Reporting of Non-Compliance (includes Financial, Safety etc)

Members and representatives are encouraged to identify and report any incidents of misconduct, dishonest or illegal activity or compliance failure in which they are involved or witness.

Members and representatives who wish to make a disclosure or report compliance failures will be supported, and Buddy Up Australia, will to the full extent available within the law, attempt to rectify the situation as soon as practicable.

Disclosures and reporting of non-compliance may be made by email to: info@buddyupaustralia.org or by mail to PO Box 611, Hillarys WA 6923.

17. Approval and Review

This Policy has been approved by the Board of Directors. An annual review will be undertaken by the Board with the details of any changes recorded in the Board minutes.