1. Introduction

Buddy Up Australia (BUA) has established a Code of Conduct to set the specific expectations of behaviour so the BUA team can feel safe and supported.

The ‘BUA team’ refers to all members, volunteers, staff, supporters, contractors / consultants or others representing Buddy Up Australia.

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

2. Our Vision and Mission

3. Our Values and Principles

Our members are expected to act consistently with BUA’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

BUA’s values will be promoted through our website, print material, chapter leadership training and modelling by our longer term members.

4. Conduct Requirements

4.1 Use of Company or Personal Information

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

4.2 Use of Company Resources, Assets and Facilities

Representatives and members are responsible for ensuring that all BUA 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 representative or member using resources, assets and facilities are responsible for there return, condition and security.

4.3 Political and/or Religious Activities

BUA is a non-political and non-religious organisation. All representatives and members 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 BUA.

4.4 The Use of Alcohol and Drugs

BUA is committed to providing an environment which is free from the hazards associated with drugs and alcohol. Representatives and members attending events organised by BUA are expected to, follow the BUDDY UP AUSTRALIA Alcohol and Other Drugs policy, behave responsibly and not cause offence or distress to any other representative, member, guest or member of the public.

4.5 Non-discriminatory Practices and Equal Employment Opportunity

BUA does not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination to representatives, other members, guests or members of the public. Representatives and members are to be treated fairly and equitably at all times. All representatives and members are required to report and harassment or discrimination to a responsible representative.

4.6 Media and Social Media

If a representative or member is approached by the media for comment on BUA, the representative or member is to consider the impact of the comments and not provide anything other than factual information.

When using social media to promote the activities of BUA, representatives and members 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 BUA or its members may be cause for disciplinary action including termination of membership. BUA will moderate all social media platforms and may remove inappropriate content.

5. Reporting Non-Compliance (includes Financial, Safety etc)

Representatives and members are encouraged to identify and report any incidents of compliance failure in which they are involved or witness. Representatives or members who report compliance failures will be supported, and BUA will, to the full extent available within the law, attempt to rectify the situation as soon as practicable. Serious breaches must be reported to the Board to determine appropriate action.

6. Conflict of Interest – Directors and Voting Members

Directors and voting members of BUA have an obligation to avoid unacceptable ethical, legal, financial or other conflicts of interest and to ensure that their activities and interests do not conflict with their obligations to BUA. Disclosure of conflicts should be made to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.