Member Code of Conduct

This Code sets out the minimum standards of conduct required of all members of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) in their interaction with each other and with the APS’s staff.

This Code of Conduct is authorised by the CEO and endorsed by the APS Board.

The APS values the contribution made by members on its various Committees, panels and other advisory bodies (internal and external) and generally, in progressing the APS’s purposes.

The APS values the diversity in its members and on its Committee. This diversity allows for greater experience and skills, identification of options and opportunities and any associated risks or benefits. Care must be taken to avoid diversity of opinion contributing to disrespect or conflict between members, and between members and APS staff.

The APS has an ethical and legal obligation to ensure its workplace is safe for all attending members and staff.

This Code has been adopted to establish a minimum standard of conduct expected of members when dealing with each other and with APS staff.
 

The Code of Conduct aims to ensure all APS interactions are conducted with integrity and in a professional manner befitting the APS’ stature.

This Code of Conduct applies to all interactions involving APS members. It also applies to all individuals engaged as representatives on external bodies.

This Code of Conduct does not apply to:
i.    Any obligations incurred by members acting within their profession (these matters fall under the jurisdiction of AHPRA)
ii.    Any matters not connected to the APS, or
iii.    Any matters that are currently subject to legal proceedings (other than by reference to expected standards of behaviour).

Further, nothing in this Code of Conduct detracts from those obligations inherent in:
iv.    The Psychological Board of Australia’s regulatory or professional codes, or
v.    As otherwise expected at law, which must be read and dealt with independently of this Code of Conduct.

In this Code of Conduct:

All other terms used in this Code of Conduct have the meaning given to them in clause 2 of the Constitution. In the event of any inconsistency between this Code and the Constitution, the Constitution prevails.

7.1    General Conduct
When dealing with APS matters, members are expected to:
i.    Act in the APS’ best interests
ii.    Act with a high degree of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect
iii.    Uphold the APS’ good reputation
iv.    Interact with other members and staff in a constructive manner, particularly when serving on committees
v.    Treat APS members and staff with dignity and respect
vi.    Respect the fact that everyone they deal with in the APS is there for their skills, experience and abilities
vii.    Be responsive to other members, staff and other stakeholders, and overall APS requirements, and
viii.    Understand the APS has limited resources and to work within those resources and expect the same for other members and staff.

Members are expected to comply with the spirit and letter of this Code.

7.2    Regulatory Compliance
When dealing with APS matters, members must comply with:
i.    All APS policies notified or as reasonably inferred as relevant, and
ii.    All relevant laws and regulations.

7.3    Confidentiality
In performing their role or interacting with the APS, members may receive or have access to the APS’ confidential information. Confidential information is proprietary and valuable. Unauthorised disclosure may cause the APS damage.

Accordingly, members in receipt of APS information must keep it confidential and only use or disclose it as necessary for the purpose it was obtained for, or as authorised.

7.4    Conflicts of Interest
When dealing with APS matters, members must comply with the APS’ Conflicts of Interest policy as updated from time to time.

7.5    Proper Use of Authority
Members may be delegated authority by the APS Board or the Chief Executive Officer. Such individuals must always ensure they act within this delegated scope of authority for appropriate purposes.

No individual may use their position, their authority or any information received to obtain and advantage for themselves or detriment for others. Most members will not be APS directors, however they are expected to maintain those standards in their behaviour and activities when in engaged in APS matters as required of APS Board members.

Proper functioning of the APS requires adherence and respect to proper lines of communication, workflow and delegation. Outside of any express delegated authority, individuals must not direct other staff or members, the organisation or the Chief Executive Officer to perform any work, or perform work in any particular matter.

8.1    APS Board
The President of the APS Board is responsible for enforcing this Code within the APS Board. All APS Board members are responsible for enforcing these standards of behaviour within the APS’s membership, and for supporting APS management in dealing with APS member conduct matters.

8.2    APS Members
Members are responsible for maintaining their standards of behaviour in accordance with this Code, and alerting the Chair of their committee (or in the case of conflict, to the relevant APS Executive) of any digression. The APS is committed to fostering a transparent environment conducive to open communication.

Where necessary, members should feedback their opinions concerning the APS to the committee or as directed by the committee from time to time. Feedback should be given in a constructive manner and without fear of punishment.

The APS endeavours to create an environment where good faith feedback is provided. The confidentiality of complaints, or complaints made in good faith will be protected by the APS. Malicious or vexatious allegations may result in disciplinary action against the alleger.

8.3    APS Executive
APS Executive team members are responsible for elevating any concerns to the CEO. The APS Executive must treat all reports under this Code seriously, investigate and act appropriately and promptly.

The APS takes its commitment to adhering to this Code very seriously.

Any non-compliance or breach of the Code may result in disciplinary action or sanctions being applied. Such sanctions may include verbal or written warnings, counselling on misconduct, suspension (with or with pay), and termination of APS membership.

Members who break the law may also be personally liable for their actions.

Please view the Conflict of Interest policy here.

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