Code of Conduct
Introduction
The Shih Tzu Club of Victoria Inc. (STCV) is committed to conducting all of its activities with honesty and integrity, in accordance with high ethical and legal standards and with respect for our members, affiliated bodies, and those with whom we do business.
This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour and professionalism expected of all members and non-members who participate in STVC activities and applies in any Club-related context including, but not limited to, shows, meetings, social functions, pet days, breed promotions, and written and verbal communication.
Members are responsible for ensuring their guests participating in any Club activities comply with the Code of Conduct.
Members agree to accept and abide by the Code of Conduct when they join the Club and when they renew their annual membership. A member who is found to be in breach of this code of conduct may have their membership revoked by the STCV Committee in accordance with the Club’s Constitution and Rules.
Responsibilities of STCV members
The Committee expects all members to share a common goal to make STCV an inclusive and welcoming Club which collectively supports the best interests of the breed, and has a culture which is free from personal agendas, self-interest, factions or other non-inclusive behaviour.
The Club respects all people regardless of age, gender, sexual preference, race or religion and discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.
Unwanted, uninvited, and unwelcome behaviour which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated, and where that reaction is reasonable in the circumstances, constitutes harassment. Harassment can be made in many forms including, but not limited to:
- derogatory comments,
- offensive jokes,
- threats or insults,
- spreading gossip,
- sexual innuendo,
- unwelcome physical contact,
- display of offensive material,
- behaviour which creates an uncomfortable or hostile environment
STCV members must treat others with respect and must not encourage or participate in bullying or intimidation of others. This includes appropriate use of language and ethical consideration in all communications, such as emails and Social Media.
STVC members will act with honesty and integrity in all dealings with other members.
Any actions or comments which could be deemed to be intentionally hurtful, harmful, threatening, inappropriate or undermines an inclusive culture within the Club will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The STVC name and logo are copyrighted and belong to STVC. They should not be used by individual members unless the member has received permission from the STCV Committee.
In a club with a small membership base, it is not unusual or inherently wrong for conflicts of interest to arise. It is how the conflict is dealt with that is important and this requires appropriate and careful consideration. Any member who finds themselves in a position of an actual, potential or a perceived conflict of interest must declare it so that the risk can be assessed and, where required, managed or mitigated. Disclosures providing details of the nature of the conflict (actual, potential or perceived) and the member’s proposed plan to manage or address the conflict need to be declared using the Conflict of Interest Declaration Form and emailed to the Club Secretary. This will be reviewed by STCV Committee Members who are independent of the actual, potential or perceived conflict, and provide an objective assessment about the status of the conflict and the appropriateness of the management plan, and ensure it is implemented if it is considered necessary to resolve or otherwise mitigate the conflict.
Code of Conduct Breaches
It is hoped that minor issues are resolved in a collegiate manner between those involved. If a STCV member should know of, or become aware of, an unresolved breach, or breach by another member which has the potential to impact the integrity of the Club, they should notify the STCV Secretary or President. No person will be disadvantaged or prejudiced if he or she, in good faith, reports a suspected breach. All reports will be kept confidential and acted upon in accordance with the Club’s Constitution and Rules.
Any formal complaints must be in writing and factual. The Committee will not consider complaints of a frivolous, vexatious or slanderous nature. In the event that a complaint is made against a member, that member must cooperate fully with any investigation of that complaint.
Should a complaint be upheld against a member, the STCV Committee reserves the right to revoke their membership and, if appropriate, refer the matter for further legal consideration.