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Written by Mark Boast
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Situations may arise which present the member and Society with a significant ethical problem. Under the Code of Ethics, each member has a responsibility to ensure that any unethical practices or breaches of the Code are brought to the attention of those with direct authority to rectify the problem or, if the matters are not acted upon, to raise the matter elsewhere. A decision to raise a breach of the Code is a serious matter and the member or members must be aware of the personal burdens that may be involved. - Any breaches brought to the attention of the Society must be treated with equity and firmness. Given the sensitivities involved, the member or members accused of any breach must be given every opportunity to defend themselves and be provided with all relevant material, noting that confidentiality of the reporter(s) must be maintained, and the rules of privacy must be observed.
- The member or members who believe a breach of the Code has occurred should bring any such breach to the attention of the Committee. If a Committee member is involved, the breach should be reported to a disinterested Committee member. The initial approach may be informal, but ultimately a formal (written) submission may be required.
- Upon notification of a breach, the Committee shall convene an ad hoc Ethics Sub-Committee to investigate the reported breach and recommend a course of action. Members would normally be appointed to such a Sub-Committee on the basis of their disinterest and their respective areas of expertise and competence, to ensure sufficient consideration of all relevant issues and factors involved with the reported breach. Members may decline to be appointed.
- The instrument for convening the ad hoc Ethics Sub-Committee shall be in writing and include:
- A concise statement of the reported breach.
- Members appointed to the Sub-Committee.
- Terms of reference for investigating the reported breach and framing of recommendations for a course of action.
- Timings, resources and references.
- Should investigation reveal that a breach has occurred, the Ethics Sub-Committee will report to the Committee, recommending action. Depending on the severity of the breach and mitigating circumstances, the Committee may decide to apply the following sanctions:
- An admonishment.
- A reprimand.
- Suspension of membership for a defined period.
- Expulsion from the Society.
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