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Code Of Conduct

Purpose and Application

This Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behaviour expected of all employees and representatives, and supports SMART Recovery Australia's values of integrity, accountability, professionalism and respect. It sets out how SMART Recovery Australia (SRAU) expects all people working for or representing the organisation to behave in fulfilling their roles with SRAU. It applies to staff, contractors, consultants, researchers and volunteers. All people in these roles need to know their responsibilities and obligations under this Code and to adhere to them.

The intent of the Code is to provide a framework to promote ethical day-to-day conduct and decision-making. It does not and cannot cover every situation that can arise in the workplace.

The Code does not replace the need for common sense in how staff conduct themselves.

The Code of Conduct:

  • Assists with building a positive workplace culture based on our core values
  • Provides clear standards for professional behaviour and treating others with respect
  • Ensures participants in SMART Recovery programs experience caring and sensitive behaviour from all concerned
  • Ensures staff, facilitators, volunteers and people representing SRAU are aware of the consequences if they breach the Code of Conduct.

The Code applies SRAU's Vision, Values, Purpose and Principles. It also includes information on workplace standards, legal compliance and ethical standards.

The Code applies in the delivery of programs, services and activities with participants, clients, service partners, contractors and engagement with suppliers and other stakeholders.

It covers conduct outside of work or your role including in relation to activity as an individual on social media which impacts on SRAU.

Responsibilities

Everyone is responsible for understanding and adhering to the Code of Conduct. People working with SRAU - whether paid or as volunteers - must act in a manner consistent with SRAU values and carry out their responsibilities professionally and ethically.

It is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer, and every staff member, facilitator, volunteer, consultant or contractor to:

  • know, understand and comply with SRAU's Code of Conduct, policies and procedures
  • act with honesty and respect
  • act in SRAU's best interests and according to relevant legislation
  • raise any matters relating to conduct with the Chief Executive Officer;
  • if the matter relates to conduct by the Chief Executive Officer, it should be raised with the Board Chair.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for leading implementation of the Code of Conduct and providing guidance and direction to others.

Responsibilities include to:

  • Communicate the Code of Conduct to staff, facilitators, volunteers, consultants and contractors
  • Create a culture where staff, facilitators, volunteers, consultants and contractors understand their responsibilities and feel confident to raise questions and concerns
  • Treat people fairly and equitably
  • Emphasise the importance of ethical conduct and compliance with the Code
  • Take immediate action if they observe a potential breach of the Code of Conduct or if a potential breach is reported to them.

Managers play a crucial role in both clarifying the Code to the staff and upholding its established standards consistently and equitably. Nevertheless, the foremost obligation of managers, and their most significant contribution to guaranteeing the Code's principles are put into practice, lies in setting a leading example.

SMART Recovery Values

  • Diversity - We ensure that diversity, inclusion, and belonging underpin our work.

  • Evidence Informed - Our work is evidence informed and outcomes focused.

  • National Reach - We grow influence through advocacy and our national reach through partnerships.

  • Collaboration - We do what we are best placed to do and partner with our Members for impact.

  • Innovation - We invest in innovation that aligns with our Strategy and creates value.

Standards Expected By SRAU

The standards expected under the SRAU Code of Conduct are in the following paragraphs. These need to be understood and applied by the Chief Executive Officer, staff, facilitators, volunteers, consultants and contractors.

1. Professional Conduct

The following standards of professional conduct are required of everyone to whom this Code applies:

  • Act honestly and with integrity
  • Observe all legal requirements and comply with the ethical and technical requirements of any relevant regulatory bodies
  • Perform your role diligently and with care in exercising the powers attached to your position
  • Avoid any conflict of interest or declare any situations where a conflict of interest is unavoidable
  • Act honestly, fairly, with integrity, diligence and competency in all that you do
  • Intellectual Property: All intellectual property, materials and work products created by employees in the course of their employment or using SRAU resources remain the property of SMART Recovery Australia, subject to any applicable contract or written agreement.

2. Respect

All SRAU staff are to treat others with respect by:

  • Valuing others' work and roles
  • Behaving in ways that show respect towards co-workers
  • Developing relationships built on personal integrity and professionalism promoting a climate that is fair and supportive
  • Encouraging open and honest communication but ensuring such conversations are conducted in a courteous fashion
  • Contributing to a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence and assault
  • Being aware of and abiding by SRAU's policies and procedures

Discrimination, physical or verbal harassment, bullying, violence or assault in the workplace will be dealt with as possible breaches of conduct or reported to relevant authorities where possible illegal conduct has occurred.

3. Conflicts of Interest

Employees and representatives must avoid any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest, or declare any relevant interests as soon as they arise:

  • Disclose any secondary employment, board roles, personal relationships, or financial interests that may influence or be perceived to influence organisational duties.
  • Declare gifts, hospitality, or benefits that could influence decision-making in accordance with SRAU policies.

4. Privacy, Confidentiality, and Information Handling

Employees must strictly protect all personal, health, and confidential organisational information in accordance with SRAU's Privacy Policy:

  • Only collect, access, use, disclose, and store personal, health, and organisational information where authorised and necessary for your role.
  • Create and retain complete organisational records in approved systems, and do not store SRAU records on personal devices, unapproved cloud storage, or personal email accounts.
  • Ensure all records are securely handed over or deleted when directed or upon ending employment or engagement with SRAU.

5. Cyber Security, Acceptable Use, and Data Breach Reporting

SRAU requires all users to maintain standard cyber-security controls and acceptable-use standards:

  • Use approved devices, accounts, software, strong passwords, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) where provided.
  • Never enter personal, participant, or confidential organisational information into publicly available AI platforms unless authorised safeguards are in place.
  • Data Breach Reporting: Employees must immediately report any suspected loss, unauthorised access, disclosure, or alteration of personal or organisational information, as well as suspected phishing or account compromise, to management.

6. Workplace Behaviour and Safety

Employees must adhere to health, safety, and workplace standards:

  • Prescribed Medication: Employees are only required to notify their manager where prescribed medication may affect their ability to perform their duties safely or effectively.
  • Maintain a safe work environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, and health or psychosocial hazards.
  • Working with Children Check (WWCC): All personnel engaging in child-related work or activities involving young people must hold a valid, verified Working with Children Check (or state/territory equivalent) and immediately report any change in check status or relevant clearance to management.
  • Child Safety Standards: SRAU is committed to child safety and wellbeing, aligning organisational practices and conduct expectations with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

7. Working With Key Stakeholders

High ethical standards are expected of all managers, staff, facilitators, volunteers, contractors and consultants whether they are working with participants, clients, service partners, suppliers, stakeholders, Government or the community. This means that when dealing with others:

  • Duties are to be performed in a professional manner
  • Honesty and integrity are at the core of all actions
  • Services are provided in line with the Code of Conduct, SRAU values, relevant laws and regulations