Professional Standards

The UFBA Professional Standards comprises of the following three  policies:

 

These policies have been approved by the UFBA Board and endorsed by the Membership Advisory Panel following consultation with the membership.

 

What this means for members

This robust set of clear policies, which outline the expectations and process of the Association and it’s membership, will lead to more satisfactory outcomes, and certainty of process for all in a situation when matters relating to personal conduct arise.

Complaints about personal conduct or acting in a manner that brings the reputation of the Association into disrepute are serious and deserve to be treated in a way that is consistent, respectful, clear and fair to all concerned.


Complaints and Disciplinary Committee

The members of this Committee are:

  • Daryl Sayer (Chair)
  • Kevin Ihaka
  • Jaqui Apiata Coyne

They have been appointed through a formal resolution of the Board on 28th July 2022

Contact the Disciplinary Committee: complaint@ufba.org.nz


 

Background

In 2019, this Association amended its Constitution, with a comprehensive set of complaints and grievance procedures, including provision for the establishment of a disciplinary committee.

At the 2022 UFBA AGM, Board Chair, Hon. Peter Dunne announced his commitment to this and that this would be a priority for the UFBA in the year to come. 

These policies were drafted and provided to the membership for a four-week consultation period. We consulted with members to provide their feedback on the behaviour and conduct standards and the policy to establish the disciplinary committee which will govern the practice of members of this Association (not Fire and Emergency), and that of UFBA employees.

Thank you to members who participated in the consultation process to review the proposed UFBA Professional standards.


The findings were:

  • 83% agreed that the professional behavioural standards of the UFBA and its Members were clearly outlined in the draft Code of Professional Membership Behaviour Policy
  • 79% agreed the Disciplinary and Complaints Committee Policy included all that was required for it to run effectively. 77% agreed that this Policy supported the requirements for natural justice.
  • 84% agreed that the standards proposed for UFBA employees aligned with those expected of the Association and its members. 80% agreed that this Policy supported the requirements for natural justice.

Members asked that further consideration be given to:

  • how the potential for a power imbalance is managed during a dispute. Particularly in smaller towns or brigades; between local leaders and volunteers; between experienced volunteers and new volunteer recruits; with females; between Members and UFBA employees, and where a complaint involves management or the Board.
  • simplify the language used, and remove reference to family.
  • a view that some standards may be too high or subjective, and that additional wording may be helpful to better describe acceptable behaviour within the circumstances of a situation.
  • a general acknowledgement that whilst a policy may be written well, of equal importance is how it is implemented.
  • for there to be more independence in the process.