1.     Purpose

The Australian Sewing Guild (The Guild) is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, with the following objectives:

• to share and to further the art of sewing
• to provide peer learning and instruction for sewing, textile design, pattern making and all other ancillary and associated skills that are relevant to or associated with the art of sewing
• to enhance and develop the artistic endeavours associated with the art of sewing
• to engage with families and persons with disabilities or other disadvantage so as to enhance their skills in the art of sewing
• to engage with the aged, particularly with a view to recording historical sewing skills so as to preserve the art of sewing
• to develop avenues and pathways to promote and enhance the art of sewing in the community generally
• to manage, enhance and develop the intellectual property vested in the Australian Sewing Guild from time to time so as to enhance and develop the artistic endeavours associated with the art of sewing, and
• to carry on all other activities that enhance and develop the artistic endeavours associated with the art of sewing.

This Code of Conduct aims to define the standards expected of our members and member groups within the Australian Sewing Guild. It aims to assist our members and groups to uphold the purpose of the Guild, and to reduce confusion or possible conflict within groups and the organisation.

The Code of Conduct is not intended to provide a detailed and exhaustive list of what to do in every aspect of involvement with the Guild. It represents a broad framework that will help guide conduct and ehaviour.

2.    Code of Conduct

All members of the Guild agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Members have a right to:

• Be treated fairly, equally and with respect by the Guild, its Board members, Committee members, Coordinators and other office holders, and by other members.
• Meet in an environment that is inclusive, welcoming and free from all forms of harassment and discrimination.
• Privacy and confidentiality concerning records, documentation and any other communication containing a member’s personal information, unless consent is otherwise provided.
• Be informed and actively involved in Guild national events and offerings, and those of their State and the local group/s the member has joined.
• Voice their opinions, requirements and suggestions to the Coordinator of their local group and/or to the ASG Board.

Members must:

• Support the aims of the Guild
• Act with honesty and integrity in matters relating to the Guild, including financial matters and the intellectual property of the Guild
• Observe the policies and procedures of the Guild
• Treat others, including members, coordinators, guests, tutors, sponsors, and event venue staff fairly, equally and with respect and courtesy.
• Exercise due care regarding the safety of themselves and others
• Take reasonable measures to prevent the disclosure or misuse of personal or confidential information
• Represent the Guild in a positive way and behave in a manner which will not injure the reputation of the Guild
• Abide by this Code of Conduct and uphold the Constitution and policies of the Guild.

3.    Complaints and grievance procedure

People with a complaint or grievance will be listened to, treated with respect and actively involved in the complaint process where possible and appropriate.

Every effort should be made to resolve problems cooperatively and informally before escalating them. A complaint or grievance should be raised with your local group coordinator or region/state coordinator in the first instance, if possible, and can also be raised with any member of the ASG Board or through the ‘Contact Us’ section of the website.

We will investigate the complaint or grievance and advise people as soon as possible of the outcome or options for resolving the complaint or grievance. We will provide reasons for the outcome.

We will address complaints and grievances with integrity and in an equitable, objective and unbiased manner. We will protect the identity of people making complaints or grievances where this is practical and appropriate.

4.    Breach of the Code of Conduct

Breaches of this Code of Conduct will be addressed through the complaints and grievance procedure outlined above. Depending on the severity of the breach and impact on The Guild and other members, outcomes may include (but are not limited to):

• Written or verbal apology
• Required to leave a Guild national, state or local event
• Termination of role as coordinator or other office holder
• Suspension of termination of Guild membership, in accordance with The Guild Constitution
• Referring the matter to police