Rules of the Association
🏘️ Dunton Park Residents Association - Code of Conduct
The Dunton Park Residents Association is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our community. To support this mission, we ask that everyone involved with the Association follows the Code of Conduct outlined below. By participating in Association activities, all members agree to uphold these principles.
👥 General Expectations for All Members
- Respectful Conduct: Members should behave reasonably and follow the guidance of the Chair or Deputy Chair during meetings.
- Courtesy in Communication: All members are expected to treat one another with respect and allow everyone the opportunity to speak without interruption.
- Community-Focused Mindset: The Association exists to serve the collective interests of all residents—not individual agendas.
- Supportive Participation: Members should actively support the aims of the Association and refrain from undermining its efforts without just cause.
🧑⚖️ Responsibilities of Committee Members
Committee members carry additional responsibilities and are expected to:
- Uphold the Association’s Reputation: Actions that could bring the Association into disrepute should be avoided.
- Communicate Appropriately: Only the designated secretary may speak or write on behalf of the Association unless prior agreement has been made.
- Follow the Constitution: All decisions and actions must comply with the Association’s constitution.
- Observe Collective Responsibility: Once a decision has been made by the committee, all members are expected to support it publicly.
⚖️ Conflicts of Interest
Any member who has a personal interest—or represents a group with an interest—related to a matter under discussion must declare it. Transparency ensures fair and unbiased participation.
🔐 Confidentiality
Members must respect the privacy of others. Personal or sensitive information should never be shared in public meetings without the individual’s prior consent.
🚨 Breaches of Conduct
- Minor breaches will result in a verbal warning from the Chair or acting committee member.
- Repeated or disruptive behaviour may lead to the individual being asked to leave a meeting or event.
- If a member refuses to comply, the Chair has the authority to close the meeting or event.
- Complaints against committee members will be reviewed at the next available committee meeting. Disciplinary action may include suspension or disqualification from committee roles for one year.
- Any committee member who misses meetings without apology or valid reason will automatically be removed from their position.
⛔ Gross Misconduct
Gross misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Theft or fraud involving the Association or other members
- Forging documents for personal gain
- Threatening or abusive behaviour (in person or via electronic communication)
- Physical altercations (excluding reasonable self-defence)
- Acts of sexual or racial harassment—whether physical, verbal, or both
Such actions will result in immediate and appropriate disciplinary measures.
⚠️ Disciplinary Measures for Gross Misconduct
Gross misconduct is treated with zero tolerance and may lead to immediate action. Disciplinary measures can include:
- Immediate suspension from all Association activities and meetings
- Removal from committee roles (if applicable)
- Permanent exclusion from future involvement with the Association
- Referral to relevant authorities if the behaviour breaches legal boundaries (e.g. theft, assault, harassment)
All allegations of gross misconduct will be reviewed by the committee as a priority. The accused will be given an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. Outcomes will be documented for transparency.
✅ Summary
This Code of Conduct applies whenever members are:
- Acting in their capacity as committee members
- Representing the Association in any setting
- Participating in or organising activities, meetings, or events on organised by or on behalf of the Association
We thank all members for their commitment to upholding these standards and contributing to a positive, thriving Dunton Park community.