Principles

1. The Procedure follows the principles of natural justice.
    

2. The members of the Ethics Committee treat all people involved with respect. They act fairly, in good faith, without bias and in a judicial temper (i.e. properly, justly, soberly).
    

3. They give everyone the opportunity to adequately state a case and to correct or contradict any statement prejudicial to their case.
    

4. No person may be judge in their own case. That is, a person must declare any interest they have in the subject-matter of any dispute before them, or any matter on which they are called to make a  decision.
    

5. A person must have notice of what he or she is accused.
    

6. Any documents which are looked at by the decision-makers must be disclosed to the parties interested.
    

7. In short, not only should justice be done, but it should be seen to be done.

(Adapted from Osbourn's Concise Law Dictionary, 6th Edition. John Burke).

Processes

The Ethics Committee uses open and transparent processes.

1. The Grievance Procedure should be accessible, with assistance for people who cannot make written complaints.
    

2. There are no financial charges for people using the Grievance Procedure.
    

3. The criteria for decision-making are uniform and open.
    

4. Documentation - including records of telephone and face to face conversations, meetings and decision-making processes - is kept.
    

5. People using the Grievance Procedure have access to documents that concern them where relevant and appropriate.
    

6. The Ethics Committee keeps information confidential in the wider community and members behave with discretion in the wider community.
    

7. The Ethics Committee's composition in membership should be appropriate to the circumstances, for example, in terms of gender, expertise and geographical location. In particular circumstances the SYTA committee may co-opt members to the Ethics Committee.
    

8. The Ethics Committee is responsible for monitoring the implementation of its decisions and recommendations.
    

9. The Ethics Committee is independent in its decision-making but accountable generally to the SYTA committee and membership.
    

Practice

The Ethics Committee will:

1. Encourage people to communicate face to face about the grievance, if appropriate, before using the Grievance Procedure.
    

2. Require people to put the grievance in writing, making special provisions for people who cannot do this.
    

3. Recommend that both parties use a professional mediator to resolve the grievance

   • if mediation is an appropriate option and acceptable to the parties concerned; and

   • if mediation is available locally as a free, professional service.
      

4. If mediation is not an option, or if mediation fails, make special provisions to address the grievance. For example, mediation is not an option in cases of alleged sexual abuse or other alleged criminal behaviour.
   
   These special provisions include:

   • a request for more information in writing or by telephone;

   • telephone interviews;

   • meetings with one party; and

   • meetings with both parties.
      

5. If appropriate, recommend to the SYTA Committee:

   • to send a letter of advice to a SYTA member;

   • to suspend the membership of a SYTA member; or

   • to cancel the membership of a SYTA member.
      

6. Inform parties in writing that they have the right of appeal (in writing and within a set period of time) to the SYTA Committee.