Code of Ethics

Explanatory Note

This Code of Ethics has been prepared by the Board of the ACRA following consultation with its Members and they have agreed to be bound by its principles.

As a general rule, applying common sense, good judgment and integrity to the issues that are faced on a day-to-day basis will help ensure the ACRA Members’ business decisions are consistent with the Association’s values and this Code.

Acting with integrity and the highest ethical standards is good business practice and policy. Each Member of the Association should adhere to both the letter and the spirit of this code.

Dictionary
In this document the following words mean:

• “Code of Ethics” this document (“the code”) as amended or modified from time to time including all its parts
• “Code of Conduct” As for “Code of Ethics”
• “Articles of Association” the ACRA constitution of the Association as amended, modified or replaced from time to time.
• “Board” the elected directors of ACRA.
• “Ethical” in accordance with the moral standards customarily applied in a business or professional relationship.
• “ACRA” The Australasian Concrete Repair Association and its stated ‘Mission’ (Aims) on the ACRA Web site.

Interpretation
In this Code unless the contrary intention appears:

1. A reference to a statute or other law includes regulations and other instruments under it and any consolidations, amendments, re-enactments or replacement of it;
2. The singular includes the plural and vice versa;
3. A reference to a Member, whether by use of the term ”Member” or otherwise, includes a reference to a person in the employ of that Member;
4. Where a word or phrase is given a defined meaning in this Code, any other part of speech or grammatical form in respect of such word or phrase has a corresponding meaning;
5. A reference to an act includes an omission and a reference to doing an act;
6. Headings are for reference only and do not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Code; and
7. This Code is intended to be consistent with the “Mission” or Aims of ACRA as it may be adopted, amended, modified, revoked or replaced from time to time on its web site. In the event of any inconsistency with that “ Mission”, this Code is to be read as if consistent with that “Mission” to the extent of that inconsistency.

Part One – The Code 
1.1 DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF THIS CODE
This Code commences to apply to the acts and omissions of all ACRA Members on and from the date the Board resolved to initiate, amend or replace a former Code with this Code.

1.2 DUTY
All Members have a duty to look after the best interests of their principal, subcontractors and third parties. In particular:
An ACRA member owes that duty to their client that manages for or on behalf of the Asset Owners and the relationship is fiduciary in nature.

1.3 ETHICAL DUTIES OF ALL MEMBERS
All Members must at all times:

1. Act ethically.
2. Act honestly, be straightforward and sincere.
3. Not provide false, misleading or deceptive information to another or about another Member.
4. Be objective, fair and not allow prejudice or bias to override that objectivity.
5. Be and appear to be free of any interest, which might be regarded as being incompatible with integrity and objectivity.
6. Act in a lawful manner, and comply with the law as may apply from time to time.
7. Act at minimum in accordance with the aims of the association, and carry out their work in accordance with the technical and professional standards relevant to that work.
8. Perform their duties diligently and with competence, maintain their level of competence, and only undertake work which they reasonably expect to be able to complete competently and in a timely manner.
9. Disclose and deal with conflict of interest issues in an open and fair manner, and not pay or accept secret commissions, either directly or indirectly.
10. Not engage in any conduct that wrongfully brings disrepute to the Association, Its members or the consumers of their services
11. Comply with the rules regarding display of the Association’s logo as promulgated by the Board from time to time.
12. Not advertise in a way that is false, misleading or deceptive or likely to be misleading or deceptive.
13. Promote and comply with the stated aims of ACRA.

Part Two – Enforcement of the Code
2.1 ENFORCEMENT ACTION
All Members are advised, when they apply to become Members or current financial Members, that they will be bound by this Code, or such other “Code of Practice and / or Ethics” as may have been adopted, have been replaced by, or replaced this code from time to time.

A Member who breaches this code may be subjected to enforcement and disciplinary procedures as set out in the Articles of Association.

2.2 WHO MAY LODGE COMPLAINTS UNDER THIS CODE?
Any person may make a complaint regarding breach of this Code, either as a party to the alleged breach or an Observer.

2.3 HOW ARE COMPLAINTS MADE?
Complaints must be made in writing, addressed to the President of the Association, and are to be accompanied by all materials reasonably necessary to support what is alleged in that complaint.
Should the President be party to the alleged breach, then to the Secretary.

2.4 WHO CONSIDERS THE COMPLAINT?
The Board must consider the complaint as soon as practicable, and deal with the complaint in accordance with the Articles of Association and these Guideline.

Part 3 – Approval
In accordance with Articles of Association, this code was passed by way of special resolution at the Annual General Meeting of The ACRA held 10 October, 2019.

President
ACRA
10 October 2019

Setting the standards in the remedial industry since 1991.