Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct outlines the behaviours and practices expected of TASA members, as well as individuals participating in TASA-branded or TASA-supported events, including conferences, webinars, workshops, and other professional activities.

TASA is a professional association dedicated to advancing the reach of Sociology and supporting Sociologists. In pursuit of this mission, TASA provides a platform for networking, fosters connections between Australian and international Sociological associations, and engages with issues relevant to the discipline.

To facilitate this, TASA offers a range of opportunities for engagement, including serving on TASA’s Executive, convening Thematic Groups, and Career Stage Groups as well as participating in working parties, and attending TASA events. While many of these roles are undertaken on a voluntary basis, all individuals involved in TASA activities, whether members or non-members, are expected to adhere to the following principles:

• All engagement with others should be conducted in a fair and respectful manner.members will not knowingly treat one another in a manner which violates this principle, or another members’ professional welfare – real or potential
• Individuals should not knowingly treat others in a way that violates this principle or negatively impacts another’s professional welfare, whether real or potential.
• Critical discussions should be conducted in a respectful, supportive, and collegial manner, without personal denigration.
• Communication in all TASA contexts should be professional and considerate.
• Disputes should be resolved informally where possible, and if unsuccessful, grievances should be submitted to TASA’s Executive using the Grievance Procedures for formal resolution.

Membership of TASA signifies a commitment to upholding these principles. Non-members who participate in TASA-branded or TASA-supported activities are also expected to conduct themselves in accordance with this Code of Conduct.

A Pdf version of TASA's Code of Conduct is available to members here.

Complaints Procedure

TASA’s Complaints Procedure is designed to support TASA's Code of Conduct and to address breaches of the Code in the context of TASA business and activities only. Other forms of feedback or grievance should be directed to the appropriate channels as per TASA's Grievance Procedures.

Lodging a complaint

Any person may lodge a complaint about breaches of the Code of Conduct.
Complaints may also be initiated by the TASA Executive Committee.

Timeline

Complaints should be submitted as soon as possible, and within 12 months of the breach, except in the case of exceptional circumstances.

• If you believe there are exceptional circumstances, please contact TASA staff for clarification.

Lodging a complaint

We would encourage all complainants to first discuss their concerns informally with the parties concerned, if they feel comfortable to do so, prior to lodging a formal complaint.

Complaints can be submitted via email to any of TASA's Staff or you can email anyone on TASA's Executive Committee (with the exception of the TASA President).

Complaints about breaches of the Code of Conduct cannot be submitted anonymously.

• Where there is a reasonable expectation of retribution or retaliation for submission of a complaint, complaints may be submitted confidentially.

Complaints process

Complaints will be dealt with according to the following process:

1. Complainants will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of their complaint within 14 days of submission.
2. The complaint will be referred to a member of the TASA Senior Executive Committee with no conflict of interest with the complaint, complainant(s) or the subject(s) of the complaint.
3. The complaint will be reviewed, and more information may be sought from the complainant(s).
4. The person or persons against whom the complaint is directed will be informed that a complaint has been made, and they will be invited to present their perspective(s) on the complaint.
5. Once the relevant information has been collected, a recommendation for resolution will be made.
6. This recommendation will then be sent to the Complaints Sub-Committee for endorsement.

a. TASA Complaints Sub-Committee consists of the TASA Senior Executive (not including the TASA president) and the Equity and Inclusion portfolio leader.


7. TASA will aim to reach an outcome and communicate this to all involved parties within 4 months of complaints submission.

Possible outcomes

There are three possible outcomes of a complaint made regarding a breach of the Code of Conduct – the complaint may be:

1. Dismissed – complaints may be dismissed for multiple reasons, including lack of information or support, withdrawal of complaint, etc.
2. Noted – complaints may be noted but no further action may be taken at this stage.
3. Upheld – complaints may be upheld, which will result in further action.

Upheld complaints – possible sanctions:

Where a complaint has been upheld, the person or persons against whom the complaint has been made will be subject to one or more of the following sanctions depending on the severity of the complaint:

1. Written warning – a written warning may be issued.
   
2. External referrals – where appropriate, complaints may be referred to external agencies for further investigation.

Appeals

Either party can appeal within 30 days of receiving notification of the outcome of the complaints process.
All appeals will be reviewed by the TASA President who, in adjudicating the appeal, may request further information from the parties involved, from the Complaints Sub-Committee, and from external legal advisors, if needed.

Reporting

There will be anonymised and aggregated reporting of all complaints received within the TASA President’ Annual Report.

TASA's Complaints Procedure: Published September 2026