Complaints

The Code of Conduct offers a mechanism to address concerns relating to signatories' conduct. Complaints against a signatory agency may be initiated by any member of the public. Inquiries may also be made by any member of the public.

The Implementation Guidance sets out a clear process through which complaints and inquiries are investigated and findings determined in Section E.3: ACFID Code of Conduct Complaints Handling.

How to make a complaint or an inquiry:

Step 1: Decide whether you would like to make an inquiry or a complaint (see information below).

Complaint

A complaint is made against a specific Code of Conduct signatory agency, which is believed to have breached the Code of Conduct.

Where a breach of the Code is identified, actions could include but are not limited to:

resolution sought through a conciliation process
information to donors
action targeted at addressing the particular complaint issue
withdrawal of signatory status with the Code.

Inquiry

An inquiry can be made into broader areas of signatories practices which may have an impact on the wider aid and development sector but which do not currently fall within the scope of the Code of Conduct. Inquiries can be made without making a formal external complaint.

Inquiries may lead to:

the referral of sector wide issues to the ACFID Executive Committee for consideration
the generation of a complaint via the Code of Conduct Complaints Handling Procedure.

Step 2: Complete a complaint form or inquiry form

Step 3: Email the completed form to code@acfid.asn.au or post to:

Code of Conduct Management Team

Private Bag 3

Deakin

ACT 2600

For more information regarding what will happen to your complaint see the Implementation Guidance Section E.3 ACFID Code of Conduct Complaints Handling.

Every effort is made to ensure that natural justice is safeguarded by allowing the signatory against which the complaint is made to respond to the complaint and to the findings of an investigation.