Keeping it Fair: A Guide to Committee Conduct

Keeping it Fair: A Guide to Committee Conduct

This guide explains the essential principles that committee members with voting rights must follow. Understanding these principles ensures fair and responsible decision-making for the benefit of the entire body corporate.

Key Responsibilities:

Knowledge is Power: Committee members must be familiar with the Body Corporate and Community Management Act (BCCM Act) and the code of conduct itself. The Body Corporate and Community Management Act (BCCM Act) isn’t a mandatory test, but a strong grasp of its contents is crucial for successful committee service. By partnering with a reputable service such as Strata Sphere Management, guidance and comfort is always provided, to assist you in navigating the complexities of the strata world.

Acting in the Best Interest: All decisions and actions must prioritize the well-being of the body corporate as a whole and be cast in a fair and reasonable manner. There is an expectation that Committee members will remove any personal agenda they may have, with decisions to be guided by what will best maintain and improve the entire community, fostering trust and ensuring its long-term well-being.

Conflict of Interest? Step Aside: A conflict of interest arises when someone’s personal interests, like family ties, friendships, finances, or social connections, could influence their professional judgment, decisions, or actions in a way that’s unfair or unethical. If a situation arises where a member has a conflict of interest, they must disclose it and avoid voting or influencing the decision.

Respectful Conduct: Committee members are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and avoid disruptive behaviour. This sets a positive tone for the entire community. Additionally, upholding the By-Laws is crucial. A Committee that does not comply with the By-Laws, undermines its authority and the trust of the community. Remember, fairness and consistency are key to fostering respect within the body corporate.

While serving on a Committee is a volunteer role, it’s a position of great responsibility. Committee members become trusted representatives for the entire community, ensuring their interests and investments are protected.

But What Happens When A Committee Member Does Not Abide By The Code Of Conduct?

Violating the Code of Conduct can lead to removal from the Committee. The Act offers two ways to remove a Committee member, with a General Meeting being the most straightforward approach. A body corporate can pass a resolution at any time to remove someone from a voting Committee position. While the Act doesn’t require specific justifications for removing a Committee member, the decision should still be based on valid reasons. Whether an action is considered reasonable depends on the specific context.

As A Resident, Is There A Code Of Conduct You Should Follow?

As touched on earlier, Committee members volunteer their time to serve the body corporate. This role requires adherence to the Code of Conduct, to ensure responsible decision-making. However, fostering a positive community extends beyond the Committee’s actions. It’s equally important for all residents to treat each other with fairness and respect. This includes respectful interactions with the Committee, Caretaker, Strata Manager, and fellow residents. By working together, we can create a harmonious and well-maintained community for everyone. All interactions, whether it be via written correspondence, telephone or in person, should always carry a courteous tone, showing a mutual respect for any individual receiving the correspondence, or on the other end of the discussion.