The Outdoor Recreation Industry Council (ORIC) is committed to ensuring a high standard of service to all members of the outdoor recreation industry and related bodies.  The principles and practices described in this code set out a broad general statement of the standards with which all employees, contractors and board members of ORIC are expected to comply.

1.1 Being an employee, contractor or board member of ORIC involves an expectation to act in the best interests of the client, demonstrating ethical behaviour in carrying out functions and duties.

1.2 The code illustrates the values and behaviours by the following principles:

• Effective performance of duties
• Integrity
• Impartiality
• Responsiveness to member’s enquiries
• Accountability
• Honesty

1.3 The code does not stand alone; rather, employees, contractors and board members of ORIC are to follow the law, including legislation relating to and responsibilities such as:

• The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983
• The Anti-Discrimination Act 1997
• The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998
• And other legislation or instruction relevant to official responsibilities

See the ORIC Occupational Health and Safety Policy for further detail.

Adoption by ORIC of the NSW Department of Sport & Recreation “Responsible Service of Alcohol” policy, Sports Rage Prevention Plan and Play by the Rules training strategies, including promotion of these policies to member bodies.

1.4 The successful development of an ethical environment relies upon individual employees, contractors and board members taking responsibility for their own behaviour, and the President of the board leading ethical behaviour and ethical work practices.

1.5 ORIC is an equal opportunity employer.  See the EEO policy for further detail

2.  Personal and Professional Behaviour
2.1 To maintain member confidence in the integrity of ORIC and its employees, contractors and board members, it is essential that these people be seen to exhibit the highest ethical standards in carrying out their duties:

• Perform their duties impartially, with professionalism, objectivity and integrity
• Observe fairness and honesty in all official dealings

2.2 In the performance of their duties, employees, contractors and board members are expected to:

• Effectively perform their duties as required by their position
• Exercise their best possible technical and professional judgement
• Maintain and develop knowledge of their professional field
• Comply with any legislation, industrial or administrative requirements relative to their position and any guidelines concerning the performance of their duties
• Ensure that the workplace is free from discrimination and harassment
• Treat other ORIC employees, contractors or board members with respect and sensitivity to their rights, providing appropriate example, guidance and assistance
• Ensure that all property / resources of ORIC and its members are used appropriately

2.3 Employees, contractors and board members of ORIC have a responsibility to ensure fairness in decision making and equity in administration, and are expected to consider:

• Fairness, for example, dealing with like cases in a similar way to ensure fairness of outcome, and
• Social equity, which is concerned with the substance and the effect of administrative decisions on individuals

2.4 Employees, contractors and board members of ORIC should avoid acting in a way that is or could be seen to be construed as unlawful discrimination.

2.5 Employees, contractors and board members of ORIC should take all reasonable steps to ensure the information presented to clients and members is factually correct.

2.6 Employees, contractors and board members should avoid unnecessary delays in making decisions or taking action regarding client / member outcomes.

2.7 When required to give performance assessment, ORIC has the duty to provide frank and accurate comments.  See the Code of Ethics for the ORIC Organisational Accreditation for further detail

3.  Provision of Services
3.1 ORIC will ensure that all enquiries are treated in a professional manner.

3.2 ORIC will maintain professional, accurate and well maintained records relating to ORIC membership.

3.3 ORIC will at all times promote and market its services with integrity and accuracy, avoiding vague or ambiguous clauses. 

4.  Grievance Procedures
4.1 ORIC believes that complaints or grievances are most satisfactorily resolved through early identification and prompt, courteous attention.  See the Complaints / Grievance Procedures document for further details.

5.  Conclusion
While this code is intended to provide practical assistance for employees, contractors and board members of ORIC, it is ultimately up to these people themselves to recognise the ethical dimension in their work and to give proper attention to the values, which should guide their actions and decisions. 

It is the role of ORIC’s President, board, contractors and employees to foster an atmosphere conducive to the promotion of integrity in every aspect of the provision of services and products to its members / clients.

This Code of Practice may be altered from time to time to account for changed circumstances or new situations.  Please don’t hesitate to comment or offer suggestions relating to this document.