Dispute resolution: Difference between revisions
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{| | {{ChapterInfo|SCANZ Constitution handbook|9|Dispute resolution}} | ||
| | ==Meanings of dispute and complaint== | ||
| | #A dispute is a disagreement or conflict involving '''SCANZ''' (as an organisation) and/or its '''members''' in relation to specific allegations set out below. | ||
==Meanings of dispute and complaint | |||
#A dispute is a disagreement or conflict involving | |||
#The disagreement or conflict may be between any of the following persons - | #The disagreement or conflict may be between any of the following persons - | ||
##2 or more '''members''' | ##2 or more '''members''' | ||
##1 or more '''members''' and | ##1 or more '''members''' and '''SCANZ''' | ||
##1 or more '''members''' and 1 or more '''officers''' | ##1 or more '''members''' and 1 or more '''officers''' | ||
##2 or more '''officers''' | ##2 or more '''officers''' | ||
##1 or more '''officers''' and '''SCANZ''' | ##1 or more '''officers''' and '''SCANZ''' | ||
##1 or more '''members''' or '''officers''' and | ##1 or more '''members''' or '''officers''' and '''SCANZ'''. | ||
#The disagreement or conflict relates to any of the following allegations - | #The disagreement or conflict relates to any of the following allegations - | ||
##a '''member''' or an '''officer''' has engaged in misconduct | ##a '''member''' or an '''officer''' has engaged in misconduct | ||
##a '''member''' or an '''officer''' has breached, or is likely to breach, a duty under | ##a '''member''' or an '''officer''' has breached, or is likely to breach, a duty under '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution''' or bylaws or the '''Act''' | ||
## | ##'''SCANZ''' has breached, or is likely to breach, a duty under '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution''' or bylaws or the '''Act''' | ||
##a '''member's''' rights or interests as a '''member''' have been damaged or '''member''' rights or interests generally have been damaged. | ##a '''member's''' rights or interests as a '''member''' have been damaged or '''member''' rights or interests generally have been damaged. | ||
#A '''member''' or an '''officer''' may make a complaint by giving to the '''committee''' (or | #A '''member''' or an '''officer''' may make a complaint by giving to the '''committee''' (or any complaints subcommittee set up for that purpose) a notice in writing that - | ||
##states that the '''member''' or '''officer''' is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with | ##states that the '''member''' or '''officer''' is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution'''; and | ||
##sets out the allegation(s) to which the dispute relates and whom the allegation or allegations is or are against; and | ##sets out the allegation(s) to which the dispute relates and whom the allegation or allegations is or are against; and | ||
##sets out any other information or allegations reasonably required by | ##sets out any other information or allegations reasonably required by '''SCANZ'''. | ||
# | #'''SCANZ''' may make a complaint involving an allegation against a '''member''' or an '''officer''' by giving to the '''member''' or '''officer''' a notice in writing that - | ||
##states that | ##states that '''SCANZ''' is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution'''; and | ||
##sets out the allegation to which the dispute relates. | ##sets out the allegation to which the dispute relates. | ||
#The information setting out the allegations must be sufficiently detailed to ensure that a person against whom an allegation or allegations is made is fairly advised of the allegation or allegations concerning them, with sufficient details given to enable that person to prepare a response. | #The information setting out the allegations must be sufficiently detailed to ensure that a person against whom an allegation or allegations is made is fairly advised of the allegation or allegations concerning them, with sufficient details given to enable that person to prepare a response. | ||
#A complaint may be made in any other reasonable manner permitted by | #A complaint may be made in any other reasonable manner permitted by '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution'''. | ||
#All '''members''' (including the '''committee''') are obliged to cooperate to resolve disputes efficiently, fairly, and with minimum disruption to | #All '''members''' (including the '''committee''') are obliged to cooperate to resolve disputes efficiently, fairly, and with minimum disruption to '''SCANZ's''' activities. | ||
#The complainant raising a dispute, and the '''committee''', must consider and discuss whether a dispute may best be resolved through informal discussions, mediation, arbitration, or a tikanga-based practice. Where mediation or arbitration is agreed on, the parties will sign a suitable mediation or arbitration agreement. | #The complainant raising a dispute, and the '''committee''', must consider and discuss whether a dispute may best be resolved through informal discussions, mediation, arbitration, or a tikanga-based practice. Where mediation or arbitration is agreed on, the parties will sign a suitable mediation or arbitration agreement. | ||
==How a complaint is made | ==How a complaint is made== | ||
#A '''member''' or an '''officer''' may make a complaint by giving to the '''committee''' (or a complaints subcommittee) a notice in writing that - | #A '''member''' or an '''officer''' may make a complaint by giving to the '''committee''' (or a complaints subcommittee) a notice in writing that - | ||
##states that the '''member''' or '''officer''' is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with | ##states that the '''member''' or '''officer''' is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution;''' and | ||
##sets out the allegation or allegations to which the dispute relates and whom the allegation is against; and | ##sets out the allegation or allegations to which the dispute relates and whom the allegation is against; and | ||
##sets out any other information reasonably required by | ##sets out any other information reasonably required by '''SCANZ'''. | ||
# | #'''SCANZ''' may make a complaint involving an allegation or allegations against a '''member''' or an '''officer''' by giving to the '''member''' or '''officer''' a notice in writing that - | ||
##states that | ##states that '''SCANZ''' is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution'''; and | ||
##sets out the allegation to which the dispute relates. | ##sets out the allegation to which the dispute relates. | ||
#The information given under subclause (1.2) or (2.2) must be sufficient to ensure that a person against whom an allegation is made is fairly advised of the allegation or allegations concerning them, with sufficient details given to enable that person to prepare a response. | #The information given under subclause (1.2) or (2.2) must be sufficient to ensure that a person against whom an allegation is made is fairly advised of the allegation or allegations concerning them, with sufficient details given to enable that person to prepare a response. | ||
#A complaint may be made in any other reasonable manner permitted by | #A complaint may be made in any other reasonable manner permitted by '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution'''. | ||
==Person who makes a complaint has a right to be heard | ==Person who makes a complaint has a right to be heard== | ||
#A '''member''' or an '''officer''' who makes a complaint has a right to be heard before the complaint is resolved or any outcome is determined. | |||
#If '''SCANZ''' makes a complaint - | |||
##'''SCANZ''' has a right to be heard before the complaint is resolved or any outcome is determined; and | |||
##an '''officer''' may exercise that right on behalf of '''SCANZ'''. | |||
#Without limiting the manner in which the '''member''', '''officer''', or '''SCANZ''' may be given the right to be heard, they must be taken to have been given the right if - | |||
#A | |||
#If | |||
## | |||
##an '''officer''' may exercise that right on behalf of | |||
#Without limiting the manner in which the '''member''', '''officer''', or | |||
##they have a reasonable opportunity to be heard in writing or at an oral hearing (if one is held); and | ##they have a reasonable opportunity to be heard in writing or at an oral hearing (if one is held); and | ||
##an oral hearing is held if the decision maker considers that an oral hearing is needed to ensure an adequate hearing; and | ##an oral hearing is held if the decision maker considers that an oral hearing is needed to ensure an adequate hearing; and | ||
##an oral hearing (if any) is held before the decision maker; and | ##an oral hearing (if any) is held before the decision maker; and | ||
##the '''member's''', '''officer's''', or | ##the '''member's''', '''officer's''', or '''SCANZ's''' written or verbal statement or submissions (if any) are considered by the decision maker. | ||
==Person who is subject of a complaint has a right to be heard | ==Person who is subject of a complaint has a right to be heard== | ||
#This clause applies if a complaint involves an allegation that a '''member''', an '''officer''', or '''SCANZ''' (the 'respondent') - | |||
#This clause applies if a complaint involves an allegation that a '''member''', an '''officer''', or | |||
##has engaged in misconduct; or | ##has engaged in misconduct; or | ||
##has breached, or is likely to breach, a duty under | ##has breached, or is likely to breach, a duty under '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution''' or bylaws or the '''Act'''; or | ||
##has damaged the rights or interests of a member or the rights or interests of '''members''' generally. | ##has damaged the rights or interests of a member or the rights or interests of '''members''' generally. | ||
#The respondent has a right to be heard before the complaint is resolved or any outcome is determined. | #The respondent has a right to be heard before the complaint is resolved or any outcome is determined. | ||
#If the respondent is | #If the respondent is '''SCANZ''', an '''officer''' may exercise the right on behalf of '''SCANZ'''. | ||
#Without limiting the manner in which a respondent may be given a right to be heard, a respondent must be taken to have been given the right if - | #Without limiting the manner in which a respondent may be given a right to be heard, a respondent must be taken to have been given the right if - | ||
##the respondent is fairly advised of all allegations concerning the respondent, with sufficient details and time given to enable the respondent to prepare a response; and | ##the respondent is fairly advised of all allegations concerning the respondent, with sufficient details and time given to enable the respondent to prepare a response; and | ||
| Line 92: | Line 62: | ||
##the respondent's written statement or submissions (if any) are considered by the decision maker. | ##the respondent's written statement or submissions (if any) are considered by the decision maker. | ||
==Investigating and determining a dispute | ==Investigating and determining a dispute== | ||
#'''SCANZ''' must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving or becoming aware of a complaint made in accordance with this '''constitution''', ensure that the dispute is investigated and determined. | |||
# | |||
#Disputes must be dealt with under the '''constitution''' in a fair, efficient, and effective manner and in accordance with the provisions of the '''Act'''. | #Disputes must be dealt with under the '''constitution''' in a fair, efficient, and effective manner and in accordance with the provisions of the '''Act'''. | ||
== | ==SCANZ may decide to not proceed further with a complaint== | ||
#Despite the "Investigating and determining a dispute" rule above, '''SCANZ''' may decide not to proceed further with a complaint if - | |||
#Despite the "Investigating and determining a dispute" rule above, | |||
##the complaint is considered to be trivial; or | ##the complaint is considered to be trivial; or | ||
##the complaint does not appear to disclose or involve any allegation of the following kind: | ##the complaint does not appear to disclose or involve any allegation of the following kind: | ||
###that a '''member''' or an '''officer''' has engaged in material misconduct: | ###that a '''member''' or an '''officer''' has engaged in material misconduct: | ||
###that a '''member''', an '''officer''', or | ###that a '''member''', an '''officer''', or '''SCANZ''' has materially breached, or is likely to materially breach, a duty under '''SCANZ's''' '''constitution''' or bylaws or the '''Act''': | ||
###that a '''member's''' rights or interests or '''members'''' rights or interests generally have been materially damaged: | ###that a '''member's''' rights or interests or '''members'''' rights or interests generally have been materially damaged: | ||
##the complaint appears to be without foundation or there is no apparent evidence to support it; or | ##the complaint appears to be without foundation or there is no apparent evidence to support it; or | ||
| Line 120: | Line 78: | ||
##there has been an undue delay in making the complaint. | ##there has been an undue delay in making the complaint. | ||
== | ==SCANZ may refer a complaint== | ||
#'''SCANZ''' may refer a complaint to - | |||
##a subcommittee, or an appointed individual member or an external person to investigate and report; or | |||
##a subcommittee, an appointed individual member, an arbitral tribunal, or an external person to investigate and make a decision. | |||
#'''SCANZ''' may, with the consent of all parties to a complaint, refer the complaint to any type of consensual dispute resolution (for example, mediation, facilitation, or a tikanga-based practice). | |||
# | |||
##a subcommittee or an external person to investigate and report; or | |||
##a subcommittee, an arbitral tribunal, or an external person to investigate and make a decision. | |||
# | |||
==Decision makers | ==Decision makers== | ||
#A person may not act as a decision maker in relation to a complaint if 2 or more members of the '''committee''' or a complaints subcommittee consider that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person may not be - | #A person may not act as a decision maker in relation to a complaint if 2 or more members of the '''committee''' or a complaints subcommittee consider that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person may not be - | ||
##impartial; or | ##impartial; or | ||
##able to consider the matter without a predetermined view. | ##able to consider the matter without a predetermined view. | ||
Latest revision as of 20:32, 15 August 2025
Dispute resolution
Meanings of dispute and complaint
- A dispute is a disagreement or conflict involving SCANZ (as an organisation) and/or its members in relation to specific allegations set out below.
- The disagreement or conflict may be between any of the following persons -
- 2 or more members
- 1 or more members and SCANZ
- 1 or more members and 1 or more officers
- 2 or more officers
- 1 or more officers and SCANZ
- 1 or more members or officers and SCANZ.
- The disagreement or conflict relates to any of the following allegations -
- a member or an officer has engaged in misconduct
- a member or an officer has breached, or is likely to breach, a duty under SCANZ's constitution or bylaws or the Act
- SCANZ has breached, or is likely to breach, a duty under SCANZ's constitution or bylaws or the Act
- a member's rights or interests as a member have been damaged or member rights or interests generally have been damaged.
- A member or an officer may make a complaint by giving to the committee (or any complaints subcommittee set up for that purpose) a notice in writing that -
- states that the member or officer is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with SCANZ's constitution; and
- sets out the allegation(s) to which the dispute relates and whom the allegation or allegations is or are against; and
- sets out any other information or allegations reasonably required by SCANZ.
- SCANZ may make a complaint involving an allegation against a member or an officer by giving to the member or officer a notice in writing that -
- states that SCANZ is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with SCANZ's constitution; and
- sets out the allegation to which the dispute relates.
- The information setting out the allegations must be sufficiently detailed to ensure that a person against whom an allegation or allegations is made is fairly advised of the allegation or allegations concerning them, with sufficient details given to enable that person to prepare a response.
- A complaint may be made in any other reasonable manner permitted by SCANZ's constitution.
- All members (including the committee) are obliged to cooperate to resolve disputes efficiently, fairly, and with minimum disruption to SCANZ's activities.
- The complainant raising a dispute, and the committee, must consider and discuss whether a dispute may best be resolved through informal discussions, mediation, arbitration, or a tikanga-based practice. Where mediation or arbitration is agreed on, the parties will sign a suitable mediation or arbitration agreement.
How a complaint is made
- A member or an officer may make a complaint by giving to the committee (or a complaints subcommittee) a notice in writing that -
- states that the member or officer is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with SCANZ's constitution; and
- sets out the allegation or allegations to which the dispute relates and whom the allegation is against; and
- sets out any other information reasonably required by SCANZ.
- SCANZ may make a complaint involving an allegation or allegations against a member or an officer by giving to the member or officer a notice in writing that -
- states that SCANZ is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with SCANZ's constitution; and
- sets out the allegation to which the dispute relates.
- The information given under subclause (1.2) or (2.2) must be sufficient to ensure that a person against whom an allegation is made is fairly advised of the allegation or allegations concerning them, with sufficient details given to enable that person to prepare a response.
- A complaint may be made in any other reasonable manner permitted by SCANZ's constitution.
Person who makes a complaint has a right to be heard
- A member or an officer who makes a complaint has a right to be heard before the complaint is resolved or any outcome is determined.
- If SCANZ makes a complaint -
- SCANZ has a right to be heard before the complaint is resolved or any outcome is determined; and
- an officer may exercise that right on behalf of SCANZ.
- Without limiting the manner in which the member, officer, or SCANZ may be given the right to be heard, they must be taken to have been given the right if -
- they have a reasonable opportunity to be heard in writing or at an oral hearing (if one is held); and
- an oral hearing is held if the decision maker considers that an oral hearing is needed to ensure an adequate hearing; and
- an oral hearing (if any) is held before the decision maker; and
- the member's, officer's, or SCANZ's written or verbal statement or submissions (if any) are considered by the decision maker.
Person who is subject of a complaint has a right to be heard
- This clause applies if a complaint involves an allegation that a member, an officer, or SCANZ (the 'respondent') -
- has engaged in misconduct; or
- has breached, or is likely to breach, a duty under SCANZ's constitution or bylaws or the Act; or
- has damaged the rights or interests of a member or the rights or interests of members generally.
- The respondent has a right to be heard before the complaint is resolved or any outcome is determined.
- If the respondent is SCANZ, an officer may exercise the right on behalf of SCANZ.
- Without limiting the manner in which a respondent may be given a right to be heard, a respondent must be taken to have been given the right if -
- the respondent is fairly advised of all allegations concerning the respondent, with sufficient details and time given to enable the respondent to prepare a response; and
- the respondent has a reasonable opportunity to be heard in writing or at an oral hearing (if one is held); and
- an oral hearing is held if the decision maker considers that an oral hearing is needed to ensure an adequate hearing; and
- an oral hearing (if any) is held before the decision maker; and
- the respondent's written statement or submissions (if any) are considered by the decision maker.
Investigating and determining a dispute
- SCANZ must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving or becoming aware of a complaint made in accordance with this constitution, ensure that the dispute is investigated and determined.
- Disputes must be dealt with under the constitution in a fair, efficient, and effective manner and in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
SCANZ may decide to not proceed further with a complaint
- Despite the "Investigating and determining a dispute" rule above, SCANZ may decide not to proceed further with a complaint if -
- the complaint is considered to be trivial; or
- the complaint does not appear to disclose or involve any allegation of the following kind:
- that a member or an officer has engaged in material misconduct:
- that a member, an officer, or SCANZ has materially breached, or is likely to materially breach, a duty under SCANZ's constitution or bylaws or the Act:
- that a member's rights or interests or members' rights or interests generally have been materially damaged:
- the complaint appears to be without foundation or there is no apparent evidence to support it; or
- the person who makes the complaint has an insignificant interest in the matter; or
- the conduct, incident, event, or issue giving rise to the complaint has already been investigated and dealt with under the constitution; or
- there has been an undue delay in making the complaint.
SCANZ may refer a complaint
- SCANZ may refer a complaint to -
- a subcommittee, or an appointed individual member or an external person to investigate and report; or
- a subcommittee, an appointed individual member, an arbitral tribunal, or an external person to investigate and make a decision.
- SCANZ may, with the consent of all parties to a complaint, refer the complaint to any type of consensual dispute resolution (for example, mediation, facilitation, or a tikanga-based practice).
Decision makers
- A person may not act as a decision maker in relation to a complaint if 2 or more members of the committee or a complaints subcommittee consider that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person may not be -
- impartial; or
- able to consider the matter without a predetermined view.