NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION
OF SOCIAL
WORKERS IN
EDUCATION

Founded 1884

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Code of Conduct

This code of conduct relates to officers and members of the association during such times that they are representing the association. It does not relate to any code of conduct or practice relating to their employment. NASWE supports the GSCC code of conduct for practitioners and employers.

1. Representing NASWE

1.1 All officers when representing NASWE should to the best of their ability ensure that they are accurately representing the views of the association and where necessary make it clear when they are representing either their own employer or a personal view.

1.2 Officers should not engage in public criticism of the association or individual officers any differences should be raised at NC.

1.3 All officers and members are expected to behave appropriately when attending NASWE events or conducting NASWE business or representing the association. Any incidents of bullying, racist, homophobic or sexist abuse should be reported to the General Secretary (or President in the event of a complaint against the General Secretary) for investigation and possible expulsion from the association. Any investigations will be undertaken by the General Secretary (or President) and be heard by a sub committee of the National Council, which should comprise at least one Regional Coordinator. All business of the sub-committee- shall be conducted openly and any records should be available to any officer or member whom they concern.

1.4 Officers and members should not engage in any activity likely to bring the association into disrepute and may risk expulsion.

1.5 Any National Council member who is subject to disciplinary investigation by their employer that may result in dismissal should alert the General Secretary (Or President) as soon as possible. This will result in suspension of NASWE duties until the matter is resolved. Should the Officer be dismissed they will be asked to resign their position with immediate effect. Similarly any officer who is subject to a criminal investigation, which may result in their being removed from the General Social Care Council Register, should inform the General Secretary (or President) so that appropriate arrangements can be made in order to safeguard the reputation of the association.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 All officers of the association should work within the job description set out in the constitution and rules and have a responsibility to report annually to the AGM on their activities and progress during the year.

2.2 Officers who are funded to attend annual conference are expected to attend the AGM and have a visible presence and participate fully at conference.

2.3 Officers are expected to attend National Council meeting three times per year. The meetings are set a year in advance and are expensive to conduct it is therefore vital to ensure full attendance. Officers are expected to attend at least two out of three National Council meetings, failure to do so unless through illness may result in a funded place at conference being denied.

2.4 All members of National Council are expected to contribute to at least one service group.

2.5 Any equipment purchased by NASWE for business use should be returned to the association, usually by transferring to a successor or to the Administrator as soon as practically possible. The Business Manager and General Secretary should agree any write off of obsolete equipment.

2.6 All papers pertaining to NASWE should be passed to a successor or returned to the Administration Officer for storage.

3. Expenses and reimbursement.

3.1 All expenses should be claimed using the NASWE claim form and submitted to the Business manager in accordance with NASWE guidelines set out by the business group. {To be drafted}

3.2 All officers should where possible ensure that the best deals are obtained for rail travel and hotel accommodation. Whilst it is appreciated that officer’s time is also a factor when making travel arrangements it is important to balance personal and NASWE interests. All rail and hotel accommodation must be booked well in advance of the date of travel unless there is a good reason such as a late notification of a meeting. This is unlikely to apply to either National Council meetings or service group meetings. Overnight accommodation should only be booked and charged to NASWE where

a) It is necessary because of distance travelled and timing of a specific meeting
b) It is cheaper to travel off peak and stay overnight than to purchase a peak time rail fare.

3.3 Officers are asked to use their judgement and to liaise with the business manager if they are about to incur any significant expenses relating to NASWE business.

3.3 Any officer planning to mix business with pleasure by extending hotel stays and/or delaying return travel may do so long as this does not incur any additional expenses to the association.

Agreed by National Council February 3rd 2006
Adopted by AGM April 20th 2006