Fire Aware

This Code of Conduct is an articulation of the standards that govern this organisation’s conduct conveying its commitment to responsible practice to both internal and external stakeholders.

This code applies to all Fire Aware corporate members and affiliates.

It is designed to promote respectful forms of communication and behaviours between members and non-members. It relates to all forms of communication including those on social media and other platforms.

When joining Fire Aware, or renewing annual membership, all applicants must confirm they have read the terms of this code and are, in confirming as such, prepared to uphold the conditions of this Code of Conduct.

The rule of Law

This Code of Conduct does not seek to override any legal obligations as specifically imposed by those of sector specific professions. All members must abide and comply with the law and regulations as pertained within their specialism in addition to the Fire Aware Code of Conduct, and relevant Charter.

Disciplinary proceedings

Members and affiliates’ compliance and behaviours with the Code of Conduct will be open to complaint submissions from both members and the general public. The nature of the complaint will be assessed in relation to the Code and relevant Charters; however, each complaint will not necessarily give rise to disciplinary proceedings. However, in the event a complaint that is reported is considered to contain a risk to life, Fire Aware reserve the right to contact the FRS local to the complaint location, and advise them of the issue at any point during the process.

Fire Aware will judge each case on its facts and associated complaints.

Code of Conduct Conditions

1) Be Kind and Courteous

We are all in this together to create a welcoming and safe environment. Members should treat everyone, including members and non-members, with respect. Healthy debate is natural but kindness in any communication is required.

2) Be Professional

The fire sector can be a turbulent environment that is filled with both experts and lay people.

Members and affiliates will meet this standard when:

• They are dealing with a member or non-member that needs help in understanding, respecting their position and act professionally in the delivery of any information.
• They at all times maintain a professional tone in all forms of verbal and written communication.
• They at all times comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• They act in a way that avoids negatively affecting the reputation of the organisation.
• They respect the professional status of all those they are in contact with and/or carry out business with.

3) Demonstrate Integrity

Members and affiliates will meet this standard when:

• They act with integrity and honesty
• They demonstrate consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.
• They comply with the conditions of charter signed upon joining the organisation and in line with membership T&Cs.
• They exercise good judgement in professional practice.
• They do not mislead or misinform clients or peers and must work within their capabilities.
• They report any unethical behaviour or breaches of the code of conduct.
• They are honest and transparent in all dealings.
• They take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
• They avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any that may arise.
• They uphold the values and principles of the organisation.

4) Demonstrate Ethics

Members and affiliates will meet this standard when:

• They always demonstrate ethical behaviour in the delivery of services.
• They always understand the difference between right and wrong, and must deliver a service that is fair, ethical, and can be trusted to make decisions that keep people safe.
• They do not allow bias, conflict of interest or undue influence of others to override professional judgement.

5) Respect the Community

The fire sector can be a polarised and divided environment. Members must always promote a harmonised collective, who may have different viewpoints, but who are prepared to discuss and work together respectfully, putting the safety of the end user at the forefront of any conversations. Members must value another person’s point of view even when disagreement exists.

6) Abusive Language

We will not permit abusive, bullying or disrespectful language at any time. While we appreciate freedom of speech, we require all members to consider their choice of wording and refrain from using offensive or inflammatory vernacular. Bullying, intimidation, threatening behaviour whether verbal, written or physical will not be tolerated.

7) Do Not Misrepresent Fire Aware

We appreciate all members have opinions and views, however, members cannot speak for or on behalf of Fire Aware. We have many members with differing views across differing specialisms and cannot therefore condone all sector specific comments and opinions.

8) Associated Professional Bodies

Members will meet this standard when:

• Members and affiliates who are part of other professional bodies must abide similarly with the code of conduct and rule of law of those professional bodies, as well as abiding by this code of conduct.
• Members or affiliates in breach of external codes of conduct will similarly be investigated for breach of this code.
• If an employee of a member business is investigated by another professional organisation for breaching their terms, conditions, ethics policy or codes of conduct, the Fire Aware member has a duty to inform the Fire Aware organisation and provide updates in the event a finding is made against the employee. In that case, the member must reassure Fire Aware that their corporate image and compliance is still intact. Fire Aware reserve the right to investigate if the allegations made against the members employee would constitute a breach under this Code of Ethics by the member business.

9) Retaliation

Members or affiliates who retaliate either via communication or action against those who raise complaints, regardless of whether the complaint has merit or not, will be considered in breach of this code.