DPA’s Code of Conduct

Current status

Last updated: 29 June 2026
Due for review: May 2027

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to outline the ethical standards and expectations for behaviour that apply to all members and personnel of Disabled Persons Assembly NZ Inc (DPA).

This policy ensures that all members and personnel uphold the integrity and values of the organisation in their actions and decisions.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved in DPA governance, operations, and membership including:

• Employees
• Contractors and/or consultants
• National Executive Committee (NEC) members
• Subcommittee members
• Community and Interest Group members
• Volunteers
• DPA members

For ease of reference, these people will be referred to as “members and personnel” throughout the remainder of this document.

3. Core values

All members and personnel of DPA are expected to uphold the following core values:

• Integrity: Acting honestly, ethically, and transparently in all dealings.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and decisions, ensuring they align with the organisation’s mission and values.
• Respect: Treating others with dignity, fairness, and inclusivity, and avoiding any form of harassment or discrimination.
• Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive information and only using it for authorised purposes.
• Commitment: Demonstrating dedication to the mission and objectives of DPA.

4. General conduct

Compliance with laws and policies

All members and personnel must adhere to the laws of New Zealand, including but not limited to the Charities Act 2005, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, and relevant health and safety regulations.

In addition, they must comply with DPA policies and procedures, including those outlined in governance and operational policies, and the DPA Constitution and Charter.

Conflict of interest

Members and personnel must avoid situations where their personal interests could conflict with their role at DPA, and/or the interests of DPA. Actual or potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed immediately to NEC or relevant officer.

• For NEC members, this is the Vice President or President.
• For Subcommittee members, this is the Subcommittee Chair.
• For Community & Interest Groups, this is the group’s designated staff or NEC liaison.
• For DPA members who are volunteering, this is your staff or NEC liaison.
• For Staff or contractors, this is your manager or the Chief Executive.

It will then be determined what action, if any, is required to effectively manage or avoid a conflict of interest.

Use of resources

All resources, including financial assets, facilities, and equipment, should be used responsibly and only for the organisation’s legitimate purposes. Misuse of resources may result in disciplinary action.

Confidentiality

Information related to the organisation, its members, its beneficiaries, or its stakeholders must remain confidential unless authorised for disclosure. Personal information should be handled in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment

DPA is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment. Any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic is strictly prohibited.

Health and safety

Everyone is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment. All members and personnel must comply with health and safety regulations and take reasonable care of their own and others’ safety in the workplace. All members and personnel must follow the requirements of the New Zealand Health and Safety at Work (HSAW) Act 2015 when working or volunteering for DPA.

5. Conduct towards members and personnel

All interactions with members and personnel of DPA must be respectful, compassionate, and professional. Personal boundaries should be maintained, and any form of exploitation, manipulation, or abuse is strictly prohibited.

6. Social media and public statements

Representation

Members and personnel must not speak on behalf of DPA unless authorised to do so. The National President and Chief Executive are the authorised media and public-facing representatives. From time to time, other members and personnel may be delegated authority by the National President, Chief Executive, or by decision of the NEC to publicly represent DPA for a specific purpose.

Social media

Social media activity should align with the values of DPA and not damage the organisation’s reputation. Members and personnel must ensure that any personal views expressed online do not conflict with their role within the organisation – particularly those in senior management and governance roles where personal opinions may be seen to represent the views of DPA as a whole.

7. Reporting and whistleblowing

If any member or personnel becomes aware of conduct that violates this Code, they are encouraged to report it to a designated officer or NEC. DPA will provide protection for whistleblowers from retaliation, as outlined in the Whistleblower Protection Act 2022.

The current designated officer is: Michael Nolan, Business Manager. Email: michael.nolan@dpa.org.nz

8. Breach of the Code of Conduct

Failure to comply with this Code may result in disciplinary action, including warnings, suspension, or termination of membership and/or employment. Serious breaches may also be reported to relevant authorities and could result in legal action.

9. Review of the policy

This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually by NEC to ensure it remains current and reflects the organisation’s values and legal requirements.

10. Acknowledgement

All members and personnel of DPA must acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Code of Conduct. 

Declaration of acknowledgement for members

Members can acknowledge they are read, understood, and agree to comply with DPA's Code of Conduct by agreeing to the following statement:

I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) Code of Conduct.

I acknowledge my responsibility to uphold the values, principles, and standards outlined in this Code in all my interactions and activities related to DPA.

I understand that not following this Code of Conduct may result in action, including but not limited to termination of my membership or volunteer engagement with DPA.

I commit to behaving ethically and with integrity and will contribute to the positive reputation and mission of DPA.

How members can acknowledge acceptance of DPA's Code of Conduct

• online – by clicking the checkbox in the online membership form, or
• in person – by signing a printed version, or
• electronically – by emailing us a signed PDF or Word document of the membership form. The document can be scanned or photographed.