HOUSE OF ANONS (HoA)

RULES, POLICY AND CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RESOURCE PERSONS

Policy sets the framework; Rules govern practical engagement and the Code of Conduct sets the behavioural and professional standards

PURPOSE

House of Anons (HoA) is committed to providing its Members with access to trusted, qualified and professional resources in a safe, respectful and confidential environment.

This Rules, Policy and Code of Conduct for Resource Persons (hereinafter referred to as "Policy") establishes the standards and expectations applicable to all professionals, specialists, advisers, practitioners, trainers and other experts associated with HoA as Resource Persons.

The Policy is intended to protect the interests and wellbeing of HoA Members, maintain professional standards and uphold the trust and reputation of HoA.

DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Policy:

"HoA Platform" means the website, application, digital platform and other official channels operated or authorised by HoA.

"HoA Member" means any individual who books, requests or avails a service of a Resource Person through the HoA Platform, whether or not such individual holds any separate membership with HoA.

"Resource Person" means a qualified professional, specialist, practitioner, adviser, trainer or other expert approved by HoA to provide services, consultations, workshops, guidance or other professional support through or in connection with the HoA Platform.

"Member Fee" means the special or discounted fee applicable to an HoA Member for a service booked through the HoA Platform, as agreed between HoA and the relevant Resource Person.

PART A

RESOURCE PERSON POLICY

ELIGIBILITY

A Resource Person must have appropriate qualifications, professional experience, licences, registrations or certifications relevant to their area of expertise, where applicable.

HoA may verify the professional credentials, experience and background of a Resource Person before approving their association with HoA.

Resource Persons must maintain all qualifications, licences, registrations and certifications required for their professional practice.

A Resource Person must immediately inform HoA of any suspension, cancellation, restriction or material change affecting their professional credentials.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Resource Persons may provide services within their approved area of professional expertise, including:

Mental health and counselling

Legal services and mediation

Career and professional development

Financial guidance

Physical wellbeing

Parenting and family support

Education and training

Travel and relocation

Other professional or community-support services approved by HoA

A Resource Person must not provide services outside their professional competence, qualification or lawful scope of practice.

The Resource Person's approved area of expertise shall be maintained in HoA's records and may be displayed on the HoA Platform.

HoA MEMBER SERVICES AND DISCOUNT

Services booked through the HoA Platform shall be provided to HoA Members at the special or discounted Member Fee agreed between HoA and the Resource Person.

The applicable standard fee and Member Fee or discount shall be determined in advance and communicated through the HoA Platform or other official HoA communication.

The discounted Member Fee applies to services booked through the HoA Platform and does not automatically apply to services independently arranged outside the HoA Platform.

Resource Persons may be requested to provide one complimentary group consultation of up to thirty (30) minutes per calendar month for HoA Members.

Resource Persons may also participate in HoA workshops, events, awareness sessions and community-support initiatives, as mutually arranged.

INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL STATUS

Resource Persons are independent professionals.

Association with HoA does not create an employment, partnership, joint venture or agency relationship.

Resource Persons remain professionally responsible for their own advice, opinions, recommendations, services and conduct.

HoA facilitates access to professional services but does not itself provide or guarantee the professional services of a Resource Person.

PART B

CODE OF CONDUCT

PROFESSIONALISM

Every Resource Person shall:

a) act honestly, professionally and responsibly;

b) provide services with reasonable care, competence and diligence;

c) maintain appropriate professional standards and ethics;

d) respect the dignity and individual circumstances of every Member;

e) communicate clearly and respectfully;

f) maintain appropriate professional boundaries; and

g) comply with applicable laws and professional requirements.

RESPECT AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

Every Member must be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.

Resource Persons must not discriminate against a Member based on gender, age, marital status, religion, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic background or any other protected or personal characteristic.

Harassment, intimidation, bullying, humiliation or degrading behaviour will not be tolerated.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

Confidentiality is a fundamental requirement of the HoA community.

Resource Persons must protect all confidential information relating to HoA and its Members.

Member information must not be:

disclosed to third parties;

copied or distributed;

photographed or recorded;

used for unrelated purposes;

published on social media; or

shared with other Members,

unless authorised by the Member or required or permitted by law or applicable professional obligations.

Resource Persons must take reasonable measures to protect Member information from unauthorised access, loss, disclosure or misuse.

Confidentiality obligations continue after the Resource Person's association with HoA ends.

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

Resource Persons must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with HoA Members.

A Resource Person must not use their position or access to Members for personal, romantic, financial or other inappropriate purposes.

Resource Persons must not pressure, manipulate or exploit Members.

Resource Persons should avoid entering into personal or financial relationships with Members where such relationships may compromise professional independence or create a conflict of interest.

NO UNAUTHORISED SOLICITATION

Member information obtained through HoA must not be used to solicit Members for unrelated services or commercial purposes.

Resource Persons must not use HoA's Member database, contact information or community access to promote unrelated businesses, products or services.

Resource Persons may independently continue a legitimate professional relationship with a Member where appropriate, provided that Member information obtained through HoA is not misused and the arrangement does not circumvent agreed HoA terms.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Resource Persons must disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest that may affect their professional judgment or relationship with a Member.

Where a conflict exists, the Resource Person should take appropriate steps to manage or avoid the conflict.

HoA may restrict or discontinue a referral where a conflict of interest may adversely affect a Member.

SAFEGUARDING

Resource Persons must take appropriate care when dealing with Members who may be vulnerable or experiencing emotional, psychological, family, financial or other difficulties.

Any serious safeguarding concern or situation involving potential harm to a Member should be promptly brought to HoA's attention, subject to applicable professional confidentiality and legal obligations.

Where necessary, HoA may take immediate protective measures to safeguard a Member or the wider community.

RECORDING, PHOTOGRAPHY AND CONTENT

Resource Persons must not independently record consultations, meetings or interactions with Members without appropriate consent and lawful basis.

Member photographs, recordings, statements or personal information must not be published or used for promotional purposes without appropriate consent.

Any content created specifically for HoA activities may be used by HoA for agreed educational, awareness or promotional purposes, subject to applicable consent and privacy requirements.

PART C

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNICATION WITH MEMBERS

Resource Persons shall communicate with Members through the channels and procedures approved by HoA, where applicable.

Communication should remain professional and relevant to the service being provided.

Resource Persons should maintain reasonable response times and inform HoA where they are unable to fulfil an agreed appointment or service.

FEES AND PAYMENTS

Resource Persons shall honour the Member Fee or discount agreed with HoA for services booked through the HoA Platform.

A Resource Person should not charge an HoA Member an additional or undisclosed fee for a service booked through HoA without prior approval from HoA and appropriate communication to the Member.

Where payment is collected through HoA, the applicable payment and settlement procedures shall be followed.

Any applicable tax, withholding or statutory requirement shall be handled in accordance with applicable law.

PROMOTION AND USE OF HoA BRAND

Resource Persons may be featured on HoA's website, platform, social media and other official communication channels.

Use of the HoA name, logo, branding or promotional material must be authorised by HoA.

Resource Persons must not represent themselves as employees, partners, directors or official representatives of HoA unless expressly authorised.

Any promotional content referring to HoA or its Members must be accurate, respectful and consistent with HoA's values.

COMPLAINTS AND MEMBER FEEDBACK

HoA may receive complaints or feedback regarding the service, conduct or professionalism of a Resource Person.

HoA may request clarification or relevant information from the Resource Person.

Complaints will be reviewed fairly and, as far as reasonably possible, confidentially.

Depending on the circumstances, HoA may:

a) provide guidance or feedback;

b) request corrective action;

c) require additional orientation or training;

d) temporarily restrict new referrals;

e) suspend the Resource Person from the HoA Platform; or

f) discontinue the Resource Person's association with HoA.

SERIOUS MISCONDUCT

The following may constitute serious misconduct:

a) breach of Member confidentiality;

b) misuse of Member information;

c) harassment, abuse, intimidation or exploitation;

d) serious professional negligence or misconduct;

e) fraud or dishonesty;

f) misrepresentation of qualifications;

g) inappropriate personal or financial relationships with Members;

h) serious safeguarding concerns;

i) unlawful conduct; or

j) conduct likely to cause serious harm to a Member or materially damage the reputation or integrity of HoA.

Where necessary to protect Members or the HoA community, HoA may immediately suspend a Resource Person's access to the HoA Platform or referrals while the matter is reviewed.

PART D

QUALITY, REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATION

QUALITY ASSURANCE

HoA may periodically review Resource Person services based on:

Member feedback;

complaints and incidents;

professional qualifications and credentials;

compliance with this Policy;

professional and ethical standards; and

the quality and relevance of services provided.

HoA may request reasonable corrective measures, additional orientation or other appropriate action where necessary.

SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL

HoA may suspend or remove a Resource Person from the HoA Platform where there are reasonable grounds relating to serious misconduct, breach of confidentiality, safeguarding concerns, unethical or unlawful conduct, misrepresentation of qualifications, serious or repeated complaints, loss of professional credentials or conduct that may materially harm HoA or its Members.

Where appropriate, the Resource Person may be given an opportunity to provide clarification or take corrective action before a final decision is made, except where immediate action is necessary.

NON-EXCLUSIVITY

A Resource Person may freely maintain and continue their own professional practice, employment, business, consultancy, clients and other professional engagements outside the HoA Platform.

Appointment or recognition as a Resource Person does not create any exclusivity in favour of HoA, and the Resource Person is not restricted from providing similar or other services independently outside the HoA Platform.

The Resource Person shall, however, comply with this Policy when providing services to an HoA Member through the HoA Platform, including the applicable Member Fee or discounted fee, confidentiality, professional conduct, safeguarding and other relevant requirements.

Nothing in this Policy shall be interpreted as preventing a Resource Person from accepting clients independently, including persons who may also be HoA Members, provided that such engagement is arranged outside the HoA Platform and does not involve misuse of HoA member information or confidential information obtained through HoA.

POLICY REVIEW

HoA may review and update this Policy from time to time to reflect changes in its services, community needs, professional standards or applicable law.

Resource Persons are expected to remain familiar with the current Policy and comply with the standards applicable to their role.

CORE PRINCIPLES

All HoA Resource Persons are expected to uphold the following principles:

The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that every person accessing professional support through HoA receives that support in an environment that is safe, respectful, confidential and trustworthy.