MEMBER’S CODE OF CONDUCT

The CALAS/ACSAL Member’s Code of Conduct Policy has been developed to ensure that members exemplify a level of conduct that will enable CALAS/ACSAL to operate in a professional and harmonious manner.  It describes the expectations and obligations associated with membership with CALAS/ACSAL, to act in the best interests of the organization’s common goals, to:

• Advance the knowledge, skills, and status of those who work with laboratory animals.
• Improve the standards for laboratory animal care and research.
• Provide a forum for the exchange and dissemination of knowledge regarding animal care and research.

CALAS/ACSAL Members must:

• Remain in good standing with the organization, by maintaining payment of applicable annual dues and achieving minimum continuing education credits.
• Comply with all applicable by-laws, rules and regulations, resolutions, and policies of CALAS/ACSAL, including this Code of Conduct.
• Represent CALAS/ACSAL positively in the community, and refrain from public criticism of fellow members, volunteers, directors, or others participating with CALAS/ACSAL.
• Project a favourable image of CALAS/ACSAL, and generally not engage in conduct or make public statements likely to harm, defame or otherwise discredit CALAS/ACSAL and those persons participating in the organization.
• Ensure that member’s interactions with each other, volunteers, administrative staff, and guests, are courteous, respectful, and free of animosity, in all correspondence and activities. The use of profane, insulting, or otherwise offensive language towards CALAS/ACSAL participants will not be tolerated. 
• Practice fairness and honesty and will encourage others to act in such an ethical manner without discrimination.
• Attend to any volunteer duties in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all records and other information of CALAS/ACSAL; refrain from personal use of or disclosure of them, except during CALAS/ACSAL member activities.

Respectful Workplace Policy:

CALAS/ACSAL promotes the right to a respectful and violence-free workplace, in which all people respect one another and work together to achieve the goals of the organization. CALAS/ACSAL is committed to taking all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety, and dignity of all members, volunteers, administrative staff, and guests. Any act of disrespect, harassment, or violence committed by or against any participants, is unacceptable conduct that will not be tolerated.

This policy applies to all activities that occur while on CALAS/ACSAL activity premises, or while engaging in CALAS/ACSAL correspondence, business, or social events.  

Equity Statement:

CALAS/ACSAL is a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, where we strive for all members, volunteers, administrative staff, and guests, regardless of our differences, to feel valued and respected.  We are committed to promote equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all our activities.  We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are acknowledged and heard.

Breach of this Member’s Code of Conduct and/or a complaint filed with CALAS/ACSAL, will result in appropriate measures to resolve the issue.  This may include Board of Director fact finding and review, right to refuse membership renewal, or termination of membership. All complaints will be reviewed by the President.

If you have any questions about the Members Code of Conduct, or would like to report an incident, please contact our National Office at office@calas-acsal.org