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NZAPH Member Support During Complaints Policy

Purpose This policy outlines how NZAPH supports members when a complaint is made against them. It ensures fairness, transparency, natural justice, and compliance with the NZAPH Constitution, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, and NZAPH’s Complaints Policy.

 

1. Principles of Member Support

NZAPH is committed to providing a fair, respectful, and trauma‑informed process for members who are the subject of a complaint. Support is guided by the following principles:

  • Natural justice

  • Proportionate and fair process

  • Confidentiality

  • Clear communication

  • Respect for all parties

  • Alignment with NZAPH Constitution and Complaints Policy

NZAPH does not assume wrongdoing. Members are entitled to support and a fair opportunity to respond.

 

2. Notification to the Member

Upon receiving a complaint, NZAPH will:

  • Notify the member in writing

  • Provide a clear summary of the concerns raised

  • Outline the investigation process and timeframes

  • Identify the Executive Officers or Management Committee or designated subcommittee responsible for handling the complaint

  • Provide contact details for an NZAPH liaison person

Members will be given reasonable time to prepare their response, consistent with the Constitution and Complaints Policy.

 

 

 

3. Support Available to Members

NZAPH provides the following support to any member who is the subject of a complaint:

  • Clear written guidance on the complaints process

  • A designated NZAPH liaison for communication

  • Access to the Code of Ethics, Constitution, and Complaints Policy

  • Encouragement to seek supervision, legal advice, or professional support

  • Trauma‑informed communication throughout the process

  • Reasonable timeframes for response

  • Clarification of documentation requirements

Additional support may be offered where appropriate, provided it does not compromise the integrity of the investigation.

 

4. Member Responsibilities During a Complaint

Members are expected to:

  • Respond within the stated timeframes

  • Provide relevant information or documentation

  • Maintain professional conduct

  • Continue supervision as required

  • Cooperate with the investigation process

Failure to engage may limit NZAPH’s ability to support the member and may affect the outcome.

 

5. Investigation Process

Investigations will be conducted according to the NZAPH Constitution and Complaints Policy. This includes:

  • Reviewing the complaint

  • Requesting further information if needed

  • Considering the member’s response

  • Assessing the matter against the Code of Ethics

  • Ensuring natural justice is upheld

  • Determining whether further action is required

Investigations are conducted confidentially, respectfully, and without bias.

 

6. Possible Outcomes

Outcomes may include:

  • No further action

  • Recommendations for supervision or professional development

  • Formal warnings

  • Temporary suspension

  • Termination of membership (in accordance with the Constitution)

Members will receive written notification of the outcome and any required next steps.

 

7. Confidentiality and Disclosure

All complaint information is confidential and shared only with those directly involved in the investigation.

However, in accordance with the NZAPH Constitution, NZAPH may disclose the outcome of a complaint when:

  • Membership has been revoked

  • Serious misconduct has been found

  • Disclosure is required to protect public safety

  • Disclosure is required by law

Any disclosure will be limited to what is necessary and appropriate.

 

8. Appeals

Members may request a review of the decision if they believe:

  • The process was unfair

  • Relevant information was not considered

  • The decision was disproportionate

Appeals must be submitted in writing within the timeframe specified in the NZAPH Constitution or Complaints Policy.

 

 9. Alignment with New Zealand Law

This policy aligns with:

  • Incorporated Societies Act 2022

  • Natural justice principles

  • Privacy Act 2020

  • Fair Trading Act 1986

  • NZAPH Constitution

  • NZAPH Complaints Policy

Nothing in this policy limits rights under New Zealand law.

 

10. Governance Authority

The NZAPH Executive Officers or Management Committee (or Management Committee or designated subcommittee, as defined in the Constitution) oversees all complaint processes and support provisions. The Committee’s decisions are final unless an appeal is lodged.

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