TANVIC

Code of Ethics

The TANVIC group of agencies is an entity that adds value and provides a necessary service to the Education Community of Victoria. As a group, TANVIC agencies ensure that they are professional and informed in regard to the provisions allowing them to facilitate the employment/placement of casual relief teachers in Victorian schools. The group meets on a regular basis to share experiences, to learn of new developments, trends and opportunities in a mutually beneficial, non- competitive environment. Member agencies benefit from knowledge and information provided by guest speakers. Alliances with relevant bodies, eg Department of Education & Training, Victorian Institute of Teaching, ASCIV, Australian Education Union and teacher education institutions inform the group of legislative changes and related policies concerning Victorian schools, with a specific focus on the implications for the employment/placement of casual relief teachers.

Member agencies ensure that they are completely professional in their dealings with Victorian teachers, schools and Government bodies, and as such demonstrate that professionalism by adhering to the TANVIC Code of Conduct that sets out industry respected requirements for the operational conduct of member agencies. Membership into TANVIC is not automatic. Agencies wishing to enjoy the benefits of membership are required to demonstrate their compliance with the TANVIC Code of Conduct. This process is designed specifically to protect the high regard with which TANVIC is held by the broader education community of Victoria.

Member agencies adhere to industrially respected, legislatively responsible and professionally enhancing business practices to benefit schools, educators and students for whom they exist.

TANVIC Professional Code of Conduct

TANVIC recognises that as private businesses, each member agency has in place its own, unique methods of operation. There are two main operating procedures: Regardless of their operating procedures, all agencies are to be legally registered businesses, complying with local by-laws and other government agencies. Professional requirements common to both practices within the TANVIC group:
  1. All relevant pre-employment/placement checks carried out
  2. Holding of appropriate insurances
  3. Adherance to legislative requirements for;
TANVIC agencies shall ensure that no casual replacement teacher will be employed / placed by their agency without the above processes being in place. In addition to the above minimum standards of operation, member agencies agree to abide by the following Standards of Professional Conduct:
  1. Agencies act in a manner so as not to bring into disrepute the good standing and reputation of TANVIC or its members.
  2. All TANVIC members conduct their business activities in a professional and ethical manner.
  3. Members have written agreements with schools using their service, describing how the agency operates and mutual obligations of all parties.
  4. Members provide teacher orientation that includes information on how the agency operates, expectations of schools and an agreement outlining all conditions of placement and/or employment.
  5. Should a member have sufficient reasonable evidence to suggest that another member may be in breach of the Code, or is seemingly acting unethically, an obligation and responsibility exists to report the evidence to the Executive.
  6. Members disclose any conflict of interest that may adversely affect the industrial or professional functions of TANVIC.
  7. Members do not directly, nor seek to, cause harm to the professional reputation of other members.
  8. By regular attendance, members maintain an awareness and knowledge of current educational issues and policies.
  9. Members comply with all relevant State and Federal laws of Australia.
Each agency provides a TANVIC authored statutory declaration advising of intention of compliance with the above standards. The self-declaration is presented to TANVIC as part of the annual membership renewal process.

Breaches of Code of Conduct

Any breach of the Code is reported in writing for the Executive to address directly with the agency in question to develop an agreed plan for improvement. If members and the Executive are not subsequently satisfied that the required improvements have been made, a written notification of intended procedure is issued. If still not adhered to, a motion may be put on notice through the Executive, with exclusion from TANVIC as a possible consequence.

RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP

The elected Executive of TANVIC receives signed declarations as part of the yearly renewal of membership. The elected Executive provides recommendations for renewal of membership, or for denial of renewal of membership if appropriate, and based on solid evidence of changed circumstances.

NEW MEMBERS

Recommendation of a new agency wishing to join TANVIC is made through the Executive in order to provide that agency with copies of the TANVIC Code of Conduct, the Charter and membership form, including the self declaration of compliance. If satisfied with evidence of intent of compliance, Executive tables a motion of membership eligibility and acceptance for a future scheduled meeting. If successful, the applicant agency is invited to pay pro-rata membership subscription and is invited to attend all meetings for the remainder of that year. Grounds for non-acceptance are specified. The rigour of the process is crucial, and central to upholding the integrity of the Association and the high regard with which TANVIC is held by the education community in Victoria.

TANVIC Operational Structure

Each member agency contributes to one or more of the four Focus Working Teams throughout the year.
  • Professional Codes & Standards
  • Marketing and WWW
  • Professional & Industrial Alliances
  • Financial

Review


TANVIC codes and practices are reviewed annually.

TANVIC Professional Standards Nov 2006