Subcommittee Code of Conduct

This Code sets the standards of behaviour expected of non-Board members appointed to a Woorayl Lodge Inc. subcommittee. It supports ethical, respectful and accountable participation in the work of the Association. Board members serving on subcommittees remain subject to the Board Code of Conduct; staff remain subject to their applicable employment policies and codes. This Code does not itself appoint a person to a subcommittee or confer decision-making authority.

Inclusive | Community | Understanding | Individuality | Wellbeing. Members are expected to uphold the Association's purpose of supporting older people in Leongatha and surrounding districts and its commitment to enabling residents to live the life they choose.

Follow Woorayl Lodge Inc.'s Association Rules, this Code, the subcommittee's approved terms of reference and applicable organisational policies. Act honestly, in good faith and in the interests of the Association. Attend and participate constructively, complete agreed actions, and seek clarification when authority or responsibilities are unclear. Do not act, commit funds, direct staff, or speak for the Board unless expressly authorised. Any delegated power must be in writing and exercised within its limits.

Treat residents, families, representatives, staff, volunteers and other members with dignity, kindness, fairness and respect. Value diversity, cultural identity, individual choice, privacy and independence. Do not bully, harass, discriminate against, intimidate or victimise anyone. Respect the rights and preferences of older people, including their right to raise concerns without adverse treatment. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

Complete and comply with Woorayl Lodge Inc.'s Confidentiality Agreement. Access only information authorised for your subcommittee role; use it solely for approved purposes. Protect personal, health, commercial and Board/subcommittee information, including in emails, devices and meetings. Do not photograph, record, publish, share or discuss confidential information without authorisation. Return or securely dispose of information as directed when your involvement ends. Confidentiality continues after appointment ends, subject to lawful reporting and disclosure.

Promptly disclose actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, including personal, family, business or financial interests. Inform the subcommittee chair and follow the Board's directions, including withdrawal from relevant discussion or recommendations where appropriate. Do not misuse your position, information, contacts or resources for personal advantage. Do not seek or accept gifts or benefits that could improperly influence your judgement; declare any offers in accordance with policy.

5. Work through proper governance channels
Subcommittees report to the Board. Provide accurate, balanced information and record recommendations clearly; recommendations require Board ratification unless a valid written delegation provides otherwise. Respect collective decisions while remaining free to raise concerns through proper channels. Keep appropriate meeting records and use Association resources responsibly. Do not interfere with day-to-day operational or clinical management.

6. Speak and represent the organisation responsibly
Communicate respectfully in person, online and on social media. Do not present personal opinions as Woorayl Lodge positions, disclose confidential matters or make public statements on the Association's behalf without approval. Raise disagreement and criticism constructively through appropriate internal processes; this does not prevent lawful complaints, protected disclosures or reporting to authorities.

7. Raise concerns and cooperate with responses
Promptly report concerns about resident safety, abuse, neglect, discrimination, privacy breaches, misconduct, conflicts, fraud or other significant risks to the subcommittee chair, Board Chair, CEO or another appropriate authorised person. For urgent safety matters, contact the appropriate operational lead or emergency services. Follow applicable incident, complaints, safeguarding and whistleblower processes; cooperate honestly with any review or investigation. Do not retaliate against a person who raises a concern in good faith.

8. Aged care obligations where applicable
Support Woorayl Lodge's obligations under the Aged Care Act 2024, Statement of Rights, Aged Care Code of Conduct and seven strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (in force from 1 November 2025), particularly dignity, choice, privacy, safety, governance and continuous improvement. A subcommittee appointment alone does not necessarily make a person an aged care worker or responsible person under the Act. If a member also performs work, volunteering or a responsible-person function covered by the law, the relevant statutory duties, screening, training, reporting and organisational requirements apply to that role. Do not provide care or enter restricted areas unless separately authorised and appropriately prepared.

9. Safety and safeguarding
Follow reasonable site safety, infection prevention, emergency and security requirements during visits or activities. Report hazards and near misses promptly. Protect children and young people where relevant and comply with child-safe requirements and screening obligations applicable to the activities undertaken. Never access resident or staff information or areas merely because you are a subcommittee member.

10. Breaches and end of appointment
Suspected breaches will be assessed fairly, proportionately and confidentially under applicable Association Rules, terms of reference and policies. Depending on the circumstances, action may include guidance, restricted access, referral to the Board, removal from a subcommittee or referral to an authority where required. Any separate disciplinary action affecting Association membership must follow the procedures in the Association Rules. On leaving, return Association property and records, cease representing the subcommittee and continue to protect confidential information.

I have read and understand this Subcommittee Code of Conduct and the Woorayl Lodge Inc. Association Rules. If appointed to a subcommittee, I agree to comply with both, the approved terms of reference and relevant policies. I understand that signing this undertaking does not guarantee membership or appointment, and that I must separately complete the Confidentiality Agreement.

• Woorayl Lodge Inc. Association Rules adopted 25 August 2026
• Woorayl Lodge Board Code of Conduct (December 2025)
• Woorayl Lodge Confidentiality Agreement
• Aged Care Act 2024
• Statement of Rights and Aged Care Code of Conduct
• Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (effective 1 November 2025).