1. Introduction
1.1 This document outlines the standards of behaviour expected of all UMAPs members and the procedures for addressing complaints and disciplinary matters. It aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULRCA).
2. Code of Conduct
2.1 General Conduct
2.1.1 As well as upholding the values of the GMC Good Medical Practice Guidance and the CMAPs professional Code of Conduct Policy, Members must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the integrity and reputation of UMAPs.
2.1.2 Members should engage respectfully with colleagues, employers, and the public, ensuring that their actions reflect positively on the Union.
2.1.3 Members must comply with all Union rules, regulations, and policies.
2.1.4 Members shall avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to the NEC.
2.1.5 Any actions taken by members must align with the objectives and values of the Union.
2.2 Professional Conduct
2.2.1 Members are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism in all their interactions.
2.2.2 Confidentiality must be respected at all times, particularly concerning sensitive Union matters.
2.2.3 Members should avoid any actions that could bring the Union into disrepute.
2.2.4 Members must act honestly and transparently in all Union-related activities.
2.2.5 Members should continually seek to improve their professional knowledge and skills, especially in areas relevant to their Union responsibilities.
2.3 Social Media Conduct
2.3.1 Members must exercise caution and professionalism when using social media, ensuring that their posts do not harm the Union’s reputation or violate its policies.
2.3.2 Members are prohibited from engaging in online behaviour that could be deemed as harassment, discrimination, or bullying.
2.3.3 Any official communication on behalf of the Union through social media must be authorised by the NEC.
2.3.4 Members must not share confidential or proprietary information about the Union or its members on social media platforms.
2.3.5 The use of social media for Union purposes should align with the broader objectives and policies of UMAPs.
3. Complaints Procedure
3.1 Reporting a Complaint
3.1.1 Complaints should be raised initially at the local level with the Local Representative.
3.1.2 Complaints must be submitted in writing, clearly outlining the issue, and providing any supporting evidence.
3.1.3 If the complaint involves a breach of the Code of Conduct, the Local Representative will either recommend closing the case or refer it to a Regional Disciplinary Hearing.
3.1.4 Complaints regarding bribery, corruption, coercion, or criminal activities can be directly reported to the Office of the General Secretary for review.
3.1.5 If the complaint involves the General Secretary or the NEC, it should be submitted directly to the CEO, who will convene an investigatory panel.
3.2 Compliance with Investigations
3.2.1 Members are required to fully cooperate with any investigation, including providing necessary information and attending hearings as requested.
3.2.2 Non-compliance with an investigation may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the Union.
3.2.3 The investigatory powers of representatives include interviewing involved parties, gathering evidence, and submitting reports to the appropriate disciplinary committee.
4. Disciplinary Procedure
4.1 Regional Disciplinary Committee
4.1.1 If a complaint is referred to a Regional Disciplinary Committee, the committee will consist of the relevant Regional Representative (Chair), a non-involved Local Representative, and three ordinary members from outside the locality.
4.1.2 The committee will review the evidence, conduct a hearing with both the accused and the accuser, and may request additional evidence as needed.
4.1.3 The Regional Disciplinary Committee can impose minor sanctions or refer the case to the Network Disciplinary Committee if the matter is deemed more serious.
4.1.4 If a Regional Disciplinary Committee decision is appealed, a Network Disciplinary Committee is automatically triggered.
4.2 Network Disciplinary Committee
4.2.1 The Network Disciplinary Committee consists of the Network Vice President (Chair), two non-involved Regional Representatives, and two ordinary members not involved in the case.
4.2.2 The committee will review the case, hold a hearing, and make a determination. An appeal of this decision may be submitted to the Network President.
4.2.3 The Network Disciplinary Committee has the authority to impose sanctions or refer the case to the NEC Disciplinary Committee if deemed necessary.
4.3 NEC Disciplinary Committee (NDC)
4.3.1 If a case is referred by a Network for being of a serious nature, the NEC Disciplinary Committee (NDC) will be convened. This committee consists of the Deputy General Secretary (Chair) and two non-involved Network Presidents.
4.3.2 The NDC will review the case and hold a hearing. The decision of the NDC can be appealed to the General Secretary, whose decision is final.
4.4 Special National Executive Oversight Committee (SNEOC)
4.4.1 For complaints regarding the General Secretary or NEC, the complaint should be sent to the CEO. The CEO will convene a SNEOC to investigate, consisting of three members of the Council of MAPs and a Regional Representative from each network of ordinary members.
4.4.2 A high bar of evidence is required for this to take place, and vexatious complaints not meeting this bar can be closed summarily.
5. Sanctions
5.1 Minor Sanctions
5.1.1 Minor sanctions may include warnings, temporary suspensions, or the imposition of conditions on membership.
5.2 Major Sanctions
5.2.1 Major sanctions may include permanent suspension, expulsion from the Union, or referral to regulatory authorities for further action.
5.2.2 The Union reserves the right to impose sanctions that are compliant with TULRCA and proportionate to the severity of the breach.
6. Appeals Process
6.1 Regional Appeals
6.1.1 Appeals against a Regional Disciplinary Committee’s decision trigger a Network Disciplinary Committee.
6.2 Network Appeals
6.2.1 Appeals against a Network Disciplinary Committee’s decision can be submitted to the Network President.
6.2.2 If the appeal is upheld, the case may be reconsidered, and sanctions may be adjusted or overturned.
6.3 NEC Appeals
6.3.1 Appeals against NEC Disciplinary Committee decisions can be made to the General Secretary.
6.3.2 The General Secretary’s decision is final unless new evidence emerges that could significantly alter the case’s outcome.
7. Amendments and Updates
7.1 The NEC has the authority to amend this document as it sees fit. However, a special workgroup can be formed to address this document as required should problems arise.
7.2 Any amendments made will be communicated to the membership promptly, and the updated document will be made available on the Union’s website.
8. Severability
8.1 If any clause or part of this document is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining clauses shall remain in full force and effect.
