Code of Conduct

Policy

Members, Management Committee and Employees adhere to Stonnington Symphony’s Code of Conduct which reflects the behaviour expected and is designed to encourage integrity and professionalism.

Definitions

A Code of Conduct is a set of rules, regulations and guidelines which Members, Members of the Committee of Management and Employees are expected to observe while involved with the Stonnington Symphony.

Code of Conduct philosophy

Stonnington Symphony prides itself on the professionalism and ability of its Members, Members of the Committee of Management and Employees to meet community needs. Stonnington Symphony strives to be a leading organisation in the community and to provide a safe, healthy and happy environment.

This Code of Conduct is designed to ensure that all Members, Members of the Committee of Management and Employees are treated in a manner that reflects the mission, culture and legal obligations of Stonnington Symphony.

Compliance

  • All Members, Members of the Committee of Management and Employees are expected to:
    • observe all policies, procedures, rules and regulations at all times
    • comply with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations
    • comply with all reasonable, lawful instructions and decisions related to their involvement
    • maintain a high degree of ethics, integrity, honesty and professionalism in dealing with one another and members of the community
    • adhere to the organisational health and safety policies and procedures
    • take reasonable steps to ensure their own health, safety and welfare while involved with Stonnington Symphony, as well as that of each one another and members of the community.
  • All Members, Members of the Committee of Management and Employees are expected to make themselves familiar with their organisational health and safety obligations.

Members, Members of the Committee of Management and Employees behaviour

  • If a Member, Member of the Committee of Management or Employee breaches the following guidelines, disciplinary action may be taken.
  • If the breach of conduct is of a legal nature, it will be addressed in accordance with relevant Federal, State or local government laws.
  • Members, Members of the Committee of Management and Employees should not:
    • discriminate against another Member, Member of the Committee of Management or Employee on the basis of gender, age, race, religion, disability, medical condition, marital status or sexual orientation
    • engage in fighting or disorderly conduct, or sexually harass other Members, Members of the Committee of Management or Employees
    • steal, damage or destroy property belonging to Stonnington Symphony, its Members, Members of the Committee of Management and Employees
    • be involved while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled or illegal substances

Privacy and confidentiality

  • Stonnington Symphony will securely store personal information provided by a client, Member, Member of the Committee of Management or Employee and;
    • Take reasonable steps to ensure this material is kept secure against:
      • Loss
      • unauthorised access
      • use
      • modification or disclosure
      • misuse.
    • Use personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected and will not disclose personal information to another party unless the individual is aware of, or has consented to, the disclosure.
    • Keep information about all service provision confidential within Stonnington Symphony and not disclose information associated either directly or indirectly to Stonnington Symphony to external parties unless authorised by the General Manager or Committee of Management.

Dealing with aggressive behaviour

  • Stonnington Symphony does not accept any form of aggressive, threatening or abusive behaviour.
  • All incidents should be reported to a Section Convenor, the General Manager or a Member of the Committee of Management. Should the incident involve the Section Convenor, the General Manager or a Member of the Committee of Management, the incident should be reported to another party.
  • If a Member, Member of the Committee of Management or Employee is unable to calm the person and/or believes the situation places them or other Members, Members of the Committee of Management and Employees in danger, they should notify the Administration or a Member of the Committee of Management.

Rehearsal Guidelines

These guidelines provide important information about your involvement in Stonnington Symphony activities. All Members and Employees are expected to understand, accept and adhere to these guidelines.

Membership

  • Players are required to pay an annual Membership Fee of $20 which helps offset basic administration costs. Players must be financial members to ensure that they are covered by the organisations insurance when involved in Stonnington Symphony activities as well as relevant voting rights within the organisation. The Stonnington Symphony membership year runs on an Australian Financial Year from July 1 to June 30.
  • Players are further required to pay a Participation Fee of $50 for each concert they play, unless advised otherwise.

Rehearsals

  • Rehearsals are scheduled in the five weeks leading up to each concert.
  • Please arrive with enough time to ensure prompt commencement of each rehearsal.
  • Players are expected to assist with the setup and pack down of chairs at each rehearsal.
  • Players are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Should you be unable to attend due to illness, unforeseen circumstances or emergency, please contact the Administration on 0490 019 179 as well as your Section Convenor.
  • Players with solo responsibilities are expected, in discussion with their section convenor, to arrange a suitable deputy in case of absence. Any changes should be relayed to the Administration on 0490 019 176.
  • Where possible, conductors will provide a detailed rehearsal breakdown for each rehearsal documented in the Player Information Sheet. If you are not playing in all pieces, please be aware of the schedule pertaining to your involvement.

Sheet Music

  • Where possible, sheet music will be uploaded to a Google Drive for access in advance of the rehearsal period.
  • Players will be notified whether hard copies will be provided to them at the first rehearsal or if they will need to provide their own.
  • It is expected that players will prepare their parts in advance of the first rehearsal, and practise throughout the rehearsal period.
  • Any parts and copies provided must be returned at the conclusion of each concert. Players are liable for any missing parts and copies.

Music Stand

All Players are required to bring a music stand to each rehearsal and performance unless otherwise stated in the Player Information Sheet.

Social Media and Online Behaviour

All members are expected to represent Stonnington Symphony with integrity, respect, and professionalism in all online interactions related to the group. When using social media (including Facebook groups, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.), members must:

  • Be Respectful: Treat all members with kindness, dignity, and respect. Disagreements should focus on topics, not individuals.
  • Avoid Harmful Content: Do not post material that is threatening, harassing, defamatory, hateful, racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive.
  • Respect Privacy: Do not share personal, sensitive, or private information (including screenshots of private conversations) about other members without their explicit permission.
  • Keep it Relevant: Ensure posts are on-topic and add value to the orchestra. Avoid spam, excessive self-promotion, or unsolicited advertising.
  • No Unauthorized Representation: Do not speak on behalf of Stonnington Symphony, or use the group's logos or branding, without explicit permission from the Committee of Management.

Breach of Policy:

Violations of this policy may result in posts being removed and, depending on severity, the member being muted, suspended, or removed from the orchestra.