Women in Seafood Australasia Grievance Policy

1. Purpose

Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA) is committed to providing a respectful, safe and inclusive community for all members, program participants, volunteers and stakeholders.

This policy establishes a clear and confidential process for raising concerns or grievances related to WISA programs, activities, events, partnerships or behaviour within the WISA community.

The process aims to ensure concerns are:

• heard respectfully
• handled fairly and confidentially
• addressed in a timely and constructive way.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• WISA members
• participants in WISA programs or events
• volunteers and contractors
• partners and stakeholders engaging with WISA activities

It covers concerns relating to:

• harassment, bullying or discrimination
• unsafe or inappropriate behaviour
• conflicts or disputes during WISA programs
• breaches of WISA values or code of conduct
• concerns about program delivery or governance.

3. Principles

WISA will manage grievances according to the following principles:

• Confidentiality: Information will only be shared with those required to address the issue.
• Safety: Individuals raising concerns will be treated respectfully and protected from retaliation.
• Choice: People may raise concerns anonymously or with their name.
• Fairness: All parties will have the opportunity to respond to concerns raised.
• Timeliness: WISA will respond to concerns as quickly as reasonably possible.

4. How to Raise a Concern

Concerns can be raised by:

1. Completing the WISA Grievance Form
2. Requesting a conversation with:
            - the WISA Executive Officer
            - the WISA Chair

Individuals may choose to:

• remain anonymous
• request a confidential conversation
• provide written feedback only.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Executive Officer

Responsible for:

• receiving and assessing grievances
• managing investigations or resolution
• maintaining confidentiality
• reporting serious matters to the Board Chair.

Board Chair

Responsible for:

• handling grievances involving the Executive Officer
• supporting resolution of serious matters
• determining when matters should be escalated to the Board.

WISA Board

Responsible for:

• oversight of governance and risk
• ensuring appropriate processes are followed.

6. Outcomes

Possible outcomes may include:

• facilitated discussion or mediation
• clarification of expectations or conduct
• adjustments to program processes
• referral to appropriate external services
• disciplinary action where required.

7. Record Keeping

WISA will maintain confidential records of grievances to:

• identify recurring issues
• improve program delivery
• ensure accountability.

Records will be stored securely.

10. Contact Us

Women in Seafood Australasia
Email: eo@womeninseafood.org.au

Document Owner: Executive Officer
Approved By: Executive Officer
Version: 1
Next Review: March 2028