How the Berry Show Society handles complaints. Where there are allegations of criminal conduct, these must be reported to NSW Police.
How complaints are handled
Complaints are handled:
- effectively, impartially and confidentially
- by three members of the executive who are not directly affected persons
- promptly and with procedural fairness
- with the least possible impact on everyone’s health and safety
- with the least possible disruption
- without reprisal
The following are not considered complaints: general statements with no specific facts, rumours, gossip, and second-hand information (hearsay).
Making a complaint
Complaints should be made promptly, must be in writing, and can only be made by directly affected persons. Your complaint should state:
- the nature and full details of the complaint
- the parties involved
- the circumstances giving rise to the complaint
- the current situation
- the issues (without extraneous material)
- the outcome or outcomes you are seeking
Send complaints to office@berryshow.org.au, or by post to PO Box 173, Berry NSW 2535. Please don’t send them to any committee member’s private email account.
Confidentiality
Everyone involved in a complaint must keep the information confidential and discuss it only within the investigation team. A serious breach of confidentiality may amount to misconduct, and action may be taken in line with the Berry Show Constitution.
How a complaint is assessed
A team of three executive members who are not directly affected persons will:
- Acknowledge the complaint within three days of receiving it, and inform all parties (within the limits of confidentiality).
- Assess the complaint and gather information. Everyone involved will be able to tell their side.
- Develop a resolution with the directly affected parties.
- If a breach of the Code of Conduct is found, take action in line with the Berry Show Constitution.
- Put the agreed outcome into action.
- Keep confidential records.
Reporting to the committee
Complaints received are noted as incoming correspondence in general terms only, to protect confidentiality. Once an investigation is finished, the committee is told in general terms whether a resolution has been reached.
Berry Show Complaints Procedure, Version 1, 25 June 2024.