As a hospitable and welcoming organisation, the Society at times recognises and celebrates the contributions of members, volunteers and employees through modest gifts or events.
At the same time, we must use Society resources responsibly and ensure that giving or receiving gifts or hospitality is ethical, transparent, and never influences decisions or creates expectations of favourable treatment.
To support clear and consistent decision-making, the Society’s Gifts and Hospitality Policy has recently been updated.
For members, key points include:
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Gifts from the people we assist can create a power imbalance. They should only be accepted when they are token, occasional and culturally appropriate, e.g. baked goods, handmade items.
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Cash or cash-equivalent gifts must never be accepted.
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Gifts provided by the Society must be modest and approved by a Conference or Council President. This includes occasions like long service farewells, condolences, births/adoptions, or illness. In general, valued up to $150 for significant milestones.
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Society-funded hospitality may be provided only on limited occasions, e.g. an approved end-of-year celebration or appreciation event.
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Routine social gatherings, e.g. team lunches, birthdays, farewells, must be personally funded, not paid for with Society funds.
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Gifts from external stakeholders must be handled carefully, including from suppliers, partners and donors:
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Inform your Conference President or Regional Director if a gift is offered.
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Gifts under $100 may be accepted if they are modest, create no obligation, and do not compromise the Society’s reputation.
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Gifts that exceed this value - or do not meet the criteria above - must be declared in the Society’s Gifts and Hospitality Register (use the online form or email company.secretary@vinnies.org.au)
Questions? Please email company.secretary@vinnies.org.au. A full version of the Gifts and Hospitality Policy is available on the MAVS Hub.
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