RCSA Code of Conduct framework authorised by ACCC

The new RCSA Professional Code of Conduct (PCOC) and the enforcement component of the Code - the Professional Conduct Grievance Intervention Guidelines (PCGIG) - have received Authorisation from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The Authorisation was handed down by the ACCC on 17 July 2019 and came into effect from August 8. It will be enforceable for RCSA Members for five years and recognises the legitimacy of the Code and PCGIG.

“The ACCC has previously granted authorisation to RCSA in three successive five-year authorisations but the latest iteration of the regime includes significant changes in response to increased regulatory oversight in the industry,” the ACCC said in a statement.

“The ACCC considers that its authorisation of RCSA’s professional conduct regime will continue to result in higher professional standards in the industry (specifically amongst RCSA members) than would be the case without it.

“It will also make it easier for job seekers and employers to make informed decisions about which recruitment services provider to engage.”

The PCGIG was developed after a Member Survey to ensure it reflects the needs and expectations of our Members. It includes the capacity of RCSA to suspend or expel Members who are found to have acted grossly outside of the approved Professional Code of Conduct.

RCSA CEO Charles Cameron said the PCOC has been developed over a period of years and, abiding by the Code has become an important commitment all RCSA members make.

“The PCOC sets a minimum standard by which we expect our Members to operate, ensuring integrity and fairness in what we do,” Cameron said.

“The PCGIG also means our Members are held accountable for their actions. This shows we are not simply aspiring to good behaviour, but expect it from our Members and will not tolerate behaviour which is contrary to our Code.”

To see the Professional Code of Conduct, visit our membership page here.