ETHICS

SCA Code of Ethics

SCA Code of Ethics

Strata Community Association (SCA) and its members are dedicated to building a trusted, professional and ethical strata sector. The Code of Ethics (Code) outlines the values that guide how members engage with clients, communities, colleagues and the broader public, promoting fairness, respect and transparency in all interactions.

ABOUT THE CODE

Scope and Applicability

This Code applies to all SCA members across Australia and New Zealand and anyone can raise a complaint in compliance with the Complaints Management Process (CMP). It is intended to address concerns that relate specifically to potential breaches of the Code.

General operational matters are not considered under this process unless the behaviour also raises ethical concerns, such as dishonesty or conduct that lacks integrity and is professionally or morally unacceptable.

While anonymous complaints are not generally accepted, exceptions may be made where the matter is serious, credible, and a valid reason is provided for withholding the complainant’s identity. In such cases, the complaint must still include enough detail and supporting evidence to allow for a fair and informed assessment.​
Allegations of breach of the Code must be made in writing using the online Code of Ethics Complaint Form.

For queries, please contact complaints@strata.community or call 0434 706 770

CMP

Complaints Management Process (CMP)

SCA maintains a fair, transparent and accountable Complaints Management Process to assess concerns raised about member conduct.

The CMP is not designed to resolve operational disputes, but to determine whether a member has breached the Code of Ethics or behaved in a manner inconsistent with SCA’s values and standards.

Key Principles:

  • Fairness: Every party involved in a complaint is treated with respect, given a reasonable opportunity to be heard, and assessed without bias. The process ensures that decisions are based on clear, objective evidence and guided by procedural integrity.
  • Transparency: The process, including how complaints are assessed, decisions made, and outcomes communicated, is clear, consistent, and open.
  • Accessibility: The CMP is publicly available, free to access, and written in plain language. Guidance and support are offered where needed to ensure all stakeholders can meaningfully participate.
  • Supportive: Parties are treated with respect throughout the process and participants are encouraged to engage in good faith to resolve matters constructively.​
COMPLAINT SUMBISSION

Lodging a Complaint

  • Only complaints submitted through the online SCA Complaint Application Form and lodged in accordance with the approved complaints process will be accepted for review.
  • Relate to an SCA Member only – Check list of SCA Members here.
  • Be supported by relevant evidence; unsupported allegations will not be considered.
  • Include no more than 10 attachments, with a maximum total of 50 pages. If additional documents are necessary, a request for approval must be submitted to complaints@strata.community.
  • Avoid duplication by ensuring the same document or email is not submitted multiple times.
  • Clearly identify which attachment(s) corresponds to the allegation(s). Include page numbers where appropriate
Principals and Standards

10 Ethical Principles and Standards

1

ETHICAL STEWARDSHIP

Act with loyalty, good faith, and due care, always prioritising the interests of the strata community over personal or third-party interests.

2

COMPLIANCE WITH LAW AND REGULATION

Educate and guide the committee and strata community to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and laws. Uphold the integrity of the profession by complying with applicable law and consumer protections.

3

TRANSPARENCY AND DISCLOSURE

Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest, including commissions, referral fees, any form of payment or benefit received or relationships with service providers.

4

INTEGRITY AND HONESTY

Act truthfully and ethically in all professional dealings. Do not mislead, withhold material facts - particularly for personal or financial gain - or engage in any conduct that undermines trust or damages professional credibility.

5

FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY

Treat all parties with consistency and respect. Avoid bias or favouritism, especially in dispute resolution or decision-making.

6

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

Protect the confidentiality of the strata community and owner information. Handle personal and financial data in compliance with the law and professional duties.

7

COMPETENCE AND DILIGENCE

Maintain professional knowledge, and perform duties with due skill, care, and attention. Avoid taking on work beyond your competence or authority

8

RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION AND CONDUCT

Maintain professional conduct at all times and avoid behaviour that is denigrating, disrespectful, discriminatory, or disruptive to all stakeholders.

9

SERVICE TO THE STRATA COMMUNITY

Act in a manner that guides and supports committees and the strata community in enabling long-term health, harmony, and sustainability of strata communities, upholding legal obligations with social responsibility.

10

UPHOLDING REPUTATION AND INTERESTS

Act consistently with SCA’s professional expectations, promoting confidence in the profession, and avoiding conduct that will bring the strata management profession into disrepute.

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