Soil Science Australia’s Accreditation Board invites feedback from those who believe an accredited soil science professional may have contravened the SSA Accreditation Code of Ethics or Rules of Conduct, or from those who wish to dispute a decision made by the Accreditation Board.
A complaint can be raised where an accredited soil science professional may have contravened the Code of Ethics or Rules of Conduct. In response, the Accreditation Board may coordinate an investigation.
An appeal can be raised to challenge a decision made by the Accreditation Board. Appeals can be raised regarding the result of an accreditation assessment, or disciplinary action as the result of a complaint.
The process for dealing with an appeal or a complaint is similar.
Notification #
A complaint or appeal should be made using the appropriate online form provided in which you will be asked to sufficient details to enable an initial investigation.
Initial review #
On receipt of a form the information will be checked for completeness and more information sought if needed.
Once all the information is available and where the Accreditation Board deems that a complaint or appeal warrants action, they will determine the appropriate action.
In the case of a complaint being upheld they may choose to revoke accreditation or suspend the accredited professional from the various rights and privileges of accreditation. They will notify the person of their decision in writing as soon as practicable, setting out the grounds of their decision and probable action. The person will be invited to respond in writing.
Further review #
If there is a response appealing the claims, an Appeals Committee will be established to address the appeal, comprising the Federal President, the Chair of the Accreditation Board and an accredited person selected by the President. The Committee will give consideration to representations submitted to the Board and determine whether to confirm the claim or to revoke the action of the Accreditation Board. The Accreditation Board will inform the person in writing of the decision of the Appeals Committee. The decision of the Appeals Committee will be final.
Communication of outcomes #
The Accreditation Board will maintain a confidential register of all complaints and appeals, and their outcomes, and will provide an annual report to Soil Science Australia Federal Executive. The Accreditation Board will also prepare a summary statement of the reviews conducted and the outcomes, for publication on the program’s website. The statement will not include the names of individuals or organisations.