Code of Conduct

Preamble

We, the founding and ordinary members of the Private Members Union, affirm that this Code of Conduct will bind us in mutual trust, honour and accountability.

As a collective of equal standing, the founding members and any appointed officers act as trustees, and all ordinary members are beneficiaries of the social contract.

This compact is grounded in the Laws of Equity and establishes duties and standards of conduct that protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of all who participate.

Formation of the Collective Trust

1.1 The Union is recognised as a mutual trust structure, created by voluntary association, wherein:

• All members are united under a common purpose.
• Founders and officers are entrusted with duties of care, loyalty and fairness.
• Members are bound together by principles of natural justice, mutual benefit and non-injury.

1.2 This relationship gives rise to a constructive trust in equity, enforceable in conscience and law, and protects all members from arbitrary, negligent or self-serving conduct by others within the Union.

Duties for Trustees Arising Under Equity

2.1 Duty of Care and Good Faith

All members must act honestly, transparently and in the best interests of the collective.

2.2 Fiduciary Duty of Founders and Officers

Founding members and elected representatives, in their roles as trustees, must act with undivided loyalty to the membership and shall not profit, manipulate or exercise power contrary to the trust placed in them.

2.3 Duty to Avoid Harm

Members must not act in a manner that causes physical, emotional, spiritual or reputational harm to another member or to the integrity of the Union.

2.4 Duty of Impartiality and Fair Process

All members are entitled to equal treatment, including fair access to Union services, participation in decisions and recourse in the event of harm.

Social Compact Between Members

3.1 Each member affirms their commitment to:

• Honour the shared values of the Union.
• Do no harm to fellow members.
• Resolve disputes peacefully and in good conscience.
• Respect the autonomy, rights and voices of all members.

3.2 By entering into this social compact, every member agrees to be bound by its principles and accepts the jurisdiction of any internal redress mechanism created under this Code.

Redress and Enforcement

4.1 Any breach of this Code of Conduct, especially by a trustee or founding member, constitutes a breach of trust under equity and entitles affected members to:

• A formal hearing.
• Restorative justice.
• Rescission of acts or decisions made in breach.
• Financial or reputational remedies where applicable.

4.2 Members may call upon a Tribunal of Peers, comprising three neutral members appointed by consent, to hear complaints and issue non-adversarial findings.

4.3 Where harm is material or systemic, members retain the right to seek remedy in an equity division of the Supreme Court or equivalent forum, under principles of constructive trust, breach of fiduciary duty or unconscionable conduct.