WMCA Code of Conduct

While Directors of the Board have an obligation to uphold the Association's governing documents (bylaws, constitution, policies), many associations have supplemented those documents by establishing a Code of Conduct for board members. The code of conduct guides a director in areas such as communications, linkage to staff, and taking positions.

For instance, in some cases directors presume they have authority that is not rightfully true, such as speaking out on issues or commenting on staff or other’s performance.

In this association, keep in mind that the chief elected officer speaks for the association (and the chief elected officer is responsible for staff supervision.) Thus, it is inappropriate to have directors initiate communications (email, calls, letters) that are contrary to the established positions and lines of authority.

The problem is compounded when directors use email as a campaign or communications channel that interferes with critical messaging and lines of authority.

The agreed upon code of conduct guides directors in their behavior, communications, and expectations when representing the association.