1010GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 22 April 2020

1010 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 22 April 2020 (2) All members are to have an understanding of the Shire of Plantagenet Policy and Procedures Grievance Staff and Volunteers and any other brigade policies as applicable. These hard copy documents are to be made available at each fire station or can be obtained from the local government. (3) A grievance is any serious allegation, dispute or claim, arising during any training or activity involving the brigade, in relation to an act committed by a member. Examples that may be considered a grievance include acts that— (a) constitute a breach of the Rules; (b) bring the brigade and or the Plantagenet Fire Service into disrepute; (c) contravene any reasonable direction given by the Captain or the delegated authority; (d) disregard brigade regulations and policies or procedures; (e) jeopardise the safety of the member or others; and/or (f) result in the member being convicted of, an offence for which an offender may be imprisoned. (4) Where a grievance arises, an investigation must be conducted by the Committee (and the CBFCO if necessary) in accordance with the Grievance Process. (5) During the investigation it may be determined that the member should be suspended from all or part of brigade activities, subject to the CBFCO‘s approval. If a member is to be suspended during the investigation the CBFCO should notify the member in writing of the terms of the suspension, including the reason for the suspension and the time period. The time period for suspension during an investigation, should not exceed three (3) consecutive months. When an investigation is complete a report will be provided by the investigating officer to the CBFCO outlining the process of the investigation, the conclusions drawn and any recommended action. (6) Disciplinary action in relation to the member may include— (a) suspension of membership; (b) termination of membership; or (c) any other reasonable disciplinary action as determined by the Committee in consultation with the CBFCO. (7) If a disciplinary suspension is imposed, the CBFCO must notify the member in writing that they are suspended, including the suspension period and reason for suspension. Suspension may be from complete or specific brigade duties and activities. (8) The period of disciplinary suspension shall be determined by the CBFCO in consultation with the President. (9) On completion of the suspension period the member may be required to undertake refresher training before resuming active fire fighting duties which will be supervised and or acknowledged by the Captain. (10) If a membership is to be terminated, the President with the approval of the CBFCO will notify the member in writing, and provide a reason for termination. (11) Where a membership is terminated, all property owned by the local government should be returned to the local government within fourteen (14) days of giving notice. Failure to meet these conditions may require the local government to seek reimbursement of costs against the member. 4.17 Termination by the Member (1) A member can decide to resign from brigade activities and terminate their membership by providing written notification to the Committee. (2) Where a member resigns, all property owned by the local government should be returned to the local government within fourteen (14) days of giving notice. Failure to meet these conditions may require the local government to seek reimbursement of costs against the member. 4.18 Rights of a Volunteer Member (1) A member shall not be suspended or dismissed from any brigade duty without an opportunity to defend the allegation. (2) Any member may lodge a written objection to the CBFCO should they consider they have been unfairly dealt with by the Committee. (3) The CBFCO shall consider the objection and deal with it in consultation with the Committee. This may include either— (a) dismissing the objection; (b) variation to the decision; or (c) revoking the original decision; and (i) imposing an independent decision; or (ii) referring the matter back to the Committee to reconsider the decision. Part 5—Meetings of the Brigade 5.1 Ordinary meetings (1) Ordinary meetings may be called at any time by the Secretary by giving notice to all brigade members and to the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, for the purpose of— (a) organising and checking equipment;