Sources of disputes

Concerns about an association may be brought to a committee’s attention by:

• members of an association;
• employees of the association; or
• external clients or organisations. 

Grievances arising from within the membership may relate to a range of issues including the conduct of individual members, the functioning of the management committee, how the association operates, membership and non-compliance with the rules of association.

In addition to these internal grievances, employees, volunteers or members may initiate complaints against associations in respect of legislation governing such areas as employment, discrimination and incorporation/governance.  For example, a discrimination complaint may be possible under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.

Where associations deal with the public by offering any form of service, there is also the potential for external grievances to arise for example, over the extent or quality of the service provided.