The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a draft determination proposing to re-authorise the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association’s (RCSA) professional conduct regime, which includes a Code for Professional Conduct, Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution Procedures and associated documents, for five years.
The RCSA Code sets out guidelines for professional and ethical best practice for its members in the recruitment services industry. As a condition of membership, all RCSA members agree to abide by the code. The authorisation permits the RCSA to implement sanctions against members who breach the code.
“The ACCC considers the Professional Conduct Regime to have been effective to date and will continue to promote equitable dealings and enhanced business efficiency in the recruitment services industry,” ACCC Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper said.
The ACCC has previously authorised versions of the Professional Conduct Regime since 2003. The latest version of the Professional Conduct Regime includes a new provision which requires applicants for corporate membership to require related entities to obtain membership services from RCSA.
“This requirement aligns with consumer expectations that the standards being upheld by a franchisor will also apply to member franchisees,” Dr Schaper said.
The ACCC is seeking submissions from interested parties in relation to its draft determination, before making a final decision.
Authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.