- Disciplinary Procedures
What is the purpose?
This procedure is in place to regulate standards of conduct and performance within Golden Homes. The aim is to correct unacceptable behaviour and encourage a positive approach in the workplace.
Obligations
Employees / Agents / Independent Contractors
– Understand and comply with our Code of Conduct.
– Ensure all actions are in line with our Code of Conduct as well as the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority Code of Conduct and the RNS Code of Conduct.
– Have the right to object, in writing, to any warnings issued.
Employers’ Obligations
– Ensure that the intern is familiar with the required work standards.
– Ensure that the intern is given the opportunity to defend their actions in a non-biased environment.
Procedure:
Counselling
Counselling will be conducted when an intern is not performing to the required standard, is not aware of a rule regulating conduct, or where the breach of the rule is relatively minor and can be condoned.
This is usually accompanied by a verbal or written warning if the offence is a first-time occurrence or has not directly impacted the integrity of Golden Homes. These warnings are valid for 3 to 6 months, depending on the breach.
Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary action will be taken when a breach of a conduct rule cannot be condoned or where counselling has failed to achieve the desired effect.
Procedure:
- The breach of a conduct rule is to be explained to the intern.
- The intern is to be given an opportunity to explain why they breached the rule.
- The parties will agree on whether there is a remedy for the breached rule and, if so, what action needs to be taken to correct the breach.
- This is usually accompanied by a suspension or dismissal in cases of serious misconduct.
Forms of Discipline
The following actions will be taken in accordance with the seriousness of the offence and whether the intern has breached the particular rule before:
– Verbal warning
– Written warning
– Final written warning
– Suspension pending a management decision
– Dismissal
Examples of Minor Breaches of Conduct Rules
– An intern signing documents without the presence of a qualified agent.
– Canvassing over someone else’s listing (within the office).
– Negotiating commissions below 4% without the prior consent of the Principal.
Examples of Serious Breaches
– Causing continuous strife in the office.
– Bringing Golden Homes into disrepute within the industry.
– Compromising our RNS membership in any way due to agent actions – poor ethics, sharing of RNS stock with non-RNS agents, etc.
– Non-compliance with SARS regulations.
– Any serious breach of any Code of Conduct or Act that governs the property industry.
Note to Interns:
This document is a working document and is therefore subject to continuous changes.
Should the employee/agent/independent contractor not be satisfied with the outcome of the internal disciplinary procedure, they may call for a hearing as per the Code of Conduct and Business Ethics.