Mediation of Ethical Disputes within NATS

Most potential ethical disputes are resolved without engaging in the formal ethics complaint process outlined in the NATS Bylaws.

Members are strongly encouraged to work out ethical problems themselves. An important first step in an ethical conflict is direct and open communication and conversation between members who are involved in an ethical conflict. While not required prior to filing a formal ethics complaint with the association, it is highly recommended that members attempt to resolve alleged ethical issues in this manner as a very high percentage of ethical issues within the association historically have been resolved successfully without engaging the formal ethics complaint process, an often time consuming and lengthy process.

If issues cannot be resolved by the involved parties, the Executive Director or President may assist in their resolution. Each step outlined below will be followed in a timely manner with the utmost tact and confidentiality. Communication with others beyond the parties involved will take place only when necessary or required by law.

Dispute Resolution

1. A member may seek advice regarding an alleged ethical infringement by another member from the Executive Director or President. The Executive Director or President will inquire whether the member has attempted to resolve the issue directly with the other member.
2. The Executive Director or President may find that the issue does not constitute an ethical issue or that mediation efforts by the Executive Director or President are not likely to help resolve the conflict.
3. If the Executive Director or President believes that mediation may aide the resolution of the conflict, the Executive Director or President will seek to understand the alleged ethical infringement fully through conversation with necessary parties.
4. The Executive Director or President may contact the member charged with the alleged infringement in order to mediate the conflict. The member charged with the alleged infringement, if contacted, will be given the opportunity to respond to the reported concern. The reporting member will be made known to the reported member at such point deemed necessary to facilitate a resolution.
5. If the Executive Director or President is able to successfully mediate the ethical dispute, the matter will be considered resolved. If the Executive Director or President determines mediation is not possible, the President shall notify the members involved that the above outlined mediation process has concluded and inform the parties of the formal ethics complaint process outlined in the bylaws.