MESSAGE FROM THE CEO                   

15 October 2026

Dear ASHS Members,

I wrote to you all back in March this year advising that the Society had received a number of formal complaints about the conduct of certain Members, in particular their social media posts. Sadly, this trend continued over subsequent months, resulting in an unprecedented number of complaints being received about this type of conduct.

The Society has in place rules and regulations which govern the conduct of Members including but not limited to our Codes of Conduct, Social Media Policy and Member Protection Policy.

The Society is committed to providing an environment where Members are free to express their views in a courteous and respectful way; but in a way in which other Members feel safe, respected and valued. The Society will not tolerate any form of abuse, harassment or bullying by a Member, especially where it may cause offense to a Member based on ethnicity, political views, physical abilities or other personal characteristics or beliefs.

The Society also seeks to protect our highly-valued volunteers at all levels across the ASHS community who selflessly devote their personal time and energy to enhancing the Society and its purpose, as well as our staff.

Each of the formal complaints received have been managed in accordance with the Society’s rule and regulations, and a number have resulted in disciplinary action being taken against Members who have been found to have broken the Society’s rules. Actions range from reprimands where appropriate, up to and including in one case, a finding by an independent Disciplinary Committee which imposed the suspension of a membership and related privileges for a period of six (6) months.

All Members are reminded to be mindful of the Society’s relevant rules and regulations with regard to their social media activity; and we would ask that all Members please be kind and respectful to each other and be careful to not cause offence to others in all their dealings.

Best regards,

Mark Bradley