FAQ

The Fairness Institute of Australia (FIOA) certifies fairness through a rigorous evaluation process of the members’ subscription application that assesses business ethical conduct, integrity, and transparency. Upon meeting our criteria, certified members receive recognition and support to uphold ethical standards in their ongoing operations. Fairness can mean different things to different people. We advocate for modern, mainstream views. The FIOA is an independent, non-political organisation. It is not affiliated with, funded by, or aligned to any political party, ideology, or government body, and operates independently of political influence.

Members of Fairness IOA gain access to a range of benefits, including certification, digital badges, advocacy support, and networking opportunities within our community of ethical practitioners. Our members are recognized as trusted entities committed to fairness and integrity in their dealings.

Applying for membership with Fairness IOA is simple. You can fill out our online application form available on our website and submit it for review. Our team will assess your application ASAP, usually within 48 hours and reach out to you with further instructions on the certification process.

Fairness IOA welcomes businesses and individuals from diverse industries and sectors who are committed to upholding ethical standards and promoting fairness in their practices. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or corporate entity, you can join our community and contribute to a culture of integrity and trust.

The certification process duration varies depending on the complexity of the evaluation and the responsiveness of the applicant. The  application approval is usually completed within 48 hours. Our team strives to expedite the process while ensuring thoroughness and accuracy in assessing fairness criteria.

Yes, Fairness IOA offers advocacy support to members facing ethical disputes or issues related to fairness in their business or individual circumstances. Our team acts as a mediator and advocate, helping members navigate challenges and seek equitable resolutions.

Yes, there is a fee associated with Fairness IOA membership and certification to cover the costs of evaluation, support services, and community resources. The fee structure varies based on membership type and level of certification. The FIOA tries to keep membership  fees as low as possible, representing value for money for adopting our membership program. Please refer to our website or contact us for more information on membership fees.

FIOA’s mission is to promote ethical standards and fairness in how businesses (and by implication individuals) operate within Australia. It advocates for ethical behaviour and certifies organisations and people who commit to these standards. While the FIOA doesn’t have legal or regulatory authority (like a government regulator) its mission has the following focus areas:

Ethical business behaviour
FIOA aims to set standards around fair, honest, and transparent practices in the marketplace, essentially acting as a third-party certification body that signals to consumers and stakeholders that a business commits to fairness.

Ethical certification and membership
Businesses and professionals can join FIOA and display badges/certificates indicating their commitment to ethical and fair business practices.

Standards and Codes of Conduct
FIOA publishes its own code of conduct that members are expected to follow. This form of self-regulation signals fairness commitments but does not carry enforcement powers like statutory regulatory bodies.

Anyone (e.g. a customer, employee, supplier, or member of the public) can contact the FIOA regarding an FIOA member’s conduct and operations and raise concerns, in addition to FIOA reviews. The Fairness Institute of Australia (FIOA) will always act impartially in a considered manner on receiving advice regarding member concerns. In any circumstances, the FIOA does not publicly or privately criticise its members if they fail to meet FIOA standards. Where concerns arise, the FIOA engages directly with the member to address the issues through discussion and negotiation. If, following this process, the required standards cannot be met, the FIOA will terminate the membership. The FIOA does not make public comment on the reasons for any membership ending. The only statement ever made by the FIOA is whether a membership is active or not active as shown on the FIOA website. This does not attract suspicion as members may come and go from FIOA membership according to their business requirements. Where a membership has been terminated due to breaches of FIOA standards, the former member may reapply for membership if they are able to demonstrate that they can meet and maintain FIOA standards. 

The FIOA uses ISO 26000:2010 as a guidance framework for our corporate social responsibility (CSR) membership practice consideration. ISO 26000 is a non-certifiable standard, and we do not claim certification. We apply the principles and core subjects of ISO 26000 to strengthen our governance, environmental responsibility, labour practices, consumer protection, human rights, fair operating practices, and community involvement for our membership requirements.     ISO 26000 is a guidance standard and cannot be used for certification. Our alignment is based on FIOA’s internal assessment and our commitment to applying ISO 26000 principles as part of our continuous improvement program.