The following are requirements for membership to VAISA and require a firm commitment and acceptance of VAISA’s Code of Ethics –
As a highly ethical Virtual Assistant and member of VAISA, all members declare that they agree to the following Codes of Conduct:
1. I am Ethical, honest and trustworthy
With honesty comes trust. Trust forms the foundation of all relationships.
- I will be truthful about my abilities, background or experience.
- I will only take on projects that are within my capabilities.
- I will conduct business in a professional manner, operating within all local, provincial and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
- I will maintain the highest ethics and honesty in all dealings with clients, fellow virtual assistants and the general public.
- I will be honest about my intentions and never misrepresent my skills, peers, or my profession as a whole, whether to networks or to prospects, clients, and the community at large (virtual or otherwise).
- I highly value each client relationship and will not place one client above another.
- I will promote the Virtual Assistance industry with the utmost professionalism and give of my knowledge freely to new and existing VAs and the general public.
2. I respect the privacy & dignity of others
Virtual Professionals afford appropriate respect to and promote the development of the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of all people. I respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality and autonomy, consistent with other obligations and with the law. I will respect my clients and associates and not make their personal information available and will respect their privacy.
3. I maintain high standards of competence
I strive to ensure and maintain high standards of competence in my work. I recognise the boundaries of my particular competencies and the limitations of my expertise. I will provide only those services and use only those techniques for which I am qualified by education, training or experience. I will make a commitment to possess and increase the required knowledge, skills and training to be proficient and relevant in the provision of services.
4. I am aware of my responsibilities
Virtual Professionals are aware of their responsibilities to their clients, to the community, and to the society in which they work and live. Virtual Professionals avoid doing harm and are responsible for their own actions, and assure themselves, as far as possible, that their services are not misused, I will seek to deal with clients, suppliers and fellow assistants in a fair and equitable manner, and maintain the highest standards of personal conduct to bring credit to the Virtual Assistant profession.
5. I act with integrity
Virtual Professionals seek to promote integrity in the virtual assistant industry. Virtual Professionals are honest, fair and respectful of others. They attempt to clarify for relevant parties the roles they are performing and to function appropriately in accordance with those roles. I will not knowingly be a part of any illegal or unethical activity.
6. I treat all information with confidentiality
Information that is shared and used between my clients and myself are considered confidential. This private information will be held in the strictest of confidence and not shared with others unless deemed by my client. I will not use this information for personal gain or in any way that would be damaging to my clients or that would violate their privacy, even if I am not working with said client any longer.
7. I conduct my business in a professional manner
I will uphold the highest of standards and operate my business in such a way as I would want to do business with others. I will operate within all local, provincial and federal laws, rules, and regulations. I will undertake only that work for which we are qualified and capable of providing within the time frame and price agreed upon.
8. I accurately represent my business and the industry
While promoting my business, I will ensure that all information included in my marketing, advertising and promotional material accurately portrays the industry as a whole and does not have any negative impact on other members of the industry.
9. I provide top quality service
I will demonstrate a commitment to providing my clients with the highest quality of service and accuracy. I will undertake only that work for which we are qualified and capable of providing within the time frame and price agreed upon.
10. I promote VAISA & the VA industry
As a VA and member of VAISA, I understand the importance of promoting the integrity and professionalism of the industry. I will do my best to contribute to and portray the industry in such a light as to show the advantages and benefits to my fellow members and to all clients and potential clients.
11. I contribute to the enhancement of the VA industry
I will share my knowledge with other members of the industry. I will build honest and respectful relationships with my fellow members. I will not demean others who lack knowledge or experience. I will offer support to all those in the industry, especially those who are just starting their practices and need a supportive word or helpful information.
12. I understand membership is for a minimum 12-month period, renewable annually thereafter.
Ensuring equal benefits for all members, irrespective of their membership duration, upholds our commitment to fairness and inclusivity. This approach prevents any undue advantage or disparity among members, fostering a sense of unity and shared value within our community.
13. I acknowledge that if I choose to cancel my membership prior to the completion of the minimum 12-month period, I am obligated to settle any outstanding dues promptly.
Offering the option for monthly payments is a privilege granted to members, and this clause emphasizes the importance of honouring the agreed-upon commitment, thereby maintaining a balanced and supportive environment for all members.