IDA CODE OF CONDUCT

COMPLAINT PROCESS

Submitting a Code of Conduct Complaint: 

Occasionally, a complaint may be received about an IDA member where it is alleged that the Code of Conduct has been breached. The IDA has a simple 4-step procedure for filing a conduct complaint.

1. The alleged conduct breach is submitted to the IDA, citing which point of the Code of Conduct has been breached, together with substantive evidence.

2. If it is determined that the complaint form is complete and all necessary information and evidence submitted, the IDA Conduct Committee is convened.

3. The committee interviews the parties and gathers more information as required.

4. The committee makes a determination and sends the recommended action* (if there is one) to the IDA Board to approve/deny and implement. 

*Possible actions taken by the Conduct Committee include: no action; censure/reprimand; temporary suspension of membership; full removal of membership.

Guidelines for Submitting a Code of Conduct Complaint:

1. Complaints may not be filed about personal disagreements or arguments between individuals. The IDA is not a mediating body. The IDA is not an investigative body. The IDA has no legal authority over its members.

a. Example: You are a customer unsatisfied with the work of an IDA member. This is not a Code of Conduct complaint, and the IDA has no authority in this area. This type of complaint should be routed to Better Business Bureau (or similar authority), handled by the customer’s and the shop’s respective insurance companies, or routed through legal counsel for next steps.

b. Example: You are a business owner, or a competitor, or colleague in a disagreement with an IDA member (i.e. payment for services/products, or separating a joint business venture, or customer competition). This is not a Code of Conduct complaint, and IDA has no authority in this area. Small claims court is the appropriate venue to resolve payment disputes; legal counsel or mediation specialists are the appropriate parties to resolve business disputes; FTC or similar international or smaller regional bodies may assist in situations of unlawful competitive practices.

2. IDA members’ personal activities having no connection to or effect on a member’s professional/business role are not subject to the IDA Code of Conduct.

a. Example: You discover an IDA member has a past misdemeanor or felony on their record. This is not a Code of Conduct complaint.

b. Example: An IDA member expresses a value, belief, or opinion you do not agree with. This is not a Code of Conduct complaint.

3. The Conduct Committee will not be convened to make a determination on a complaint if a complaint is received that:

a. is not pertaining to alleged violations of the Code of Conduct

b. does not include substantive evidence and supporting documentation in the submission, to include:

i. A violation supported by a legal ruling (example documentation: court order, judgement document, etc.).

ii. Substantive evidence of publicly made abusive, derogatory, or threatening language toward the International Detailing Association or its members.

4. All complaints must be submitted to the IDA through the official Complaint Submission Form. Complaints received in person, over the phone, or via text or email will not be considered official submissions and will not result in the convening of the Conduct Committee.

5. By filing a complaint, the complainant agrees to maintain confidentiality regarding the complaint, committee correspondence, proceedings, and results of the review and hearing, as will the Conduct Committee and the IDA Board. 

Download FAQ’s & Guidance for Submitting a Code of Conduct Complaint

IDA Conduct Committee Operation Guidelines

Submit a Complaint