Australian Franchisee Alliance
– Code of Practice & Member Pledge
Purpose
The AFA Code of Practice sets out the standards of conduct expected from all AFA members. It reflects our commitment to professionalism, fairness, transparency, and collaboration across the franchising sector.
1. Integrity & Professional Conduct
- Members will conduct their businesses honestly and ethically, always acting in good faith toward customers, staff, fellow franchisees, and franchisors.
- Members will comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct and all relevant Australian laws.
- Members will avoid misleading or deceptive conduct in advertising, marketing, or operations.
2. Accountability & Transparency
- Members will keep accurate financial records and be transparent about fees, wages, and obligations.
- Members will ensure open communication with staff, franchisors, suppliers, and the AFA community.
- Members accept responsibility for their actions and decisions in business.
3. Fairness in Franchise Relationships
- Members will treat their franchisor, fellow franchisees, and employees with respect and fairness.
- Disputes should be approached with a spirit of resolution, not escalation, and members will use mediation avenues before legal action where possible.
- Members will advocate for fairness in lease terms, supplier arrangements, and compliance burdens.
4. Workplace & Staff Standards
- Members will uphold safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces, complying with Fair Work obligations.
- Staff should be trained appropriately, paid fairly, and supported in their roles.
- Members commit to preventing bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
5. Community & Collaboration
- Members will contribute to the AFA community by sharing knowledge, experiences, and insights that benefit fellow franchisees.
- Members support AFA initiatives such as Franchise Fridays, Better Business Clinics, and working groups, strengthening the collective voice of franchisees.
- Members will not act in ways that bring the AFA into disrepute.
6. Continuous Learning & Improvement
- Members commit to ongoing professional development, attending AFA training, webinars, and events where possible.
- Members will stay informed about changes in legislation, industry standards, and best practices.
- Members will adopt sustainable and innovative practices that improve their businesses and the franchising sector.
7. Confidentiality & Trust
- Members will respect the confidentiality of fellow franchisees when sharing challenges or information within AFA forums or events.
- Information gained through AFA networks will not be misused for personal or competitive advantage.
8. Commitment to the AFA’s Mission
- Members support the AFA’s mission of empowering franchisees, advocating for fair outcomes, and building a strong national franchisee community.
- Members agree to uphold this Code and accept that repeated breaches may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership.
Declaration
By joining the Australian Franchisee Alliance, I commit to upholding this Code of Practice and to conducting myself and my business in a way that strengthens the reputation, credibility, and community of franchisees across Australia.
AFA Member Pledge (Plain Language)
- Running my business with honesty, fairness, and professionalism.
- Treating my staff, customers, and fellow franchisees with respect.
- Following the law, the Franchising Code of Conduct, and the AFA Code of Practice.
- Supporting safe, inclusive, and fair workplaces.
- Respecting the confidentiality of fellow members and sharing knowledge in good faith.
- Continuing to learn and improve through AFA events, training, and resources.
- Supporting the AFA’s mission to build a strong, independent community of franchisees.
Our Code of Practice
At the Australian Franchisee Alliance (AFA), we believe franchisees deserve to be recognised, respected, and supported as business owners.
That’s why every AFA member commits to our Code of Practice — a set of standards that show the community, regulators, and franchisors that franchisees are serious about professionalism, accountability, and fairness.
What it means for members:
- Credibility – demonstrate to customers, staff, and franchisors that you operate to higher standards.
- Protection – be part of a community where members uphold fairness, transparency, and accountability.
- Community – join a national movement of franchisees working together for better outcomes.
Our Member Pledge
Every AFA member agrees to:
- Operate honestly and ethically.
- Respect staff, customers, and fellow franchisees.
- Comply with Australian laws and the Franchising Code of Conduct.
- Support safe and inclusive workplaces.
- Share knowledge and respect confidentiality within the AFA community.
- Continue learning and improving.