Advocacy, support, issues and disputes

The following free advocacy and support services are available:

• UFBA. Freephone 0508 832 269 (Mon-Fri business hours), or send a confidential message via the UFBA contact us(external link) page. Also see UFBA advocacy and support services(external link).
  Note: UFBA provides advocacy and support services to all volunteers, but cannot provide rulings on any conflict or dispute.
• Apply for alternative advocacy services: email independent.advocacy@fireandemergency.nz
  Note: These applications are considered case by case for management on a 'by exception' basis.
• Humankind(external link) are providing an independent service for bullying and harrassment, see Interim process for bullying and harrassment complaints.
• Personal stress support: Seek safety, health and wellbeing support. 
• The UFBA Benevolent Fund(external link) provides for UFBA members and their families who are going through tough times financially or who have suffered misfortune. There is also a COVID-19 Special Benevolent Fund(external link) fund for those impacted by COVID-19 to ensure there is ‘food on the table.’
• The Firefighters Welfare Society(external link) focuses on helping firefighters and their families. Membership fees apply.

• Guideline: Manage volunteer poor performance or misconduct allegations
• Process: Resolve volunteer issue 
• Guideline: Resolving volunteer issues 
• Process: Resolve dispute - (includes a link to the Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme)
• Guideline: Respond to bullying and harassment
• Process: Make protected disclosure about serious wrongdoing