05/19/2025

The Right Time for an Association to Accept an Ethics Complaint

This requires careful consideration of timing, external factors and more

In my previous article, “An Association’s Guide to Disciplinary Actions,” I discussed how associations can establish and enforce ethical standards through disciplinary measures. This piece examines a crucial preceding step: determining when associations should accept ethics complaints for review.

Professional associations face complex decisions when members report potential ethical violations. While maintaining ethical standards is paramount, the timing and circumstances of complaint acceptance require careful consideration, particularly when other investigative bodies are involved.

Is the Complaint Ripe?

Before investing resources in investigating an ethics complaint, associations must first determine whether the complaint is “ripe” for review.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership.