Meridian Forensic Building Consultants

Policies

Meridian operates under a formal Policy Manual (MFB-PM-01). Each policy is summarised below. A full copy of any policy is available on request.

Quality Policy

Our commitment to independent, reliable reports

Meridian Forensic Building Consultants gives independent, evidence-based building opinions that insurers, lawyers, tribunals, regulators and property owners can rely on. Our services cover forensic investigation and reporting on the cause and extent of building damage and defects, strata matters, scope and quotation reviews, peer reviews and expert witness reports.

Our commitments

  • Independence first. We put our duty to the tribunal or court, and to honest opinion, ahead of any client's preferred outcome.
  • Evidence-based findings. We base every finding on evidence we can show, state what was not tested, and stay within our expertise.
  • Correct references. We cite every standard and code by edition and clause, as it applied at the relevant date.
  • Checked before issue. We check every report before it is issued, and correct errors openly, recording the change.
  • Requirements met. We meet the requirements of our clients, the law, the rules of evidence and the terms we agree.
  • Complete records. We keep a complete job file for every matter, which can be produced if required.
  • Continual improvement. We set measurable quality objectives, review them every year and keep improving our quality management system.
  • Safe site work. We plan every site visit and follow our safe work method statement, so that inspections, testing and sampling are done safely for everyone on site.

This policy is supported by the Meridian Quality Manual, our quality management system written to ISO 9001:2026, by our policies on independence and conduct, work health and safety, complaints, privacy and cyber security, and by our safe work method statement for site inspection and testing. It is reviewed every year, or sooner if our business changes, and is available to anyone who asks.

Meridian is not currently certified to ISO 9001:2026.

Policy directory

Policy 1 — Work Health and Safety

Work Health and Safety

Meridian provides a working environment that is safe and without risks to health, physical and psychological, so far as is reasonably practicable, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), the OHS Regulations 2017 and the OHS (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025.

Policy 2 — Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination

Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination

Meridian does not tolerate bullying, sexual harassment, sex-based harassment, discrimination or victimisation, and takes positive steps to prevent them, as required by the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and Victorian OHS law.

Policy 3 — Privacy

Privacy

Meridian handles personal information in line with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). See our Privacy Policy.

Policy 4 — Modern Slavery

Modern Slavery

Meridian does not tolerate modern slavery in its operations or supply chain, and supports clients that report under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth).

Policy 5 — Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Meridian does not offer, give, ask for or accept any bribe, secret commission, kickback or other improper benefit, directly or through anyone else.

Policy 6 — Code of Conduct and Independence

Code of Conduct and Independence

Meridian gives independent, evidence-based opinions; it does not advocate for any party, and its fees never depend on the outcome.

Policy 7 — Complaints Handling

Complaints Handling

Meridian acknowledges every complaint within 2 business days and gives a written response within 15 business days, free of charge.

Policy 8 — Vulnerable Customers and Family Violence

Vulnerable Customers and Family Violence

Meridian adjusts how it works for anyone experiencing vulnerability, and supports its insurer clients to meet their obligations under the General Insurance Code of Practice.

Policy 9 — Fraud Awareness and Reporting

Fraud Awareness and Reporting

Meridian records facts and reports inconsistencies to the instructing client; it never makes an allegation of fraud in a report, and it never takes part in or overlooks fraud.

Policy 10 — Quality Management

Quality Management

Every Meridian report is built on a controlled template, checked against a written checklist before issue, and backed by a complete job file.

Policy 11 — Business Continuity

Business Continuity

If the principal cannot work, every open matter can be identified within one business day and clients are told within two, because job files sit in cloud storage and an up-to-date matter register is kept.

Policy 12 — Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Meridian treats everyone fairly and on merit, and makes reasonable adjustments so its services are accessible, in line with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and Commonwealth anti-discrimination laws.

Policy 13 — Environmental

Environmental

Meridian's main environmental impacts are vehicle travel, electricity and electronic equipment; it reduces them where practical and complies with environmental laws. The office runs on solar power with battery storage, and Meridian's vehicle is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) charged from that solar system.

Policy 14 — Cyber Security

Cyber Security

Meridian protects client information with encrypted devices and storage, multi-factor authentication on every account, managed endpoint security and encrypted backups held in two places.

Questions about our policies?

Contact Meridian directly if you have questions about any of our policies or how they apply to your matter.