Policy: Staff and Management adhere to the organisation’s Code of Conduct which reflects the behaviour expected and is designed to encourage integrity and professionalism.

Definitions: A Code of Conduct is a set of rules, regulations and guidelines which staff are expected to observe during their employment.

Procedure

Code of Conduct philosophy

The organisation prides itself on the professionalism and ability of its employees and Management Committee to meet community needs. The organisation strives to be a leading service provider and to provide a safe, healthy and happy workplace.

This Code of Conduct is designed to ensure that all Staff, Management are treated in a manner that reflects the mission, culture and legal obligations of the organisation.

Compliance

• All Staff and Management are expected to:
• observe all policies, procedures, rules and regulations at all times
• comply with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations
• comply with all reasonable, lawful instructions and decisions related to their work
• maintain a high degree of ethics, integrity, honesty and professionalism in dealing with community members and other employees
• adhere to the Workplace Health and Safety Policy and Procedure
• maintain the confidentiality of the organisation’s operations in relation to service activities, confidential documentation and work practices during and after their employment
• take reasonable steps to ensure their own health, safety and welfare in the workplace, as well as that of other employees and community members. Staff are expected to make themselves familiar with their workplace health and safety obligations.

Staff and Management behaviour

• If an staff member breaches the following guidelines, disciplinary action may be taken.
• If the breach of conduct is of a legal nature, it will be addressed in accordance with relevant Federal, State or local government laws.
• Staff and Management should not:
  • discriminate against another employee or community member on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, disability, pregnancy, marital status or sexual preference
  • engage in fighting or disorderly conduct, or sexually harass other employees and community members
  • steal, damage or destroy property belonging to the organisation, its employees or community members
  • work intoxicated or under the influence of controlled or illegal substances
  • bring controlled or illegal substances to the workplace
  • smoke on the organisation’s premises or in its motor vehicles
  • accept benefits or gifts which give rise to a real or apparent conflict of interest.

Dress code

• Staff and Management should:

• • dress to comply with workplace health and safety regulations relevant to their work activities
  • dress suitably for their position, presenting a clean, neat and tidy appearance at all times
  • wear minimal jewellery
  • wear a uniform (if supplied) and maintain its condition (clean and not torn)
  • consult with the Manager if unsure of the type of clothing appropriate to their position.
• Staff who deliberately breach this dress code may receive disciplinary action.

Privacy and confidentiality

• Securely store personal information provided by a client or staff.
• Take reasonable steps to ensure this material is kept secure against:
  • loss
  • unauthorised access
  • use
  • modification or disclosure
  • misuse
• Use personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected. Do not disclose personal information to another party unless the individual is aware of, or has consented to, the disclosure.
• Keep information about all service provision confidential within the organisation. Do not disclose information associated either directly or indirectly, to the organisation to external parties unless authorised by the Manager.