Policy 506 - Employee Code of ConductAdopted: November 26, 2008
Guiding Principles Each employee of the School District community has the right to interact in an environment that fosters positive growth and maximizes opportunities for success. To contribute to this positive environment, each employee is responsible for acting in a manner which is conducive to promoting the safety, comfort, well-being and dignity of all. The Employee Code of Conduct is designed to provide a basic understanding of the Board’s standards of conduct and accountability, which reflects the Board’s core values as outlined in Policy 106: Statement of Mission, Mandate and Core Values. Each employee is personally responsible for following the legal, professional and ethical standards that apply to his or her job function. Employees should make decisions consistent with the spirit and letter of these principles. Supervisors have the responsibility to ensure this policy is followed. All employees of the Board have a responsibility to understand and act in accordance with the principles and procedures of this policy. There may be consequences including possible disciplinary action for any serious breaches of the Employee Code of Conduct. Relationships with students Employees are role models and need to exhibit the highest qualities of character, including honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and compassion. Employees must act in accordance with the privileged position of authority, trust and influence they hold with students. This policy supports and enhances professional codes of ethics applicable to employees. Working relationships The conduct and language of employees should meet acceptable social standards as in any professional business environment. In their working relationships, employees are expected to apply the principles of human rights, equity, dignity and respect. The workplace must also be free from discrimination and harassment as outlined in Policy 505: Employee Welfare. Conflict of Interest Employees have the right to be involved in activities as citizens of the community; however, employees must keep their role as private citizens separate and distinct from their responsibilities as employees of the Board. Employees must avoid situations that could result in a conflict of interest. Employees shall not, either directly or indirectly, demand or accept for personal benefit a gift, favour or service from any individual, organization or corporation other than:
Notwithstanding the above, an employee may not accept gifts or any other complimentary item valued in excess of $200 without approval from his/her supervisor. Employees may not use vendors or their employment with the Board to achieve personal gain outside of the employee incentive programs that are communicated to all employees. Employees may engage in remunerative employment with another employer, carry on a business, and receive remuneration from public funds for activities outside their position provided that:
Dress Code Employees are expected to come to work wearing appropriate and professional attire. Common sense, reasonableness and good judgment should prevail when selecting work attire that is appropriate for the intended educational activity and in accordance with WorkSafe BC and other safety considerations. Examples of inappropriate attire (not an exhaustive list):
Employee Attendance Guidelines/Tardiness Employees are expected to attend work on a regular and consistent basis. The Board will support programs and practices that promote employee wellness, aid in helping employees to return to work from an absence, and promote early intervention strategies to assist employees in improving their attendance. Definition of Absence Employees are absent if they have been scheduled to work and do not report to work. Approved leaves and vacation are excluded from this definition for the purpose of these guidelines. Absenteeism may be separated into two classifications:
The Board is responsible for:
Employees are responsible for:
Alcohol and Drug Use The Board accepts the responsibility to provide its employees with a safe, healthy and productive work environment. Employees have the responsibility to report to work capable of performing their tasks productively and safely. The use of illegal drugs and the inappropriate use of alcohol and medications can have serious adverse impacts in the workplace and on others, in particular, students. The following provisions apply to all employees while they are engaged in Board’s business, working on Board property, and operating Board vehicles and equipment. Violations of these provisions will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
In accordance with Board protocols and the School Act, the safety and well-being of students is the primary concern. All Board employees have a shared responsibility for workplace safety and the safety of children. Employees are encouraged to be aware of other employees, contractors or visitors in terms of fitness for duty and safety. If an individual is on Board premises in an unfit condition whereby they may endanger themselves or others, employees are expected to take appropriate action and advise their supervisor or manager of the situation. Employees are to intervene as appropriate to encourage a co-worker to access assistance before an alcohol or drug problem impacts performance or safety. The Employee Code of Conduct strongly supports rehabilitation activities and opportunities by taking steps to investigate any violation of the standards set out under this policy and guiding employees who seek assistance. For example, the Board provides an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for crisis counselling. Whistleblower Protection There is a shared responsibility between employees and the Board to prevent harm and injury. Employees who have information about potentially fraudulent, injurious, illegal or dishonest behaviour of any employee should bring such information to the attention of their supervisor, the Director of Human Resources or submit an anonymous report as provided below. Employees are required to come forward with any such information, without regard to the identity or position of the suspected offender, and are expected to cooperate in the investigation of reported violations. If an employee is uncomfortable making a report to their supervisor, an employee may report anonymously any fraudulent, illegal or dishonest behaviour, activities or conflict of interest. To make an anonymous report, employees should phone the Whistleblower Hotline [see Resources]. The Board will treat the information in a confidential manner and will seek to ensure that no acts of retribution or retaliation will be taken against anyone for making a report in good faith. To protect the privacy of the persons involved, the identity of anyone who reports a suspected violation or who participates in the investigation shall not be subject to disclosure unless there is a legal obligation to do so. Failure to report criminal wrongdoing can itself be understood to condone the crime; we thus emphasize the importance of reporting. Related Policies The following is a general description of key points in related policies. Policy 505: Employee Welfare The Board manages a telecommunications system, a website and an e-mail and conferencing system which are provided in support of the delivery of educational programs and the management of the organization. The Board believes that all system users are responsible for ensuring that these communication systems are used effectively, lawfully and in a manner relevant to the operations of the School District. This policy shall be subject to an annual review to assess its compliance with current laws and regulations.
Employees’ Whistleblower Phone Number is posted in NovaCom / Employee Central / HR Info & Forms
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