code of conduct

Scope

This policy applies to all parties acting on behalf of the Waalitj Foundation including employees, visitors, contractors, consultants, trainees, volunteers and any other people who may be appointed as an associated of the organisation.

Principles

The Waalitj Foundation Code of Conduct serves as an important resource to ensure its daily operations are conducted with integrity. This Code of Conduct applies to all parties acting on behalf of the Foundation.

The Waalitj Foundation is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and creating, supporting and providing a workplace free of inappropriate or unlawful behaviour. Staff are encouraged to share their concerns with their managers without fear of reprisal. Therefore, at Waalitj Foundation, no adverse action will be taken against any employee or volunteer for complaining, reporting, participating or assisting in the investigation of a suspected violation of this Code of Conduct.

Waalitj Foundation will maintain the confidentiality of all complaints. All alleged breaches of the Code will be investigated, and if appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken and may include employment termination. Waalitj Foundation staff are required to read, understand and comply with the Code of Conduct.

Waalitj Foundation Guiding Principles

These guiding principles are the foundation for actively shaping Waalitj Foundation’s culture.

• Lead by example
• Nurture meaningful relationships
• Make a happy place
• Strive for more
• Never forget why we are here

The Waalitj Foundation Code of Conduct is guided by eight professional standards that must be met by anyone working on behalf of the organisation:

1. Intellectual Freedom

• Comply with any obligations imposed by codes of practice of funding, professional bodies or Waalitj Foundation’s policies and/or procedures.
• Engage in constructive criticism and rational debate, while respecting the intellectual freedom of others by not initiating, participating in or condoning acts which are detrimental to them by way of victimisation, harassment, defamation, bullying, intimidation or violence.
• Protecting the confidential information that exists between the Waalitj Foundation and its stakeholders.
• Behave honestly and with integrity and without bias, discrimination, bullying or harassment.
• Ensure that your communications are always respectful, professional and lawful, always maintaining appropriate behaviour with participants and clients.
• Make decisions that are risk-informed, reasonable, timely, procedurally fair and appropriate to the circumstances, based on all the relevant facts and supported by adequate documentation.
• Be accountable for your role and take responsibility for your actions.
• Promptly report or raise any unethical, improper or illegal behaviour that arises in the workplace.

2. Personal and Professional Behaviour

• Treat others with care, respect, encouragement and with dignity.
• Keep informed of and comply with relevant statutory and regulatory obligations, contractual agreements, Waalitj Foundation’s policies and procedures.
• At all times behave in a manner which upholds the guiding principles, integrity and good reputation of Waalitj Foundation.
• Observe and obey Australian law.
• Do not exceed or misuse your influence or authority to gain an advantage for yourself or others, or cause detriment to Waalitj Foundation or others.

3. Health and Safety

• Take reasonable care that your workplace is safe and secure for everyone, including identifying, reporting and, where possible, eliminating hazards and risks.
• Comply with all applicable occupational safety and health laws and standards.
• Take reasonable care to protect the physical and natural environment, including reporting hazards, near misses, incidents and risks and using resources in a manner that does not harm the environment or others.

4. Conflict of Interest

• Take reasonable steps to avoid any conflict of interest and disclose details of any material personal interest of the employee/volunteer in connection with the Waalitj Foundation. When in doubt, consult your Line Manager or People and Capability team.
• Promptly disclose any actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest involving yourself to your Line Manager or other appropriate manager through the Waalitj Foundation Conflict of Interest Declaration Form.
• Take special care that any previous, current or future close personal relationship involving yourself and any other person, including staff, volunteers, participants, clients, providers, is promptly and fully disclosed where that relationship could give rise to an actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest.
• No improper use of inside information or your duties, status, power or authority to gain a benefit.
• Do not accept gifts, benefits or hospitality in any situation where a conflict of interest could arise.

5. Communication and use of Waalitj Foundation Information

• Maintain confidentiality, integrity and security of Waalitj Foundation information for which you are responsible or have access to in the course of your duties.
• Do not disclose sensitive information unless there is a requirement by law or proper authorisation has been given.
• Do no misuse information or documents acquired in your daily duties for direct or indirect personal commercial gain, for yourself or others.
• Respect the privacy of individuals, security of personal information and protect intellectual property.

6. Fraudulent, corrupt and criminal behaviour.

• Conduct yourself in an honest, ethical and professional manner and don’t engage in fraudulent and corrupt behaviour.
• Use the Foundation’s funds, property, equipment or other resources in a proper and efficient manner for business purposes and not for personal use or gain.
• Report any suspected fraudulent, illegal and corrupt behaviour thought the appropriate mechanisms.
• Do not make false claims of expenses, work hours or leave entitlements.

7. Record keeping

• Take reasonable steps to understand your obligations and expectations placed upon you by the Waalitj Foundation in relation to your record keeping responsibilities and the need to meet legal requirements
• Properly record actions and decisions to ensure transparency and accuracy.
• Securely retain records and confidential/ sensitive information in both paper and electronic form.

8. Use of Waalitj Foundation resources

• Take responsibility for the appropriate use of Waalitj Foundation funds and ensure they are expended only for the purpose and benefit of the organisation, participants and clients, within budget and in accordance with the Foundation policies and procedures.
• Use the Waalitj Foundation property, equipment and resources diligently and efficiently on behalf of the community to deliver outcomes for the participants and clients.
• Ensure that your electronic communications with employees or stakeholders including email, instant messaging and social networking are professional and that messages cannot be misunderstood or misinterpreted.
• Do not use the Waalitj Foundation IT system or equipment for any unethical or unlawful purpose, browse, download, distribute or pass on any threating, offensive, prohibited or pornographic material.

Breach of the Code of Conduct

Breaches of the Code of Conduct by any anyone working on behalf of the organisation could result in disciplinary action under the organisation policies and procedures and other relevant legislation. Depending on the severity of the breach, disciplinary action may be taken, and the results can vary from counselling to demotion or dismissal. In some cases, the matter may be referred to the Police, Corruption Crime Commission or other appropriate authority.