The Staff Code of Conduct ACS Roundtable Forum Presented by Elle Ackland Friday 17 August 2012

Agenda What is a Staff Code of Conduct? Who does it apply to? Terms to include Terms not to include Practical tips – how to inform. Distinguishing and understanding the difference between performance and conduct

What, Who 1.What is a Staff Code of Conduct? 2.Who does it apply to? (Please contact Elle or Nick for a template)

Include terms on..  Duty of care  Reporting requirements  Work Health & Safety  Student supervision  Social media  Behaviour  Drugs  Alcohol and Tobacco  Dress codes  Conflict of interest  Declaring gifts  Communication  Privacy  Record keeping  Copyright  Intellectual property

Terms not to include  discriminatory or less favourable treatment  Terms that are not inherently required for the employee to undertake their role

Practical tips – how to inform Introduction of code and requirements Copy of code provided to all employees Regularly ‘reminding’ staff on various topics –As a safety/policy share at the start of a staff meeting –Special project for staff to present at events Record

Distinguishing between Performance and Conduct How can we identify the difference? 1.Performance 2.Conduct

Performance When relating discipline to performance follow the 3 golden rules: 1.Document 2.Document 3.Document All discipline processes are subject to: –natural justice –procedural fairness –assessment of whether ‘harsh, unjust or unreasonable’.

Conduct When relating discipline to conduct follow the 3 golden rules: 1.Inform and record 2.Inform and record 3.Inform and record All conduct issues are subject to employer having demonstrated (proven) that employee had expectations clearly outlined and recorded. –This can be done by informing and regularly ‘reminding’ employees of the requirements of the code of conduct.

Case Study

Questions