Purpose

The ITEC Group recognises the importance of a work environment which actively promotes best practice. The purpose of this Code is to describe the standards of behaviour and conduct expected from workplace participants in their dealings with customers, suppliers, clients, co-workers, management and the general public.

The ITEC Group expects all workplace participants to observe the standards set out in this Code. Compliance with this Code is expected, and non-compliance may result in disciplinary action including the termination of employment or contract for services.

The code requirements

All workplace participants are expected to observe the highest standards of ethics, integrity and behaviour during the course of their employment or engagement with The ITEC Group. This Code provides an overview of The ITEC Groups fundamental business values. It is by no means exhaustive but summarises some of The ITEC Groups most important policies, which are based on standards that underlie business ethics and professional integrity, standards that apply to all workplace participants.

As representatives of The ITEC Group, all workplace participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally and courteously and observe the following standards of behaviour both inside the workplace and outside the workplace where the workplace participant can be perceived as representing The ITEC Group:

• Comply with all laws, policies, procedures, rules, regulations pathway and contracts.
• Comply with all lawful and reasonable directions from The ITEC Group.
• Be honest and fair in dealings with customers, clients, suppliers, co-workers, management and the general public.
• Display the appropriate image of professionalism in the workplace. Wear the required uniform, safety equipment or work clothes, and if a workplace participant wears their clothes, ensure their appearance is neat and tidy.
• Treat customers, clients, suppliers, co-workers, company management and the general public in a non-discriminatory manner with proper regard for their rights and dignity. In this regard, discrimination, victimisation or harassment based on a person’s race, colour, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, union membership or non-membership, mental or physical disability, or any other classification protected by law will not be tolerated.
• Promptly report any violations of law, ethical principles, policies and this Code.
• Maintain punctuality. If a workplace participant is late or cannot report for work, please telephone and let the supervisor know as soon as possible.
• Do not use work time for private gain if a workplace participant is required to leave the work premises for personal reasons they should advise their Manager well in advance.
• The ITEC Group has a legitimate interest in the private activities of workplace participants where such activities may bring disrepute upon The ITEC Group in its relationships with customers, clients, suppliers, and the general public at large and may call the workplace participant’s fitness for continued employment or to provide services into question.
• Maintain and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out duties and responsibilities.
• Observe health and safety policies and obligations, and co-operate with all procedures and initiatives taken by The ITEC Group in the interests of work health and safety.
• Be truthful in all dealings with persons encountered at the workplace. Workplace participants must not make false or misleading declarations during the performance of their duties or when providing services on behalf of The ITEC Group. A declaration can be considered to be misleading if information is omitted or presented in a manner that enables a misleading view of the situation to be formed. This including failure to comply with reporting requirements and falsifying records and other documents.
• Refrain from any form of conduct which may cause any reasonable person unwarranted offence or embarrassment or give rise to the reasonable suspicion or appearance of improper conduct or biased performance.
• Not act for an improper or ulterior purpose to the detriment (whether perceived or actual) of The ITEC Group.
• Workplace participants must not abuse the advantages of their position for private purposes, or solicit or accept any gift or benefit in connection with their employment or engagement which might compromise, or be seen to compromise their integrity or The ITEC Group’s reputation.
• Respect The ITEC Group’s ownership of all of its property including but not limited to funds, equipment, supplies, books, records and confidential information (however described).
• Maintain during employment with The ITEC Group and after the termination of employment, the confidentiality of any confidential information, records or other materials acquired during the employment with The ITEC Group.
• While employed at The ITEC Group, not accept any employment with another organisation that is a supplier or competitor of The ITEC Group, or any other employment that conflicts with your position at The ITEC Group.
• Not make any unauthorised statements to the media about The ITEC Group’s business (requests for media statements should be referred to the line manager).
• Do not fight in the workplace.
• Do not use inappropriate language in the workplace.
• Never report for work in circumstances where there is a risk that you could be affected by or ‘under the influence’ of illicit drugs or alcohol (g. if you have ingested or otherwise taken drugs or alcohol the night before or in the period leading up to your next work period). If a workplace participant is taking prescription medication, they must inform their manager at the commencement of their working day. Workplace participants may be required to produce medical evidence to prove their medication does not affect their capacity to perform their duties safely without harm to themselves or others.
• Do not smoke during working hours unless it is during prescribed breaks and within designated areas.

Issues for managers and supervisors

Managers and supervisors should:

• Promote a team spirit.
• Maintain confidentiality so far as is reasonably practicable when conducting investigations into grievances and disputes.
• Avoid bias in decision making.
• Ensure compliance with procedures when carrying out counselling and discipline.
• Exercise objectivity when administering rewards or discipline.
• Not condone, permit, or fail to report any breaches of the Code as outlined above by workplace participants under their supervision.

Breaches of this code

A breach of this Code may lead to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, termination of employment or services.