Code of Conduct Policy

The Code of Conduct describes standards of professional conduct that promotes adherence to the department’s and NSW Public Sector’s values. It provides a framework for employees to support day to day ethical decision making.

Policy statement
1. The NSW Department of Education's vision is to be Australia’s best education system and one of the finest in the world. To achieve this vision, we need a highly professional and inclusive workforce.
2. The Code of Conduct describes standards of professional conduct that promotes adherence to the department’s and NSW Public Sector’s values.
3. All employees are expected to exercise sound judgement and live up to both the content and spirit of the Code of Conduct.
Audience and applicability
1. All department employees, contractors and volunteers.
Context
1. The Code of Conduct draws on legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
2. The Code of Conduct should be read in conjunction with the NSW Public Service Commission’s Code of Ethics and Conduct for NSW Government Sector Employees, with which all government sector employees must comply.
  1. Employees must also comply with relevant legislative, industrial and administrative requirements. This includes lawful directions made by a person with appropriate authority.
  2. Where there is a conflict between legislation and the Code of Conduct, legislation should take precedence.
  3. Employees are expected to be aware of, and act in accordance with, applicable government directives, circulars and memoranda. Some of this material is referenced in the Code of Conduct.
3. Legislative provisions
Responsibilities and delegations
1. Employees must:
  - keep students safe and support their wellbeing
  - treat everyone with respect, courtesy, fairness, and honesty
  - act with the utmost care and diligence
  - understand and apply the laws, policies, procedures and guidelines that underpin their work
  - work collaboratively and comply with lawful and reasonable directions
  - always uphold the values and good reputation of the department whether on or off duty
  - avoid conflicts of interest, report those that cannot be avoided and cooperate in their management
  - only use official information for the work-related purpose it was intended
  - only use their position and resources for a proper purpose
  - report inappropriate conduct immediately.
2. Workplace managers, in addition to complying with the responsibilities detailed in section 4.1, must:
  - model the department’s values and professional conduct
  - promote a collaborative and collegial workplace
  - foster performance and development processes with employees under their supervision
  - provide ongoing support and feedback to employees under their supervision
  - provide employees under their supervision with information about available support services and resources
  - communicate the responsibilities under the Code to employees under their supervision
  - establish systems for effective communication and consultation in decision-making
  - utilise reporting systems when a breach of the Code may have occurred
  - promptly address poor conduct and performance.
Monitoring and review
1. The Executive Director, Professional and Ethical Standards monitors the implementation of this policy and reviews its contents for relevance and accuracy every three years or as needed.
Contact
1. Executive Director, Professional and Ethical Standards, (02) 7814 3722

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This information is current as at 01/03/2021 10:52am, AEDT. For the most up-to-date information, go to https://policies.education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/pd-2004-0020.

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Code of Conduct Policy

NSW Department of Education