Give guidance to all College staff on the standards of conduct required by the University.
Define disruption of conduct.
Describe the consequences of disruption of conduct.
Explain the rights of staff.
2. The policy is designed to ensure that the College operates efficiently and effectively and that staff are treated fairly and equitably. It is an effort to explain the University's position clearly so that disciplinary action does not come as a surprise to staff.
2. Code of Conduct
1. Staff are expected to act honestly, conscientiously, reasonably and in good faith at all times having regard to their responsibilities, the interests of the College and the welfare of colleagues and students.
2. Staff have an obligation to the College to:
a) be present at work as required and to be absent from the workplace only with proper authorisation;
b) carry out their duties in an efficient and competent manner, and maintain specified standards of performance.
c) comply with lawful and reasonable employer instructions and policies and to work as directed;
d) respect the privacy of individuals and use confidential information only for the purposes for which it was intended.
e) neither use, nor allow the use of, College property, resources, or funds for other than authorised purposes;
f) incur no liability on the part of the College without proper authorisation;
g) maintain all qualifications (including registration and annual practising certificates) necessary for the performance of their duties legally and efficiently;
h) not demand, claim or accept any fee, gratuity, commission or benefit from any person or persons other than the College in payment for any matter or thing concerned with their duties and responsibilities, nor to accept any gift or favour from any source which could be seen as influencing a business relationship;
i) avoid conflicts of interest.
3. Disciplinary procedures
1. Formal disciplinary action is not taken lightly. The College's experience has been that nearly all staff perform well, conduct themselves reasonably, and overcome minor problems without the need for formal discipline. Initially, problems are dealt with in the expectation that staff will give of their best once a deficiency is pointed out and that any difficulties can be overcome at the workplace level.
2. Where the University has cause to believe that a satisfactory standard of performance has not been reached and maintained, or that the code of conduct has otherwise been breached, formal disciplinary procedures are likely to be invoked.
3. The Employment Court has developed some important principles as to what constitutes procedural fairness in disciplinary procedures and there are three main requirements:
a) An employee must receive notice of the specific allegation of misconduct and of the likely consequences should the allegation be established;
b) There must be a real opportunity for the employee to explain or refute the allegation;
c) There must be proper and unbiased consideration of the explanation.
4. Unless a matter is so serious as to warrant instant dismissal, staff are entitled to be warned about disciplinary breaches and told of the manner in which their performance or conduct must improve. Warnings may be given orally or in writing but the College ordinarily confirms formal warnings in writing. It is usually appropriate to give at least two warnings although some circumstances may call for one final warning.
5. Suspension. The College may need to insist that a staff member not remain at work while the matter of concern is being investigated, e.g. where safety is involved. Unless the relevant contract of employment provides for suspension without pay, any suspension will be on full pay.
6. In the case of dismissal, the College's decision, and the reasons for it, will be confirmed in writing to the staff member before the dismissal is effected.