Standard One - Rights
Code of Ethics and Responsibilities
Valley Industries Ltd
Policy Number
01.02
Applies to
Everyone
Specific responsibility of
CEO
Version Number
1
Approved by
CEO
Date Approved
1 August 2014
Date of Next Review
no later than 31 December 2015
Policy Context
This policy relates to the expectations the organisations
has of its employees and staff.
Standard (other external requirement)
One
Legislation (other requirement)
Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992
NSW Disability Services Act 1993
Contractual obligations
N/A
1.
Preamble
Valley Industries Ltd (VI) operates with respect, integrity and fairness and in
compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, codes and standards. All
employees, contractors and volunteers have personally committed to the
highest ethical standards of behaviour and conduct in their dealings with
Service Users, their families, carers or advocates as well as each other. Ethical
conduct is recognised, valued and exemplified at all levels.
2.
Our Values
The predominant values inherent in all activities at VI are:
Respect and dignity



Everyone endeavours to identify and nurture each person’s abilities.
Everyone provides services which are person centred.
Everyone is always learning.
Independence and Interdependence


Everyone encourages and assists Service Users to be as independent
as they possibly can.
Everyone encourages and nurtures an appropriate level of
interdependence.
Community

Everyone works every day at building positive relationships with each
other and the wider community.
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Standard One - Rights
Code of Ethics and Responsibilities
Valley Industries Ltd

Everyone understands that co-operation and courtesy is the key to a
successful community.
Hospitality

Everyone respects each other and extends that respect to visitors.
Stewardship

3.
Everyone takes care of each other and everything we use at VI.
Our Mission
VI’s mission is to ensure everyone involved with our organisation does their
utmost to encourage and facilitate the rights of disabled people to participate
fully in our society.
4.
Our Vision
4.1
VI will strive to ensure its Service Users enjoy the same rights and
understand the need to meet the same obligations as other members of society.
4.2
This vision is underpinned by our commitment to our values and will be
achieved by:
5.

providing access to our services to all eligible people; regardless of race,
ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual preferences, disability or gender.

ensuring services provided are of high quality and person-centred.

promoting access to developmental and individualised, educational,
training and employment opportunities within the broader community.

fostering relationships and partnerships between Service Users and the
broader community.

ensuring the VI environment encourages cooperation, commitment,
teamwork and personal growth for everyone.

encouraging participation in the planning and implementation of people’s
Individual Plan.
Our Code of Ethics
5.1
VI’s Code of Ethics (the Code) sets the minimum standards of behaviour
expected of and agreed to by everyone at VI, both individually and collectively.
It should be read in conjunction with the VI Policies and Procedures.
5.2
The Code applies to employees, contractors and volunteers, each of
whom is personally responsible for ensuring their conduct is consistent with the
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Standard One - Rights
Code of Ethics and Responsibilities
Valley Industries Ltd
standards set out in the Code. If, for any reason these standards are comprised
by the behaviour of an employee, contractor or volunteer appropriate action,
including dismissal or referral to the police, may result.
6.
Quality of Service
VI’s Service Users are its highest priority and, within available resources,
management and staff are committed to ensuring:

they provide the services Service Users want at the highest possible
standard of quality.

Service Users feel welcome, part of the VI team and appreciated.

employees, contractors and volunteers abide by all policies, processes
and procedures.

personal and other confidential information held by VI is managed
appropriately.
7.
Relationships in the Workplace
We select and promote employees according to merit in accordance with the
principles of equal employment opportunity. Our relationships and decisions
are characterised by integrity, fairness and a desire to work as a highperforming team. We are committed to:

ensuring there is no direct or indirect discrimination or harassment or
other intimidating behaviour at VI.

treating everyone with respect, courtesy and patience.

not causing disadvantage, discomfort or embarrassment to anyone at VI.

making a positive contribution to an environment which values diversity
of constructive opinion, perspective and cultural input.

ensuring continuous improvement is a way of life by exchanging
information and listening to each other’s opinions and ideas.

supporting new ideas, programs and practices that benefit VI and its
Service Users and adapting to change.
displaying a commitment to encouraging a proper work/life balance for
everyone.

8.
Work Practices and Performance
VI places importance on honesty and strong performance and requires
employees, contractors and volunteers to demonstrate their commitment to:
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Code of Ethics and Responsibilities
Valley Industries Ltd
9.

consistently performing work to at least the agreed or prescribed
standard.

complying with all legal and reasonable instructions, directions and workrelated requests.

complying with VI policies and procedures, all applicable legislation,
industrial awards and agreements governing our business conduct,

seeking clarification from senior staff on any work-related issue about
which there is uncertainty or confusion.

ensuring, to the best of our knowledge, that all declarations or
statements pertaining to VI and its operations are correct and factual.

exercising due care in our work.

performing work reliably and competently, consistent with our scheduled
hours of work and in our agreed workplace.

promptly advising of our inability to attend work or need to be absent
during working hours, in accordance with the relevant procedures.

always acting and behaving in a manner which reflects well on VI; its
Service Users and employees and its public reputation.

maintaining a high standard of dress and personal cleanliness, including
the wearing of appropriate clothing and footwear (or uniform if provided)
which is presentable, clean, neat and tidy and, ensure good personal
hygiene at all times.

not engaging in any action or conduct which intimidates or offends other
people or damages their property or the property of VI.

always of other employees, Service Users, volunteers contractors,
suppliers or the public.

not engaging in the workplace in any financial transactions between
employees or between employees and Service Users.

acknowledging and accepting the requirement to undergo
police/character or other checks as required by VI.
The Work Environment
VI is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure work environment for
everyone and requires employees, contractors, volunteers and Service Users
to:
 perform all work safely, using appropriate work practices and protection
equipment as trained and instructed.
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Standard One - Rights
Code of Ethics and Responsibilities
Valley Industries Ltd
10.

immediately report any incident or hazard, using the established
procedures.

ensure their work performance and safety is never influenced by alcohol,
or prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

not possess or use or provide to others for their use, any illegal/illicit
substances.

not consume alcohol while in any VI workplace, except in the case of a
VI authorised social activity.

not gamble or bet in any VI workplace (except for VI authorised sweeps
and tipping competitions).

immediately report to senior staff any employee, contractor or volunteer
or Service User who contravenes these requirements.
Obligation to Disclose Information
Employees, contractors and volunteers have a legal obligation to promptly
disclose to VI any criminal or civil conviction or loss of points on their drivers
licence.
11.
Social Media
When using social media for personal purposes and in order to ensure the
reputation of VI is not tarnished either directly or by association, employees,
contractors and volunteers need to be mindful of this Code of Ethics.
12.
Environmental Issues
VI recognises its responsibility to maintain and protect the environment and will
comply with relevant legislation. VI will consider the impact on the environment
and the local community of its activities especially in relation to resource usage,
waste disposal, the use and storage of chemicals and will proactively minimise
as much as is reasonably possible any adverse effects.
13.
Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists where loyalties are divided between what is in the
best interests of VI and the personal interests of an employee, contractor or
volunteer. No-one’s position at VI should be used to extend to or seek from any
third party any type of favour. Every reasonable attempt must also be made to
avoid situations where this might be inferred. If a conflict of interest, either real
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Code of Ethics and Responsibilities
Valley Industries Ltd
or perceived, exists or may occur the employee, contractor or volunteer must
immediately report it to the CEO.
14.
Suppliers
VI will be lawful and fair in all supplier relationships. Employees will avoid
placing themselves in situations where a potential conflict of interest may arise,
including any purchasing and supply decisions. Employees will comply with the
Resource & Purchasing policy. Suppliers can expect relationships with VI to be
friendly and conducive to the prompt and proper handling of any business
issues that arise.
15.
Gifts and Benefits
15.1 Employees of VI will exercise the utmost care in giving or receiving gifts
or benefits from any supplier, Service User (and their families) or each other.
Following are some examples of what is regarded as a gift or benefit:

vouchers or cash

discount on goods sourced from a VI supplier or customer

goods provided free of charge by a VI supplier or customer

general gifts (e.g. flowers, wine, chocolates, gift baskets);

corporate merchandise;

products (e.g. promotional products, samples etc.);

souvenirs

entertainment (e.g. dinners, theatre, sporting events, conferences etc.);

travel (where a VI supplier or customer offers to pay for or subsidise
flights, accommodation, meals etc.); and

attendance at sponsored and corporate events (e.g. the conference host
or sponsor offers to pay all or part of the costs so an employee can
attend a conference)
15.2 If an employee is not sure whether they have been offered a gift or a
benefit they should seek advice from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) before
making a decision whether or not to accept.
15.3 Employees must not be seen to be seeking or expecting to receive any
gift or benefit where:
 the nature of any such gift or benefit would prove embarrassing to wither
VI or the recipient;
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Code of Ethics and Responsibilities
Valley Industries Ltd

it could be reasonably construed that the gift or benefit was an improper
inducement or had the potential to compromise an employee’s ethics and
judgement.
15.4 All gift on benefit offered to or received by an employee must be declared
to the CEO.
16.
Outside Employment
16.1 Before engaging in outside employment (including the private practice of
a profession, occupation or trade) an employee should discuss the matter with
the CEO and obtain formal approval. When assessing such requests
consideration will be given to whether the proposed employment:

might adversely affect the capacity to work for VI.

have, or potentially have, an adverse effect on the employee’s
performance at VI (including where likelihood exists of injury or condition
which could affect performance or result in sick leave).

create a potential or actual conflict of interest with their position and
responsibilities at VI.

bring VI into disrepute.

result in wrongful disclosure of information.
16.2 If an employee wishes to act as a director of a company or incorporated
society, trust, fund or community or industry association they must also discuss
the matter with the CEO and obtain formal approval. When assessing requests
consideration will be given to whether the proposed directorship:
17.

might cause or appear to cause conflict between employment with VI and
the duties of the directorship.

will serve to promote VI in an appropriate forum, taking into account any
specific conditions.

forms part of the requirements of the applicant’s employment at VI.
Resources and Assets
17.1 Employees, contractors and volunteers are responsible for the
safeguarding and proper use of all VI property, goods and chattels, equipment
and resources (including information and intellectual property) under their
control or to which they have access.
17.2 Employees, contractors and volunteers must seek permission from their
supervisor before using any item of VI property for personal purposes.
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Code of Ethics and Responsibilities
Valley Industries Ltd
17.3

When personal use is authorised the following conditions apply:
the property must be properly cared for and maintained and kept secure
at all times.

the property must be used outside of working hours and the employee,
contractor or volunteer to whom authorisation has been given shall be
responsible for providing (or replacing) all consumables used.

any private use of a motor vehicle owned by VI must comply with the
current policy on this issue.

access to the internet and the use of a VI issued email address is
restricted to business purposes and must comply with the current policy
on this issue.

any credit card issued to an employee by VI may only be used for VI
purposes, in accordance with the current policy on this issue. Any use of
such a card for personal purposes may result in disciplinary action.

the employee, contractor or volunteer must not gain any personal benefit
from being given permission to use VI property.
18.
Confidentiality of Information
18.1 All information which relates in any way to VI business, its Service Users,
employees, contractors, volunteers, suppliers or customers is regarded as
confidential and must not be disclosed to any outside or third party or used for
any purpose other than official duties.
18.2 Various legislation and VI policies cover the release of personal
information held by VI and such information must not be released to any person
or entity (other than the person concerned) unless:

at the time of disclosing personal information to VI, the person concerned
understood the information might be passed to another person or entity.

formal (i.e. written) written permission to disclose information has been
obtained from the person concerned individual.

VI believes disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen serious or
imminent threat to life or health of the person concerned or another
person.

there is a documented legal obligation that VI disclose the information.
18.3 When ceasing employment or any other association with VI people must
promptly return all documents, records, equipment and other property in their
possession. These people have a continuing legal obligation to safeguard
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Code of Ethics and Responsibilities
Valley Industries Ltd
confidential information to which they became privy during their association with
VI.
19.
Public Comment and Release of VI Information
Employees will not make public comment or disclose information on behalf of VI
unless these comments have been authorised by the CEO or, if applicable, the
Board. Public comment includes speaking engagements, interviews and views
expressed to the media or in publications.
20.
Our Personal Undertaking
I,
hereby certify that I have read,
understood and agree to wholly comply with the information and obligations
set out in this document.
Signature
Date
Witnessed by:
Full Name
Signature
Date
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