Code of Ethical and
Professional
Standards
Living Our Mission Through Ethics
and Integrity
Table of Contents
Letter to Valued Employees
3
Living Our Mission Through Ethics and Integrity
4
Core Ethical Values
5
Ethics Begins With You
8
Core Code Provisions
9
Frequently Asked Questions
13
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Dear Valued Employee,
As you read this document, we would like for you to ponder and answer two vital
questions: Whose responsibility is it to make sure our Credit Union adheres to the
highest of ethical and professional standards? Why does it matter?
The answer to the first question is very simple – all of us who represent Kinecta Federal
Credit Union as valued employees. And why does it matter? Kinecta Federal Credit
Union is known as an ethical and honest credit union, worthy of our members’ trust and
support. Having this reputation affords us the opportunity to hire the very best
employees, to gain new members and to give back to the communities where we reside.
Our good name is vital for maintaining our ability to do business in the future.
As the leadership of Kinecta Federal Credit Union, one of our most important duties is to
provide the best possible workplace for everyone in the organization. Enjoying our jobs is
the first step. However, all of us should also have the comfort of knowing we work in a
safe, secure and ethical workplace. Only then can we all feel proud to work here, feel
good about our jobs, and attain our vision to provide exceptional member service.
Your cooperation is essential to ensure that we maintain a positive, productive workplace.
This Code of Ethical and Professional Standards along with your employee handbook and
other published policies and procedures should be carefully reviewed by you and
followed. If you have any questions regarding this or any other polices, please contact
your immediate supervisor or the Human Resources Department.
Together, we can ensure that Kinecta Federal Credit Union remains the first choice for
our members’ financial needs if each and every one of us continues to live our mission
through ethics and integrity.
Kind Regards,
The Executive Team
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Living Our Mission Through Ethics and Integrity
Kinecta Federal Credit Union maintains certain policies to guide its employees with
respect to standards of conduct expected in areas where improper activities could damage
the reputation of the organization and otherwise result in serious adverse consequences to
the credit union, our members, and to the employees involved. The purpose of Kinecta’s
Code of Ethical and Professional Standards is to affirm, in a comprehensive statement,
Kinecta’s commitment to live by the highest ethical and professional conduct and
behaviors and to the required adherence to these standards by all employees.
What is a Code of Ethical and Professional Standards?
The Code of Ethical and Professional Standards is a formal statement of the core values
and business practices that guides how Kinecta Federal Credit Union and its employees
conduct themselves in delivering exceptional service to our members. Our employees,
from the executive team to the line staff are required to comply with all ethical standards
presented in various forms, including but not limited to, the Employee Handbook, Human
Resources Policies and Procedures and departmental policies and procedures as well as
this formal statement of ethical and professional standards.
What is the Intent of the Code of Ethical and Professional Standards?
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To build respect, credibility and importance within our organization, with our
members, the business community, and the communities in which we reside
To assist the organization in achieving our goals and objectives
To positively influence workplace and recruitment practices
To encourage professional decision-making and responsibility
This Code is available electronically on the Kinection. When updates to the Code are
required, they will be made to the electronic version. You should always check the
electronic version for the latest updates.
This Code is intended to provide general guidance to be followed by all Kinecta Federal
Credit Union Employees and representatives. Where conflicts exist with other policy or
regulations, the requirement containing the higher standard of ethical conduct shall apply.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union reserves the right to update or otherwise change this Code
at any time.
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Core Ethical Values
Kinecta Federal Credit Union is committed to doing the right thing – all the time! One
way we do this is by living our mission through ethics and integrity. This means making
ethical choices in difficult situations. It means we do this even when no one else is
watching. That is why we have created this Code of Ethical and Professional Standards.
This code is specifically designed to promote honest and ethical conduct and to deter
wrongdoing. Violations of the Code and any other policies and procedures of the Credit
Union may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
The Code is also designed to be part of a total system to encourage ethical conduct that
includes: Senior level commitment to ethics, a department completely devoted to
ensuring that the credit union is in compliance with all state, federal and local regulations
governing Kinecta, regular ethics training that starts on your very first day of
employment and a formal process that allows you to confidentially raise ethical concerns
as well as continuing communications about our commitment to the highest ethical
standards.
Our commitment to living our mission through ethics and integrity can be summed up in
the following eight core ethical values. As you review specific policies and procedures
that affect your daily work life at Kinecta, it is useful to have these core values in mind as
a context for understanding what it means to do the right thing – all the time - and to live
our mission.
Put the Member First
By making every effort to deliver high performance in our daily duties and
responsibilities and to do everything in our power to positively impact our work units, we
all contribute to the overall goal of delivering exceptional member service. It doesn’t
matter if we have direct contact with the member or not; if we individually treat people
well, and deliver our best – collectively we will contribute to the bottom line of the Credit
Union.
Honesty and Truthfulness
It is difficult to meet any of our goals and objectives without honesty and truthfulness as
the core foundation on which we build all of our ethical standards. To be honest is
defined as not being deceptive; to be truthful; not fraudulent; genuine and of good repute.
Each and every one of us is required to live up to that definition. By doing so, we can be
assured that our members will trust us, and we will attract the very best applicants to join
our team.
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Integrity
Integrity results from consistent decisions to act ethically in all situations, even the
difficult ones. To have integrity is to uphold ethical principles and to fully live up to our
obligations as a member of the Kinecta Team. Each of us should always be counted on to
do what we say we will do, without fail – consistently and reliably. Without being told
what to do, as Kinecta Employees, integrity will drive us to adhere not only to the letter
of the law, but also to its spirit.
Quality
Kinecta Federal Credit Union is committed to the goal of delivering products and
services that enhance the lives and well-being of our members and employees. Quality
means more to us than the absence of defect. It speaks to our making every effort to
deliver to the best of one’s ability and to strive to endeavor to meet all the needs of our
members, fellow employees and the community at large. Providing top quality at a great
value is our aim.
Respect Others
Respect can be described as regard for the inherent worth of each individual. To be
respectful requires us to create an environment where people are treated well and are
afforded all of the rights they are entitled to both under law and in line with Credit Union
Policy. It goes without saying that a respectful workplace is safe and free from
discrimination and harassment. In addition, it affords employees equal opportunity to
pursue their goals and it always protects the privacy of personal information of our
members and employees.
Fairness
Webster’s Dictionary describes a fair person as one who exhibits the attributes of
impartiality, being just, objective and unbiased in their thinking. Fairness is closely
related to a concern for how others are treated – ensuring that we treat them in a way we
would wish to be treated in a similar situation. Fairness underlies our commitment to
treat people ethically and to apply ethical standards and reasoning to all our decisions.
Fairness must also govern how we treat our members, vendors, competitors and how we
manage our working relationships.
Be a Good Citizen
A citizen is one who owes loyalty to and is offered protection from the place which they
reside or belong. At a minimum good citizenship requires all of us to obey applicable
laws and regulations. It also means that we must respect the environment, provide a safe
and healthy workplace and give back to the communities we belong to. As an
organization, we continue to be committed to equal employment opportunity and
diversity of our Credit Union. We also give back to our communities through a variety of
philanthropic endeavors and strive for an open, transparent business climate free from
corruption and unlawful practices.
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Be Responsible and Take Accountability
Stepping up to our responsibility calls on us to accept the obligation to act in certain ways
when called upon to do so, or when we see the need to take action. Accountability is the
willingness to accept the consequences of our actions – good and bad! Together they are
the foundation and cornerstone of mature, ethical conduct. As employees of Kinecta
Federal Credit Union, we are both responsible and accountable for our actions. This
includes, but is not limited to living up to the standards outlined in this document.
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Ethics Begins With You
In everyday life, we may be presented with the challenge to “do the right thing.” Kinecta
Federal Credit Union recognizes that all employees may encounter ethical challenges in
their work. If Kinecta is to live up to its mission with ethics and integrity, it takes each of
us to do our part. Ethics at Kinecta begins with YOU!
When you are faced with a business decision that seems to have ethical overtones, here
are some questions you should ask yourself to determine your best course of action:
1. Am I adhering to not just the letter, but the spirit of any applicable law or Kinecta
Policy?
2. Would I want my actions reported on the front page of the newspaper?
3. What would my family, friends or neighbors think of my action?
4. Could my actions lead to my termination or arrest?
5. Will there be any direct or indirect negative consequences for Kinecta due to my
course of action?
6. Are my actions consistent with the overall values set forth in this Code and in
other published Kinecta policies and procedures?
If you are uncertain about the correct course of action to take, STOP and ask for help!
If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can call the 1-800 Ethics Hotline or go online to
the EthicsPoint System to report any possible wrongdoing or to ask for help and
direction.
Points of Contact
It is your duty and responsibility to report any violation of this Code or any other Kinecta
Policy. Your supervisor is generally the first person you should contact if you have
questions about any policy or procedure or to report any violations that you have become
aware of. In some cases you may feel more comfortable discussing the matter with
someone other than your supervisor. In those cases, there are other means to report
violations at Kinecta Federal Credit Union. You may contact any of the following on a
confidential basis for the purpose of discussing any issue related to this Code or to report
any other type of violation:
Corporate Human Resources Manager
Any member of the Executive Team
Call the 1-800 Ethics Hotline or go online to Ethics Point
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Core Code Provisions
The following Core Code Provisions are intended to be a guide and reference for users in
support of day-to-day decision making. They are meant to clarify the organization’s
mission, values and principles, linking them with standards of professional conduct. The
code is also designed to encourage discussion of ethics and to improve how employees
deal with the ethical dilemmas and gray areas that are encountered in everyday work.
These codes are meant to complement, not replace, other published and stated relevant
standards, policies and rules of the credit union. The list of provisions is not exhaustive,
and is not intended as a complete list of policies and procedures.
Accuracy of Records
Kinecta is committed to maintaining our employee and member records and information
in a manner that protects the privacy and confidentiality of those records. Employees
may not obtain, use or divert any Credit Union information for personal use or benefit.
Employees may not remove, alter, or destroy records or information from any branch or
department without appropriate permission.
Conflicts of Interest
All employees must avoid any conflict of interest interacting with members and vendors,
both real and perceived. Kinecta Federal Credit Union respects employees’ rights to
engage in activities outside of their jobs. These activities, however, should not put you in
a position to be in direct conflict with the Credit Union and/or your position within the
Credit Union. Avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest creates and sustains the
trust of our members, employees, business partners and the community.
Disclosure of Information
Employees may not disclose financial, sensitive or otherwise confidential information
about the Credit Union, its members or other parties to any third party unless specifically
authorized to do so.
E-mail, Internet and Information Technology
Employees should exercise the same care, caution and etiquette in sending email
messages as they would in a written business communication. The e-mail system is not
entirely secure and may be susceptible to interception. All emails that are sent by
employees should be professional and appropriate to the circumstances.
Anyone provided a connection to the Internet is provided such connection primarily for
business use. Employees should not abuse access to the Internet for personal purposes.
Equal Opportunity
At Kinecta Federal Credit Union, we believe in the intrinsic worth and dignity of every
human being. This belief is evident in our commitment to equal opportunity. Therefore,
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all employment decisions will be made on the basis of an individual’s qualifications as to
the requirements of the position. We will not make employment-related decisions,
including recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion, down-grades and job assignments
based on or influenced by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex, age,
national origin, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, martial status, or any
other considerations made unlawful by federal, state or local law.
Financial Activities
Every employee is responsible for conducting all financial activities with honesty and
integrity. Therefore, no employee of the Credit Union shall transact business on any
account on which he/she is the owner or co-owner, or any account owned by a family
member or other person with whom he/she has a close personal relationship.
Frauds and Thefts
All employees must ensure that our assets our protected against theft, loss or abuse.
Assets include products, money, information, equipment and our reputation. These are
highly valuable and should be safeguarded. Protection of Kinecta property is the
responsibility of each employee.
Gifts and Gratuities
To avoid any conflict of interest interacting with members and vendors, both real and
perceived, employees or their family members are not allowed to accept gifts of
substantial? value from the Credit Union’s members or vendors. No gifts of any value
should be accepted under any circumstances that may be used in exchange for favors or
special handling outside Credit Union policies and procedures. Never cash – value limit
of goods?
Illegal Drugs and Alcohol
The Credit Union is committed to maintaining a safe and healthful work environment for
all its team members. Individuals who abuse the use of intoxicants affect productive and
efficient job performance and potentially endanger themselves, co-workers and members.
Substance abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. The Credit Union prohibits the use,
sale, dispensing or possession illegal drugs and narcotics and alcohol while on Credit
Union property.
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Intellectual Property
Patents, trademarks and copyrights prohibit the unlicensed use of a protected invention,
identifier (such as our name or logo) or work (such as a photograph, printed materials or
software).
Internal Investigations
From time to time, Kinecta conducts internal investigations of employee conduct. All
employees are required to cooperate in these internal investigations. Employees who fail
to cooperate or who obstruct these investigations are subject to discipline, up to and
including termination.
Outside Employment
We understand that what you do on your own time is, within normal limits, your own
business. However, if you are employed full-time with us, we expect your Credit Union
position to be your primary employment. Therefore, you will be evaluated on the same
performance standards and will be expected to meet our scheduling requirements,
regardless of any secondary jobs. Additionally, you may not disclose any confidential,
privileged or personal information acquired while being employed at the Credit Union to
any other potential or current employer.
Political Activities
Good corporate citizens do not unfairly or illegally influence the political process in the
communities in which they do business. Kinecta Federal Credit Union is committed to
following all national, state, and local laws that govern elections and campaign
contributions.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Kinecta Federal Credit Union is committed to protecting confidential and sensitive
information. This commitment to confidentiality is critical to maintaining the trust and
confidence of our membership and co-workers. In general, information obtained,
retained or generated by the Credit Union is considered to be confidential. Any
employee having access to financial, sensitive, and/or confidential information about the
Credit Union, our members, or other third parties must use sound judgment and extreme
discretion in matters of this nature. Credit Union information must not be discussed with
family, friends, or in public surroundings.
Public Statements
It is important that Kinecta Federal Credit Union provide their members, as well as the
public in large accurate and consistent information regarding our operations. Employees
must not make public statements regarding issues or matters about which they are not
authorized spokespersons. All media and other informational inquiries should be referred
to the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Respect and Teamwork
To ensure the success of all Credit Union team members and the continued growth and
success of the Credit Union’s service to our members, we maintain high standards of
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respect and teamwork. Kinecta will provide a respectful and team-oriented workplace.
We require in return that you demonstrate respect for each other and practice good
teamwork. Respect and teamwork will foster a fair, open, safe and secure work
environment for you and your fellow team members and will ensure the success of our
business operations.
Workplace Harassment
We are committed to providing you and all team members with a work environment free
of harassment and discrimination. Actions or words that harass or intimidate fellow
employees or members are expressly forbidden, and we will not tolerate them. This
policy applies to all employees, regardless of status.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Business Trip
Q:
On a recent business trip, I stayed overnight with an old friend. Can I include
the equivalent cost of a hotel room on my travel voucher since I took my friend and his
wife out to dinner and paid for it myself?
A:
No. All vouchers, time cards and other Kinecta documents must always be
completed in a correct, accurate and honest manner. It is never proper to knowingly
create a false, misleading or erroneous Kinecta document or entry on an expense form.
Conflict of Interest
Q:
Do the conflict of interest principles apply to relatives outside my household or
to friends?
A:
Generally, the conflicts policy applies to members of your immediate family.
However, if your relationship with a relative or friend is particularly close an you could
lose your objectivity regarding Kinecta matters, than in certain circumstances, the
conflict of interest policy would apply. If you have any doubts, you should disclose the
relationship and discuss the matter with your supervisor.
Q:
A supplier/vendor offered me a five percent discount for my personal purchases.
Is this okay?
A:
No, unless everyone at the Credit Union received such a discount, and then, the
offer should be pre-approved by your department Senior Vice President before you agree
to any such discount with the supplier or vendor.
Q:
I am involved with event planning. That means I frequently deal with hotels,
restaurants and travel agents. One restaurant I often use for our meetings has offered
me a free meal for my entire family. I would like to accept it. Am I doing anything
wrong?
A:
Possibly. By accepting the free meal for non-business use, it may look as though
the restaurant is attempting to sway your future business decisions. It is generally best to
decline such offers. When in doubt, contact your Senior Vice President for pre-approval
before accepting any such offers.
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Q:
My spouse has been offered a job with one of our suppliers. Is this a problem?
A:
Possibly. The answer depends in part upon whether you make decisions that
affect our business relationship with that supplier. Contact your supervisor and fully
explain the situation.
E-mail and Internet
Q:
I have a number of friends who work at companies that provide them access to
Internet e-mail. I find Internet e-mail a good way to stay in touch with these friends.
May I send them e-mail from my office?
A:
This type of e-mail is discouraged. Providing you with a computer terminal and
Internet access is an expense. Kinecta Federal Credit Union funds should properly be
directed to Kinecta business and not to personal activities.
Q:
I received an e-mail chain letter. Can I send the letter to my friends at Kinecta?
A:
No. A Kinecta furnished computer and e-mail system should not be used to
originate or forward non-business matters such as a chain letter.
Intellectual Property
Q:
I would like to use one of the computer programs that we have at work on my
home computer. Is that allowed?
A:
Probably not. Computer program licensing restrictions usually prohibit dual use.
Check with your supervisor and the IT Department before you use any Kinecta furnished
software program on your home computer.
Political Activities
Q:
I am doing some volunteer work for the upcoming election for state attorney
general. I would like to use the office fax machine to send out some press releases. Is
this okay?
A:
No. By doing so, you would be using Kinecta resources for personal and political
purpose.
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Q:
My manager’s spouse is running for city council. He has asked me to make a
political contribution. What should I do?
A:
Contact the Human Resources Department or the Division Senior Vice President.
Even if the request seems innocuous, the fact that this person is your manager means that
the request could appear to be coercive or a conflict of interest.
Workplace Practices
Q:
To whom should I direct questions or problems regarding ethical matters?
A:
In most cases, you should contact your supervisor. If that is not practical, you can
contact the Corporate Human Resources Manager or call the 1-800 Ethics Hotline. Also
available to you is the On-Line EthicsPoint System.
Q:
What should I do if I am faced with a situation where the correct ethical
decision would mean that Kinecta loses money?
A:
Employees should always act ethically in every circumstances – even if it means
that Kinecta will lose business or money. We value Kinecta’s long-term reputation.
Employees should never compromise our long-term well being and reputation in order to
meet short-term financial targets – even if asked to do so by your supervisor or manager.
Q:
I think my supervisor is discriminating against me. What should I do?
A:
Contact the Human Resources Department immediately. It is strictly against
Kinecta’s policy to discriminate against employees for any reason.
Q:
I overheard a male manager tell a secretary that the dress she was wearing was
“hot.” Is such a comment considered sexual harassment?
A:
Such a comment is inappropriate and may constitute sexual harassment.
Comments concerning a co-worker’s attire or appearance that is in any way ambiguous or
subject to misinterpretation should be avoided.
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