Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College supports the view that ethical conduct goes beyond legal and regulatory requirements to, not only illustrate the spirit of the law and culture applying to the College, but to also give effect to the principles and values that guide our day-to-day activities and decision making.

All our employees – teaching and administrative/management – provide their skills and knowledge to ensure the College is able to fulfill its Mission and, in so doing, give valued service to the community. Whilst an employee of the College, you will be a representative of our reputation so it is vital that the conduct of each employee is at all times at the highest professional and ethical standard. This includes a commitment to be honest and fair in relation to your work for the College and to be fit for work in order to apply the skills and knowledge to the job.

Employees, therefore, have a responsibility to work in the best interests of the College, its clients and stakeholders and to avoid situations and actions that may be, or create the appearance of being, in conflict with their job – or in conflict with the law – and, as such, the College’s objectives and principles.

A variety of issues may cause an ethical dilemma and/or a conflict of interest. Sometimes these issues may not be clear cut and you may seek guidance from other specific policies of the College or your College colleagues.

Some examples of activities that have the potential to cause conflict are where a person has a undeclared financial interest in an organisation with whom the College has business dealings (e.g. competitors, suppliers and customers). Or, where a person accepts in the course of their work, directly or indirectly from any party cash payments (other than reimbursements for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses) or other undeclared financial benefits (except those offered to all employees of the College).

A person who accepts gifts from any business party involved with the College without declaring them may be guilty of a conflict of interest – or even fraud. Likewise, if you are aware of this occurring but are reluctant or unsure of how to act, you may be faced with an ethical dilemma.

Other examples relevant to our operations may be where a staff member offers the services or facilities of the College in a way that profits the individual/s (whether directly or indirectly) in a way not consistent with the law or with College practices and principles.

This policy statement provides broad guidance on how to identify real and potential situations which may pose an ethical dilemma and/or give rise to a conflict of interest. Responsibility in the long run rests with you, the individual. As such, the College encourages self-evaluation and taking responsibility for our own behaviours, how we treat each other as individuals, how we treat our clients, our relationship with external groups, and the policies and procedures we develop as an organisation.

If you are in a situation which you believe poses or may pose for you an ethical dilemma and/or that may give rise to you (or others) having a conflict of interest, it is important and appropriate to discuss the matter with your immediate supervisor. If this course of action is not available to you, discuss the matter with another member of the senior management team or a member of the Board.