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Staff Code of Conduct PREAMBLE This Code of Conduct is intended to guide LITTLE YARRA STEINER SCHOOL staff to identify and resolve issues of ethical conduct that may arise in their employment. It is designed to guide staff in their dealings with colleagues, parents, students, the School and the wider community. The Code is written as a set of general principles rather than detailed prescriptions, that are in line with the schools values and expectations (see below). The Code stands beside but does not of course exclude or replace the rights and obligations of staff under common law. The School is a complex organisation comprising a diversity of populations that have different relationships to one another. It is essential in such a community that all members recognise and respect not only their own rights and responsibilities but also the rights and responsibilities of other members of the community and those of the School itself. SCHOOL VALUES a non-judgmental attitude towards all people Seek to understand the situation of others Adopt a co-operative attitude in working with others Develop open communication skills Work respectfully with other people Work out of reverence for the world Strive towards goodness Appreciate beauty Work from a basis of trust Be responsible for our actions
Every member of staff of LITTLE YARRA STEINER SCHOOL has four primary obligations: a duty of care to observe standards of equity and justice in dealing with every member of the School community; Comply with the expectations as outlined in their job description for Little Yarra Steiner School to the best of their ability. an obligation to the School in terms of responsible stewardship of its resources and protection of its reputation in the wider community; An obligation to act appropriately when a conflict arises between a staff member's own self interest and duty to the School. Where such conflict does or may arise, the issue should be disclosed to an appropriate individual or group of the School and wherever feasible the staff member should play no role in decision-making that might be associated with that issue.With respect to conflicts of interest, staff members: Must inform the appropriate group or individual that they have a conflicting interest. Should take suitable measures to avoid, or appropriately deal with, any situation in which they may have, or be seen to have, a conflict of interest arising out of their relationship with another staff member or student. In particular, staff should, where possible, avoid situations which may require them to supervise or assess, under examination conditions, a student with whom they have, or have had, a personal, commercial, familial or other significant relationship. Where both a supervisory role and significant relationship between staff members, and students exist, supervision must be openly seen to be of the highest professional standard and neither unfairly advantaging nor disadvantaging the supervisee; Must take care that their financial and other interests and actions do not conflict or seem to conflict with the obligations and requirements of their School position. Where appropriate, notify the matter to the College of Teachers for further attention.With respect to their interactions and demeanour with fellow members of staff and Parents, staff members should: Conduct themselves in a way that is in keeping with the values espoused by the school. Endeavour to maintain a positive and co-operative attitude. Endeavour to protect each others good name, by attempting to resolve issuesusing calm and respectful dialogue directly with the individual concerned. Be aware that events have many sides, be prepared to listen to them and seek to verify facts before stating a concern. If a conflict arises ensure that correct procedures are followed.With respect to their duty of care, members of staff should: treat students and other staff with respect; refrain from all forms of harassment; consider the impact of decisions on the well-being of others; respect individuals' rights to privacy and undertake to keep personal information in confidence, including information gained from outside the School; not allow personal relationships to affect professional relationships; give due credit to the contributions of other members of staff or students; refrain from acting in any way that would unfairly harm the reputation and career prospects of other staff or students; Consider the desirability of intervening constructively where a colleague's behaviour is clearly in breach of this code, and be prepared to report any suspected fraud, corrupt, criminal or unethical conduct to an appropriate member of the College of Teachers of the School.With respect to their obligation to the School, members of staff should: foster collegiality among members of the School community, refrain from representing themselves as spokes-persons for the School unless authorised to do so; refrain from representing themselves as acting for, or on behalf of, the School when undertaking any outside work; refrain from engaging in any outside work that would compromise their integrity and independence or the integrity of the School; avoid improper use of the resources of the School for private gain or the gain of a third party;Acknowledgement I have read and understand the above Code of Conduct and expectations Signed Name Date APPROVED BY THE COLLEGE OF TEACHERS 19/10/06 To be reviewed 2008
Document Updated: 17/09/2008 |