Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is based on principles, values and behaviours outlined in the Code of Ethics. This Code applies to all staff and students of the University. Contractors, their employees and representatives, and visitors engaging in any University-related activity are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this Code.

The Code of Conduct underlines:

• The rights of employees to be treated fairly and equitably in the workplace;
• Avenues for resolving complaints or breaches of policies and Codes; and
• The legal and ethical obligations and expectations of all students and staff to act in accordance with the expressed standards of conduct, integrity and accountability contained in relevant legislation, University policies and Agreements.

The objectives of the Code are to:

• Provide direction to staff and students around expected conduct whilst affiliated with the University;
• Assist staff and students in dealing with ethical issues in ways that reflect the University’s values and standards;
• Promote professionalism and excellence;
• Express shared assumptions and organisational values;
• Provide staff and students with direction in ethically ambiguous situations;
• Detail the University’s social responsibilities; and
• Provide a statement on public accountability and corporate governance.

The Code does not supersede other policies or agreements that The University of Western Australia has in place. Appendix 1 contains a list of Acts relevant to the Code of Conduct, and reference is made to relevant University policies and Collective Workplace Agreements throughout this document. Appendix 2 provides a list of contact positions for further information on specific matters contained in the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct does not and cannot cover every possible situation. You can, however, test yourself on whether your behaviour is ethical by asking yourself five questions:

• Would I be happy to have what I am saying or doing be on the public record or appear on the front page of the newspaper?
• Does what I am saying or doing serve a purpose beyond self-interest?
• Would I like to be spoken to or treated in this way?
• How will taking this action reflect on my character, or the reputation of the University?
• What would the University be like if we all made decisions like this or behaved in this way?

Members of this University should be aware that any breach of this Code may result in disciplinary action being taken under the University’s Collective Workplace Agreements.

UWA Collective Workplace Agreements
hr.uwa.edu.au/2128279

Obligation of Individuals

Individuals employed or enrolled at The University of Western Australia are responsible for their own behaviour and obliged to conduct themselves in the following manner with regard to each and every undertaking associated with University business:

• Behave honestly and with integrity;
• Act with care and diligence;
• Treat everyone with respect and courtesy and without harassment;
• Use University property and money efficiently, carefully and honestly with due authorisation and without misappropriation;
• Comply with all applicable laws;
• Comply with any lawful or reasonable direction given by a person with the authority to give the direction;
• Behave in a way that upholds the values, integrity and reputation of the University of Western Australia.

Failure to act in accordance with these obligations can be a cause for investigation under the relevant Misconduct provisions of the University Collective Workplace Agreements or under Statute 17, Student Discipline and Regulations for Student Conduct and Discipline.

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