Policy Code of Conduct

Purpose:

To describe the behavioural expectation policy of staff and volunteers, working for, or on behalf of Bridging the Gap Sydney West (“BTG”), and the policy for dealing with non-compliance, ensuing BTG meets legislative requirements, and the expectations of key stakeholder and the general community.

Policy:

This Code of Conduct applies to all workers (whether paid or volunteer) undertaking roles with, or for, BTG, and is consistent with BTG being a community of faith.

Workers will:

• Recognise that they owe a duty of care to the children, and to others, in their care, along with their parents and caregivers, to ensure that they do not exploit or cause them harm in any way (including emotionally, physically, sexually, spiritually or financially).
• Treat all people with whom they interact with compassion, respect, consideration and fairness; and will respect the dignity of all people regardless of age, race, religion, gender, political belief, disability or sexual orientation.
• Ensure that their language and behaviour is appropriate, polite and respectful.
• Strive to keep their private and public life above reproach including complying with all applicable laws and policies. 
• Not bring, or be under the influence of, tobacco, alcohol, party pills or any other recreational drugs, whilst involved in BTG work.
• Not espouse beliefs, regardless of personal views, in any public forum (including personal social media) that are a departure from Christian Biblical doctrine as summarises in the BTG values.  This includes, but is not limited to, views on marriage other than that between a man and a woman, or gender being other than binary.
• Abide, whilst in a school, with applicable school &/or Department of Education policies, including, but not limited to, the Controversial Issues procedure.
• Abide by relevant professional scope of practice, including only providing advice and services to clients within areas of training, knowledge and competence.
• Disclose to BTG, prior to accepting a role, any physical, mental, emotional or medical condition which may impact on their ability or suitability to hold a role with BTG; or any past criminal convictions; or any pending criminal charges, or complaints made about their moral conduct, whether made to any government agency, employer, institution or church.
• Act with integrity and honesty in all matters.  This extends to, but is not limited to, appropriate use of company property, correct accounting practices, only using assigned logins to access systems and data, and disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.
• Show respect for those in authority, including, but not limited to, political leaders, emergency services personnel, and BTG leadership.
• Immediately advise BTG if aware of a breach of this code of conduct by a worker.

Those in leadership roles are also encouraged to participate regularly in Christian community and fellowship.

This code applies to the full extent permitted under the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of New South Wales.

Where it is alleged that a worker has breached the code of practice, fair and reasonable steps will be taken to investigate the allegation in order to determine whether a breach did in fact occur, its severity, and to determine the appropriate action to be taken.  Appropriate action may extend to disciplinary action up and including termination of employment/engagement.  Actions taken will be in accordance with applicable procedures.

Approval

Approved by resolution of the Board on 13 August 2024.