4.1.3 Public sector responsibilities and standards of conduct
Last Modified:
06-Apr-2022
Review Date:
01-Jul-2019
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Overview |
To guide staff about standards of behaviour required by the Department of Communities (Communities) and provide a basis on which to promote ethical standards of practice. |
Rules |
- All Communities staff must comply with codes of ethics and conduct which provide a framework in which ethical practice and decision-making can take place. Refer to the
Communities Code of Conduct in related resources.
- Staff with specific qualifications, such as psychologists and social workers, have obligations to their profession’s Code of Ethics. These codes provide ethical guidelines for practice in relation to specific issues that may occur in the course of their professional practice.
- Where decisions in casework that are based on professional judgement diverge from formal policy and practice guidelines, they need to be approved by a senior officer and the rationale for the decision made must be adequately documented. The relevant district director and Executive Director must also be informed. Such professional discretion is supported by senior management who acknowledge that while specific standards and requirements exist to guide case practice, decisions must also be based on professional judgement, assessment and decision-making.
- In matters related to conduct, all incidents of actual or threatened harm, bullying, harassment or violence towards a staff member must be immediately reported to the district director and/or line manager.
- Where staff witness incidents which they believe constitute a breach of conduct, the matter should be referred to the appropriate authority. Refer to
Reporting Misconduct - Information for staff in related resources.
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Information and Instructions- Specific codes of conduct
- Staff access to records
Specific codes of conductSpecific codes of ethics and conduct affecting Communities staff include:
(To access, click on the links above or in related resources).
Communities has procedures in place relating to staff management, health and safety. Refer to the Administration Manual for detailed procedures. TopStaff access to recordsCommunities's staff are not permitted to carry out research into their own information, their family history or peruse documents on behalf of a family member. Staff should be aware that access to electronic files is auditable.
A staff member who may also qualify as a current or former client can only access their information in the same manner as any other client. For detailed information refer to Chapter 4.1: Client requests: Access to records and electronic recording. Top
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