I. Preamble
Matthew House, Inc. is committed to ensuring that its organizational business is conducted, in all respects and all the times, according to ethical, professional, and legal standards, which prevail from time to time, in the same manner in which Matthew House conducts its regular business. The organization is also committed to creating a workplace that, at all times, is free from harassment and discrimination, where co-workers are respected and provided an appropriate environment to encourage good performance and conduct.
To achieve this goal, all Employees are expected to:
* adhere to this Policy in their professional as well as personal conduct
* treat co-workers with respect, courtesy, honesty, and fairness
* respect different values, beliefs, cultures, and religions
* value the contribution of the people they work with and work cooperatively
* not bully, intimidate, harass or discriminate against other co-workers
II. Purpose
This “Code of Conduct and Work Place Ethics Policy” (the “Policy”) has been formulated in order to foster and maintain Employee trust and confidence in the professionalism and integrity of the Employees of the Organization by ensuring that all Employees adhere to appropriate standards of conduct as set out in this Policy, that maintains and enhances the reputation of the Organization.
This Policy aims to provide guidance to all Employees of the Organization on how and in which manner should the conduct of Employees be when they are undertaking business on behalf of the organization.
The circumstances of conducts as set out below in this Policy, although not exhaustive, are intended to cover those situations, which are most likely perceived to be encountered by Employees. In case any Employee encounters any circumstance which is not covered hereunder or in case of any doubt, Employees should seek guidance from the Executive Director and/or Reporting Manager and act accordingly.
A breach of the Policy may result in disciplinary action against the Employee concerned including potential dismissal or termination of employment or any other legal action as may be available with the Organization or all of the above together.
III. Coverage
This Policy applies to all the Employees of the Organization. Employees shall mean all individuals on full-time or part-time employment with the Organization, with permanent, probationary, trainee, retainer, temporary or contractual status.
The Organization also expects its managerial staff to lead by example and perform their duties in accordance with this Policy and ensure that the content of this Policy are communicated to all persons reporting to them.
IV. Clauses Covered Under the Policy
Professionalism
The personal and professional behavior of Employees shall confirm to the standards expected of persons in their positions, which includes:
* A commitment to and adherence to professional standards in their work and in their interactions with other Employees of the Organization;
* A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and honesty in their work;
* An adherence to ethical and legal standards to be maintained in business;
* A responsibility to support the Organization in its efforts to create an open and mutually supportive environment;
A responsibility to share information and give willing assistance in furthering the goals and objectives of the Organization; and
A responsibility to ensure that there is no misrepresentation of facts. Wherever a misunderstanding is thought to have taken place through unclear communications, this should be corrected promptly.
Conflict of Interest
Each Employee is expected to avoid situations in which his or her financial or other personal interests or dealings are, or may be, in conflict with the interest of the Organization. Accordingly, the Organization expects its Employees to act in the Organization’s interest at all times.
Employees are advised not to engage in any other business, commercial or investment activity that may conflict with their ability to perform their duties to the Organization. Employees must also not engage in any other activity (cultural, political, recreational, social) which could reasonably conflict with the Company’s interests and interfere with the performance of their duties.
Employees must not use any Organization’s property, information or position, or opportunities arising from these for personal gains or to compete with or to tarnish the image of the Organization.
Employees should not engage in any business activity, which could be detrimental to, or in competition with the Organization’s business activities.
All Employees must avoid situations in which their personal interest could conflict with the interest of the Organization. If, under any circumstances Employees’ personal interests conflict with those of the Organization’s, in all such cases the Employee must seek advice from his or her reporting manager or senior management.
For avoidance of doubt, mere financial portfolio investments shall not be considered as activities that conflict with the business of the Organization.
Confidentiality of Information
As a result of employment with the Organization, Employees may be entrusted with confidential information with regard to the Organization, its clients and suppliers. Upon employment, Employees are required to separately read, acknowledge and sign the “Confidentiality Agreement” that shall explicitly mention the terms and conditions of the confidentiality obligation and treatment of confidential information of the Organization.
Protection and Use of Organization Property
All Employees of the Organization are responsible for protecting and taking reasonable steps to prevent the theft or misuse of or damage to Organization’s assets, including physical assets, movable, immovable and tangible property. All Employees must use all equipment, tools, materials, supplies, and Employee time only for Organization’s legitimate business interests. All employees must use and maintain the Organization’s property and resources efficiently and with due care and diligence.
Whole Time and Attention
All Employees shall devote their time and their best efforts to promote the Company’s business and may not without the prior written consent of the Company (and subject to any terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Organization) engage or be interested in (whether directly or indirectly) in any other business, employment or vocation for pecuniary gain.
Harassment
The Organization is committed to provide a work environment that is free of inappropriate behavior of all kinds and harassment on account of age, physical disability, marital status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. Employees are responsible for supporting the Organization in its endeavor to protect others from any form of such harassments.
In the course of business conduct of any Employee, wherever harassment occurs to any such Employee as a result of an act or omission by any third party or outsider, the Organization shall take all steps necessary and reasonable to assist such affected Employee in terms of support and preventive action.
This is separately detailed in the “Workplace Harassment Policy”.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
The use or possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, and other controlled substances in the workplace and being under the influence of these substances on the job and during working hours is strictly prohibited. However, possession of prescription medication for medical treatment is permitted.
This Policy Lasted Updated on April 26, 2021.
