www.sait.ca
Ethics FIRST
Code of Ethics
2
CODE OF ETHICS
Contents
A message from
the Board of Governors
and our President and CEO
1
SAIT Polytechnic
2
Our Cultural Values
3
Our Principles
4
Fairness
5
Integrity
6
Respect
7
Safety
8
Transparency
9
August 2007
As Canada’s premier polytechnic, SAIT has a
reputation for excellence in providing training and
education that is known around the world.
That reputation is one that we have worked hard to
build for more than 90 years. It is based not only on
the expertise, dedication and talent that we bring
to the classroom, lab and shop, but also on our
commitment to SAIT’s core values and ethics.
Every day, in every interaction—with our students,
our colleagues, our donors and supporters, our
alumni, our business and industry partners, and the public—we try to build and
reinforce our good reputation by living our cultural values and principles.
In fact our commitment to ethical behaviour and adherence to our Code of Ethics is
fundamental to everything we do at SAIT.
There is no profit margin, no donation, no contract, no test result and not one
performance measure that could prompt us to deviate from our firm commitment to
SAIT’s ethical foundations.
When SAIT was founded in 1916, deals were done on a handshake. A person’s word was
a formal bond.
While times may have changed, SAIT’s commitment to its core values and ethics has
not.
The SAIT Code of Ethics was developed in consultation with stakeholders across the
organization and based on best practice within business and industry. It provides us
with an ethical framework for the work we do at
SAIT. It allows us to act with confidence, knowing
that our behaviour and approach to business is
continually enhancing the Institution’s reputation
for integrity, for doing what we say we will do,
for treating others the way we would like to be
treated ourselves, and for being accountable for
our actions. It also serves as a simple guide for
how SAIT expects every aspect of its business to
be conducted.
Put simply, our Code of Ethics is a touchstone for
anyone interacting with SAIT. It says: “Here is who
we are. Here is what SAIT stands for.”
Please take the time to read and think about
the SAIT Code of Ethics, and incorporate these
guidelines into all your SAIT business activities.
A message
from
the Board
of Governors
and
our President
and CEO
1
Irene Lewis
SAIT President and CEO
Mike Begin
Chair, Board of Governors
2
SAIT Polytechnic
SAIT Polytechnic* is a board-governed institute operating as a technical institute in accordance with the Post-
secondary Learning Act (Alberta). Established in the community of Calgary, Southern Alberta in 1916, SAIT is Canada’s
first publicly funded technical institute. As a leading polytechnic in Canada, SAIT is world-renowned for its training
expertise and is a leading provider of skilled workers to the energy sector and other industries.
SAIT’s organizational philosophy is defined by our vision, mission, core competency, cultural values, and principles.
These critical elements describe who we are, what we want to achieve, and what will guide our decision making and
management in all interactions.
Our Vision
To be recognized as Canada’s premier polytechnic, one of the world’s finest, setting the standard in education,
training and innovation.
Our Mission
SAIT shall be an innovative organization equipping people to compete successfully in the changing world of work by
providing relevant, skill-oriented education.
Our Core Competency
Transforming lives by integrating learning with technology.
Our Cultural Values
We value People, Learning, an Entrepreneurial Spirit, Technology and Innovation.
Our Principles
Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Safety, Transparency.
*Board Governors of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (“SAIT or SAIT Polytechnic”)
3
Our Cultural Values
People
• We value our learners and are wholly focused on their success.
• We value the people who work with us and for us. Their knowledge, expertise, dedication, and commitment
are fundamental to delivering on our promises and commitments.
• We value our friends and partners in industry and government. Their guidance and support ensure we can be
the best we dream to be.
• We value our alumni, who help us understand the benefits of lifelong and mutually supportive relationships.
Learning
• We value academic excellence, quality improvement and the application of innovative learning approaches.
• Our learners benefit from the delivery of consistently high standards in collaborative integrated learning.
• Our people benefit from on-going organizational and personal learning opportunities.
• We embrace opportunities that support lifelong learning for learners and employees.
• We strive to continuously improve learning models and delivery systems for the benefit of our learners.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
• We encourage agility, collaboration and perseverance in our delivery of quality education and training.
• We have a ‘can-do’ attitude with a focus on the future.
• We adhere to quality business practices that align with our industry partners.
Technology and Innovation
• We value innovative approaches in all that we do.
• We value technology as an enabling tool to create and deliver innovative courses and programs.
• We use technology to enable our people to work more effectively and deliver high quality results.
• We collaborate with learners and business partners to enhance technology adoption and commercialization.
4
Our Principles
F
airness,
I
ntegrity,
R
espect,
S
afety,
T
ransparency (FIRST)
SAIT Polytechnic is committed to being FIRST in all it does. We, at SAIT, will follow
this set of principles and standards so we know what we can expect of ourselves
and of each other. As well, all of SAIT’s stakeholders, who include fellow employees,
students, Board of Governors, visitors, partners, affiliates, government, our local,
national, and global community, will know to expect leading ethical standards in all
interaction with SAIT.
These principles apply to members of SAIT’s Board of Governors, senior
management, employees, contractors, consultants, agents, and volunteers
collectively referred to herein as “Employees and Others”. Commitment to our
principles will produce a positive work place that will reflect our values and take us
into the future with continued success.
Where to get help
Our principles and values should guide your judgement and behaviour. However, a
situation may arise where the best decision is not obvious. If you find yourself in an
unclear situation, you should ask yourself:
• Is this legal?
• Is this fair and ethical?
• Does this follow SAIT’s vision, mission, core competency, cultural values and
principles?
• Would I feel comfortable if others knew I did this?
If you are still in doubt, and need to seek guidance, or would like to report an
unethical issue:
• Speak to your immediate supervisor
• Contact the Director of Human Resources
• Contact the Harassment/Discrimination Hotline at 210-4406
SAIT has also created an Ethics Hotline as a way for individuals to report ethical
issues anonymously and/or confidentially. The SAIT Ethics Hotline is operated by
ConfidenceLine, an external service provider. Reports can be made via telephone or
internet.
• Call the SAIT Ethics Hotline at 1-800-661-9675 or
• Go to www.sait-eweb.com
Relevant Policies and Procedures
HR.4.9.1 Ethical Disclosure Procedures
Q:
When I make an
anonymous complaint, how will
I know if it was dealt with?
A:
All calls are given a
reference number so callers
are able to get an update on
the status of their call without
having to reveal their names.
5
Fairness
We treat all people fairly and equitably, provide equal employment opportunities
and engage in fair competition.
Fair and Equitable Treatment
We treat all people fairly by conducting ourselves with honesty and impartiality,
free from self interest, prejudice, bias or favouritism. We encourage an inclusive
culture and a learning environment that reflects global diversity. As such,
SAIT is committed to providing a workplace free of harassment, violence and
discrimination. All people shall be treated equally in accordance with the
Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act (Alberta) and other
applicable human rights legislation. Offences including violence, harassment and
discrimination, will be addressed with the appropriate corrective action.
Equal Employment Opportunities
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to impartial and unbiased
hiring practices. The best qualified person will be hired, without discrimination.
Where possible, we will accommodate differences when special measures are
required. Opportunities for advancement provide employees the chance to develop
and progress within our organization. Every effort to avoid favouritism will be
taken.
Fair Competition
We conduct and pursue business opportunities in a fair and equitable manner,
adhering to proper business practices and legal requirements at all times and
reporting improper practice when detected. All transactions are made honestly
and objectively including but not limited to: requests for proposals, auditing,
performance reviews, and business and employment competitions. Business is
awarded solely on merit, so that we can be assured the quality and cost of products
and services is passed on to our customers.
Relevant Policies and Procedures
FN.7.1.1
Price Solicitation Procedures
FN.8.1.1
Professional Services Procedures
FN.12.1.1
Signing Authority – Revenue Generating, Expenditure and Other
Contracts/Agreements Procedures
HR.4.5
Discrimination – Education Policy
HR.4.6
Discrimination – Employee and Student Recourse Policy
HR.4.8.1
Nepotism Procedures
HR.5.1
Recruitment and Selection Policy
HR.5.1.3
Recruitment and Selection – Employment Equity Procedures
HS.1.2
Prevention of Violence and Harassment Policy
Q:
One of my co-workers
always gets funding to go to
seminars and I have never had
an opportunity to go. I feel
this is unfair, what can I do?
A:
SAIT is committed to fair
and impartial treatment. You
should make it known to your
immediate supervisor, Human
Resources, or call the SAIT
Ethics Hotline so the situation
may be handled appropriately.
Q:
We are looking for a
contractor to provide cleaning
services. May I hire my relative
for the contract to save time
instead of collecting estimates
from different companies?
A:
No, in order to ensure the
best cost to SAIT, you should
collect proposals from different
companies. Furthermore, if your
relative wishes to submit a
proposal you should disclose to
your supervisor that you might
be facing a conflict of interest
and remove yourself from the
selection process.
6
Integrity
We carry out SAIT business with honesty, integrity and due diligence. We honour
commitments, are accountable for our actions, and follow through on promises and
agreements.
Honesty and Integrity
Our honesty and integrity are demonstrated when we abide by standards of good
faith and trustworthiness, and adhere to the highest ethical standards. A high
standard of professional and personal integrity must be present in all interactions.
We strive to avoid any instances where judgement or impartiality may be
compromised, such as accepting gifts, personal loans, entertainment, hospitality or
other considerations outside the scope of accepted business courtesies.
Due Diligence
We exercise a high degree of attention and care to required or expected
documentation. We define due diligence as our responsibility to investigate and
identify business and legal issues, and consider all risks prior to embarking on a
course of action or conduct. We define due care as our responsibility to respond
appropriately to findings arising from our practice of due diligence.
Commitment
We keep all individual and collective agreement obligations. In other words, we do
what we say we will do and carry out all of our commitments and promises.
Accountability
We are accountable and able to answer for our conduct, obligations and choices.
Each individual has a personal obligation to guide and judge his or her personal
behaviour in accordance with SAIT’s values and principles. SAIT holds its Employees
and Others personally accountable for their behaviour, celebrating their successes
and working with them to address and correct actions that are not consistent with
our ethical standards.
Relevant Policies and Procedures
AC.4.2
Research Integrity Policy
ER 3.1
Gift Acceptance Policy
HR.2.3
Management Obligations Policy
HR.2.3.1
Board/Employee Relations – AUPE and SAFA Procedures
HR.3.2
Public Service Leave Policy
HR.3.2.1
Public Service Leave Procedures
HR 4.1.1
Outside Employment Procedures
HR.4.2.1
Procedures for Ethical Conduct
HR.4.4.1
Corrective Action Procedures
Q:
A supplier who is bidding
on a contract is offering me
tickets to the Grey Cup. What
should I do?
A:
Accepting the Grey
Cup tickets could potentially
impact your impartiality in
the selection process. It is
essential that you remain
unbiased and therefore you
must decline the offer.
Q:
I am thinking of
seeking political office. What
obligations or restrictions
should I be aware of as a SAIT
employee?
A:
SAIT recognizes your
right to seek political office
and to serve on civic or
government boards. However,
SAIT is politically neutral and
does not align itself with any
political party. You must ensure
that your personal political
views are not misrepresented as
SAIT’s views. Additionally, you
must not identify yourself as
a SAIT employee in campaign
literature.
7
Respect
We respect the dignity and human rights of people. We provide a safe environment
where people can speak freely. We enhance human development in the workplace,
the marketplace and the community.
Dignity and Human Rights
We value the pride and esteem of all people and recognize the freedom, right
to justice and equality of all individuals. As members of the SAIT educational
community, we are responsible for the respect of all people, and for contributing to
the highest possible quality learning environment.
Freedom of Expression
We respect the right to speak or act without unreasonable or unlawful restriction
or interference. The expression of constructive opinions is encouraged; no member
of our community will suffer adverse consequences for offering reasonable and
constructive opinions in good faith.
As a post-secondary learning institution, we respect academic freedom. However,
this freedom should not diminish the dignity or human rights of any person.
Human Development
We respect the growth and advancement of people, recognizing that personal
professional development is critical to our success. We employ an objective
Performance Planning and Review system which assists employees in improving
their job performance by establishing performance objectives.
As an organization that values people, innovation and lifelong learning, we
encourage employees to pursue developmental activities. Programs and funding are
available to employees who wish to develop their knowledge while contributing to
the success of their department and of SAIT.
Relevant Policies and Procedures
AC.4.4
Human Research Policy
AC.4.4.1
Research Requiring Ethics Review Procedures
HR.2.2.1
Institutional Professional Development Procedures
HR.2.2.2
Professional Development Fund – Faculty Procedures
HR.2.2.3
Professional Credential Enhancement Procedures
HR.4.2.1
Procedures for Ethical Conduct
HR.4.4
Performance Management Policy
HR.7.1
Freedom of Speech Policy
Q:
My supervisor often
yells at me in front of my co-
workers which makes me feel
embarrassed and upset. What
can I do?
A:
Any form of disrespect to
anyone in the SAIT community
is unacceptable. SAIT is
committed to providing a
safe forum for staff to voice
their concerns. In this case,
since you probably don’t
feel comfortable going to
your immediate supervisor,
contact Human Resources or
call the SAIT Ethics Hotline
at 1-800-661-9675 to remain
anonymous.
Q:
I am conducting a
research study which involves
students. Are there any ethical
concerns I should be aware of?
A:
Respect for the dignity
and well-being of human
research participants is the
cardinal principle of modern
research. All research proposals
involving human participants
must be submitted for ethics
review to the SAIT Research
Ethics Board (REB). The
REB reviews and approves
proposals, and investigates
any reports of unforeseen
risks occurring during the
research that jeopardize the
participants.
8
Safety
We foster positive health practices and ensure safe, secure and environmentally
sound working and learning environments.
Health, Safety and Security
We encourage positive health practices and strive to protect all Employees and
Others, students and visitors from health, safety and security risks. Our Health,
Safety and Environmental Policy and Health, Safety and Environmental System
meet or exceed the requirements of applicable health, safety and environmental
legislation and regulations.
All Employees and Others are responsible for the influence and care that he or she
may have over the physical, social and mental well-being of other members of the
SAIT community. Confidential and professional assistance is available to employees
and family members who experience personal problems that impact their daily lives
and job performances through the SAIT Employee and Family Assistance Program.
Environment
We promote protection of the natural environment by meeting or exceeding
current environmental law. Environmentally sound practices should be used to
reduce energy and resource consumption, waste production and the impact on the
environment. We continually strive for excellence in conservation and efficiency in
a socially responsible and lawful manner.
SAIT Employees and Others are expected to use the physical property and
information resources provided by SAIT for the purposes for which they were
intended in a safe, effective and efficient manner. Use of materials is subject to
copyright and intellectual property laws, and SAIT’s Intellectual Property Policy.
Relevant Policies and Procedures
AC.2.11.1
Intellectual Property Procedures
AC.2.12
Copyright Clearance Policy
FM.1.1
Use of SAIT Tools, Equipment and Workspace Policy
FM.1.2
Institute Facilities, Tools, Equipment and Workspace Policy
HR.1.1
Employee and Family Assistance Program Policy
HR.2.3
Management Obligations Policy
HR.4.2.1
Procedures for Ethical Conduct
HS.1.1
Occupational Health Safety and Environment Policy
HS.1.1.1
Occupational Health Safety and Environment System Procedures
Q:
I nearly slipped on an icy
sidewalk outside my building.
What can I do to report this?
A:
Dealing with icy
sidewalks is a shared
responsibility. The SAIT
Facilities Management
Department clears 27 km of
sidewalks starting with high
traffic areas at 4:00 am.
Keeping this in mind, ensure
that you are extra careful, take
your time, have the proper foot
wear, and are not distracted or
carrying too much. If, however,
you feel there is a danger to
yourself or others, call the
SAIT helpline immediately to
report it.
Q:
There are some strong
indications that my co-
worker may have a substance
abuse problem, should I do
something about this?
A:
Yes, it is your
responsibility to report this.
Doing nothing only enables
the problem and puts your
co-worker, yourself and others
at risk of possible harm. It
would be best to talk to your
co-worker, and encourage them
to seek assistance. But if you’re
not comfortable doing so, or
if there are physical safety
issues involved, speak with a
supervisor and explain your
concerns.
9
Transparency
We conduct our work and communicate in a truthful and open manner; we disclose
information in a timely way, respecting confidentiality and privacy. We engage in
transparent accounting and financial reporting.
Truthful and Open
We value honest, frank and sincere communications. We expect all work to clearly
and accurately represent the facts, and reflect the true nature of the activity.
Dishonest reporting or questionable transactions will not be tolerated.
Timely Disclosure
We share information at the right or appropriate time, voluntarily and in compliance
with all applicable legal requirements and SAIT policies and procedures. Our policies
dictate that all potential conflict of interest situations in which your personal
interests may conflict with the interests of SAIT must be disclosed to the employer.
Confidentiality and Privacy
We respect the privacy of personal information and are committed to compliance
with applicable federal and provincial privacy legislation. We maintain the
confidentiality of competitive and proprietary information received in the course of
business and do not use that information for personal gain.
Accounting and Reporting
We engage in generally accepted accounting principles as applied in Canada,
accurately report financial information, and operate in compliance with the relevant
legal requirements. We are legally responsible and accountable for the information
we present to SAIT stakeholders, and ensure that due care is exercised when
recording transactions. Accounting and other non-financial transactions will be
audited periodically to ensure the adequacy and effectiveness of SAIT’s systems.
Relevant Policies and Procedures
AD 1.1
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Policy
AD.1.5.1
Internal Audit Procedures
HR.4.2.1
Procedures for Ethical Conduct
HR 4.3.1
Release of Employee Information Procedures
Q:
I do not work in the
finance department, so I don’t
have to concern myself with
transactions, do I?
A:
Transactions are not
only financial, but may also
include evaluations, audits,
exchanges, interactions,
programs, policies, procedures,
or communications.
Q:
I became suspicious
the other day when I made a
purchase and the sale didn’t
appear to be rung into the cash
register. To whom do I report
this?
A:
This is a good example
of a questionable transaction
that you should report. You
can speak to Human Resources
regarding your concern to find
out the appropriate department
to contact. If you wish to
remain anonymous please
use the SAIT Ethics Hotline
or website to report your
suspicion.
Ethics FIRST
1301 – 16 Avenue NW • Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2M 0L4 • www.sait.ca
Dostları ilə paylaş: |