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Code of Conduct

It is incumbent upon staff to conduct the affairs of Sydney Gestalt Institute with a commitment to the highest standards of integrity. This includes acting at all times in an honest and ethical manner, in compliance with all laws and regulations and avoiding actual, potential or apparent conflicts of interest. Compliance with this Code of Conduct and Ethics will sustain a culture where honest and ethical conduct is recognized, valued and exemplified throughout the organisation.

 

PROVISIONS

1. Conflicts of Interest Generally

Employees of Sydney Gestalt Institute have a responsibility to organisation.  A potential or actual conflict of interest occurs whenever an employee is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for him or herself, any employee or an immediate family member. (For the purposes of this policy 'immediate family' means a staff member's spouse or domestic partner, parents, siblings, children and in-laws.)  An employee may not engage in activities that create a conflict between the interests of Sydney Gestalt institute and those of the employee. In certain circumstances, Sydney Gestalt Institute may also be concerned about the appearance of a conflict of interest, even if no actual conflict has occurred.

2. Relationships to Suppliers

Staff members with responsibility for issuing or approving orders for the purchase of supplies, equipment, or transportation, or for contracts for employment or services for Sydney Gestalt Institute, may not have a significant interest in any supplier of supplies or services to the Institute.  Nor may staff members immediate family have such an interest. ( 'Significant interest' means any financial interest that may influence the judgment of the staff member in conducting the work of Sydney Gestalt Institute.)

3. Employment, Consultancies and Teaching Assignments

Since it is possible that non- Sydney Gestalt Instituite part-time employment, paid consultancies or teaching assignments could interfere with the discharge of a staff member's responsibilities or create an actual or apparent conflict of interest with the organisation, staff members generally should not accept such assignments, especially assignments with a Sydney Gestalt Institute grantee or supplier. Exceptions may be made with approval of the Director in the following circumstances:

a) Where such arrangement will not interfere with the staff member's responsibilities to the organisation, taking into account the staff member's commitments and responsibilities, such as travel, which may extend beyond normal working hours; and

b) Where the arrangement will not affect, or appear to affect, the staff member's judgments on behalf of Sydney Gestalt Institute.

4. Service on Boards

Staff members who are invited to serve in their individual capacities (rather than at the request of Sydney Gestalt Institute) as trustees or directors may accept such invitations only with the prior approval in writing of the Director. Factors to be considered in evaluating such invitations include:

a) Conflict of interest issues (for instance, whether the organization is a grantee or supplier of Sydney Gestalt Institute or is likely to become one);

b) Likelihood of time conflicts: whether the affiliation or assignment interfere with the individual' s ability to carry out his or her organisational responsibilities;

c) Whether there is a strong relationship to the staff member's job at Sydney Gestalt Institute or professional training;

d) What professional benefits are likely to flow to the individual and to the organisation;

5. Speaking Engagements and Articles for Publication

a) Staff members are encouraged to maintain their professional credentials by undertaking speaking engagements and writing articles appropriate to their fields of interest, provided the time for preparation and delivery does not interfere with their organisational responsibilities.  Possible speeches or articles should be discussed with the staff member's supervisor.  The Director should be consulted on major presentations to large audiences, such as articles for a periodical or appearances on television or radio.

b) In writing or speaking in an individual capacity, staff members are expected to clearly so indicate whether or not it is appropriate to explicitly disclose the staff member's employment by Sydney Gestalt Institute depends on the circumstances. If in doubt, the staff member should consult the Director.

6. Political Activities

Staff members are free to engage in political activities when, in the staff members' judgment, such activities will not conflict with their ability to carry out organisational responsibilities.  Staff members should keep in mind, when making such decisions, the potential difficulty in outside perception in distinguishing between the staff members' personal and professional capacities. No political activities can be conducted during a staff member's business day, or with the use of any Sydney Gestalt Institute resources.

7. Confidentiality -Disclosure of Information

Staff members are expected to exercise the utmost discretion in regard to all matters of Sydney Gestalt Institute business. They may not communicate any information known to them by reason of their position that has not been made public, except as may be necessary in the course of their duties or by authorization of the Director.  Nor shall they at any time use such information to private advantage. These obligations are not modified by participation in any activities described above and do not cease upon separation from the Institute.

8. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

A variety of laws and regulations apply to Sydney Gestalt Institute, the violation of which may carry civil or criminal penalties for Sydney Gestalt institute and/or the individual. It is the responsibility of each staff member to comply with all such laws and regulations.  Staff members are also required to observe the laws and regulations of countries in which they travel, including each country's currency exchange regulations.

9. Accuracy of Financial Accounting and Reporting

Sydney Gestalt Institute takes very seriously its obligation to comply with the highest standards of financial accounting and reporting. Staff members, in addition to complying with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, to the extent applicable to their duties must:

a) endeavor to ensure full, fair, timely, accurate and understandable disclosure in Sydney Gestalt Institute filings;

b) Record or participate in the recording of entries in the organisation's books and records that are accurate to the best of their knowledge;

c) Comply with Sydney Gestalt Institute disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and

d) Provide information that is accurate, complete, objective, relevant, timely and understandable.

PROCEDURES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CODE

1. Reporting Requirements and Procedures

An employee must promptly disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest to his or her supervisor.  When invited by an outside organization to serve in a capacity described above which requires approval, the staff member should write a memo requesting approval. The memo should set forth the details, including the amount of time that will be required; the benefit to Sydney Gestalt Institute and staff member; the remuneration, if any, to the staff member; the possible cost to Sydney Gestalt Institute; any travel cost to be reimbursed by the inviting organization; and the relationship of the organization to Sydney Gestalt Institute.

2. Complaint Procedure

If a staff member thinks he or she has, or in good faith thinks another staff member has, violated any provision of this Code, that staff member should immediately report the suspected violation to his or her immediate supervisor or other appropriate individuals within Sydney Gestalt Institute. Reported violations of this Code will be investigated, addressed promptly and treated confidentially consistent with the need to investigate, prevent or correct the violation.

3. Retaliation is Prohibited

No one reporting an actual or suspected violation of this Code or other unlawful act in good faith will be subject to retaliation of any kind. Retaliation against an individual for reporting an actual or suspected violation of this Code in good faith or for participating in an investigation of a violation is a serious violation of this Code and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Trainer use of facilities

  • Ensure that the cleanup sheets are handed out at the end of each training session, and supervise cleaning up.
  • Make sure all lights, fans and electrical appliances are turned off (including toilet).
  • Close windows and doors.
  • Lock front door if you are the last person to leave the building.

Dress Code

Dress rules are an important part of the professional image we wish to convey to our clients and the public. The following items of clothing are considered inappropriate for Sydneyt Gestalt Institute purposes:

  • Joggers
  • Thongs
  • Shorts
  • Low cut tops
  • Tracksuits
  • Sport tights
  • Dirty or torn clothing
  • Smart, professional attire is encouraged

Trainer administration requirements for end of program/course

  • Hand out course evaluation forms to students for completion in last class of course.
  • Make sure all students have completed a course evaluation form and return forms to the office for filing.
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