Code of Conduct

 

GOVERNMENT POLICY

Each agency will have a Code of Conduct (Code) for its members and employees, will have a process for administering their Code and will make their Code available to the public.  Prior to their appointment, a member will be screened for potential conflicts of interest.

 

CONTEXT

The Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA) states that:

  Codes of Conduct
      11 (1)  Every public agency shall implement
    (a)  a Code of conduct governing the conduct of its members, and
    (b)  a Code of conduct governing the conduct of its employees, if any.
  (2)  A Code of conduct referred to in subsection (1) must include provisions
    (a)  requiring members or employees to conduct themselves impartially in carrying out their duties,
    (b)  prohibiting members or employees from acting in self interest or furthering their private interests by virtue of their position or through the carrying out of their duties,
    (c)  requiring members or employees to disclose real and apparent conflicts of interest, and
    (d)  respecting any other matters specified in the regulations.
  (3)  A public agency shall make its Codes of conduct available to the public.

The APAGA also requires that each agency have a process for administering their Code and comply with any future regulations regarding the Code, should they be developed.

The Public Agencies Governance Framework requires that all directors be screened for potential conflicts of interest prior to their appointment. During the screening process, it is important that every potential or actual conflict of interest be identified to determine whether the conflict can be adequately managed.

 

DISCUSSION

A Code is an important communication document setting the tone and direction for ethical behaviour. It reflects a commitment to the agency’s values and provides a framework to guide ethical conduct in a way that supports the best interests of the agency and the public it serves.  As a Code cannot cover every ethical dilemma, the spirit and intent behind it guides conduct.  A Code is designed to encourage ethical discussion, while at the same time being practical enough to help members and employees know how to make decisions or where to get advice if needed.

Making the Code publicly available promotes transparency and accountability, and indicates a commitment to ethical conduct.


Generic Code of Conduct for a Public Agency

The “Generic Code of Conduct for a Public Agency” (the Generic Code) is a sample Code for use by agencies.  The sample Generic Code is presented in two versions:

  1. a business casual version which emphasizes by its tone the serious obligation to comply with expectations; and
  2. a first person familiar version which emphasizes by its tone inclusiveness and accessibility.

The content in both the Business Casual and the First Person Familiar versions are the same.  Both meet the legislative requirements of the APAGA and may be used as a starting point to assist agencies in developing a Code that reflects their unique situation and mandate.

Downloads:

Guidelines for Developing a Code of Conduct for a Public Agency

The “Guidelines for Developing a Code of Conduct for a Public Agency” provides suggestions and examples to consider when modifying the Generic Code or when developing a new Code.  It provides information on core values and principles that provide guidance by which to make a decision; behavioural standards to show how values are applied and practiced; and administrative processes, roles and responsibilities for ensuring the Code’s effective implementation.


Downloads:

 

 

ARCHIVED INFORMATION

Prior to the introduction of Bill 32: the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act, policy in the Public Agencies Governance Framework indicated that each agency must have a code of conduct that addressed key issues raised in the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service of Alberta (Public Service Code).  Information on the Agency Governance Secretariat website discussed how an agency could adapt the Public Service Code for its own use.  A link to the archived material which appeared on the website prior to September 10, 2009 is found below.

Download: Archived - Ethics and Conflict of Interest Information (pdf - opens in a new window)

  • Indicates that each agency must have a code of conduct that addressed key issues raised in the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service of Alberta (PSA Code).
  • An evaluation chart to help agencies determine whether their code addresses the key issues outlined in the PSA Code.
  • A Code of Conduct and Ethics template.

 

Last Reviewed/Updated:  November 18, 2009