Staff Code of Conduct

This principle describes the University’s expectations around excellence and continuous improvement in the quality of our teaching, research, administration and management; and that we will periodically undertake reviews to identify improvements.

Academic freedom, intellectual honesty and the right to make public comment within fields of professional expertise, freedom of expression and compliance with ethical standards of professions are commitments JCU also upholds. Clear guidance on these commitments is provided within the accompanying Explanatory Statement to the Code of Conduct.

Appropriate behaviours prescribed include acting with care and diligence, behaving honestly, impartially and with without bias, acting with authenticity, sincerity and truthfulness, acting in good faith, and communicating with transparency, openness and honesty.

Ethical standards in the use of University resources, maintaining the University’s public reputation, conflict of interest management, personal relationships and limits of authority are also outlined.

In addition, all staff must comply with local, State and Commonwealth laws, and all policies, procedures, rules, guidelines and statements contained within the University’s Policy Library.

In this principle, JCU’s expectations around compliance with health and safety, privacy, fairness and natural justice, diversity, discrimination and harassment, respect and courtesy are outlined. Examples of appropriate use of social media are also provided in the Explanatory Statement.

Every individual has the right to be treated in a respectful and polite manner. Staff must have conscious regard for the dignity and needs of the people with whom they interact.

In support of the Act’s principle of promoting the public good, JCU commits to minimise the University’s environmental impact and to protect the natural environment; ensure the efficient, effective and sustainable use of resources; strive to embed environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability in all our activities; contribute to the cultural and social well-being of our communities; promote socially-inclusive employment practices; and treat animals with consideration and sensitivity.