General Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

The purpose of this General Code of Conduct is to provide a single overview of the expectations for all people working with the Academy or attending Academy events. This includes employees, Fellows, awardees, volunteers, partners, suppliers, prize holders and programme participants. These expectations reflect the Academy values and are crucial to promoting a positive and safe environment for all. 

2. Mandatory Policies

All engaged in Academy activities or events are expected to adhere to all mandatory policies. These can be found on the Academy website: 

• Anti-Bribery Policy 

• Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy 

• Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy 

• Conflicts of Interest Policy 

• Diversity and Inclusion Policy 

• General Privacy Policy 

• General Safeguarding Policy 

• Health and Safety Policy 

• National Security Risks Policy  

• Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Policy 

• Whistleblowing Policy 

3. Legal Obligation

Everyone engaged in Academy activities or events is expected to adhere to all relevant laws and regulations. These include but are not limited to: 

• Avoid and disclose conflicts of interest: You must actively avoid conflicts of interest in your role and promptly disclose any conflicts that may arise. 
• Prohibit discrimination, harassment, and bullying: Engaging in or tolerating any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying is strictly prohibited. This includes actions based on age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. 

• Maintain professional boundaries: Clear and appropriate boundaries must be maintained with all individuals, especially vulnerable persons and children, to ensure their safety and wellbeing. 

• Prohibit physical intimidation and unwelcome behaviour: Physical intimidation, unwelcome sexual advances, and inappropriate physical contact are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. 

• Provide accurate information: You must not knowingly or negligently provide false or misleading information in any form of communication. 

• Respect data confidentiality: The personal data rights of data subjects should be upheld. Do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others

4. Ethical Behaviours 

The following ethical behaviours ensure that everyone who works with the Academy or attends an Academy event is safe from harm and has a positive experience. This list of ethical behaviours reflects the Academy values and mandatory policies: 

• Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness: Ensure that all interactions are rooted in kindness and equity, recognising the inherent value of each person, especially where there is a clear imbalance of power. 

• Be mindful of language: Avoid comments that draw attention to characteristics such as disability, skin colour, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, age, religion, or any other personal traits in a way that could cause offense or exclusion. 

• Respect differing opinions: Engage constructively with others, appreciating diverse perspectives, professional backgrounds, and fostering open dialogue. 

• Take responsibility for your actions: Own the outcomes of your decisions and behaviours and strive to make choices that reflect integrity and accountability. 

• Maintain professionalism: Exhibit professionalism in your conduct, communication, and appearance. 

• Act with honesty and transparency: Ensure that all interactions and communications are clear, truthful, and conducted in good faith. 

• Collaborate and share knowledge: Work together to achieve common goals, generously sharing insights and resources to support collective success. 

• Use resources responsibly: Utilise the organisation’s time and resources with care and efficiency, ensuring they are used for their intended purposes. 

• Prioritise health and safety: Look after your own wellbeing and that of others, maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all. 

• Safeguard the Academy’s reputation: Refrain from actions, including social media posts, that could damage the integrity or reputation of the organisation. 

• Report ethical concerns: If you encounter behaviour that violates these behaviours, report it promptly to ensure that appropriate action can be taken. 

5. More Information

Breaches of this code of conduct will be handled in accordance with the relevant policy. Further detail about Academy policies, including how to raise a complaint, can be found on our website.