Probity and Culture Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define Alliance Housing’s approach to establishing and maintaining appropriate standards of probity and culture.
Scope
This policy applies to all Alliance Housing staff and Board members.
Intent
As a not-for-profit organisation, Alliance Housing must be able to demonstrate to its stakeholders and to the community that it conducts its business with high standards of probity and accountability.This policy seeks to ensure Alliance Housing is nurturing an organisational culture which supports these standards.
Policy
1. Code of Conduct
Alliance Housing will ensure that it conducts its business, including procurement and provision of services, in an ethical, honest and fair manner. It will adopt and maintain ac ode of conduct, governing the behaviour of Board members and employees.
The code of conduct will include:
• Independence of the Board
• Conflicts of Interest
• Gifts and gratuities
• Required standards of personal behaviour
• Communication and confidentiality of intellectual property
• Use of Alliance Housing resources
• Handling of Alliance Housing funds
• Mechanisms for identifying and handling conflicts of interest
• Statement of ethical principles
• All Board members and staff will be required to agree to and abide by the code of conduct prior to their commencement.
2.Employment and Appointment
Employment of staff and the appointment of Board members shall be governed by the relevant policies, which will be supported by processes to ensure that appropriate checks are carried out. Persons desiring to gain employment or appointment must be of good character, and consideration will be given to previous conduct, any criminal history, and the testimony of referees.
3.Fraud, Corruption, and Criminal Behaviour
Alliance will use its best endeavours to foster a culture of service and integrity, and yet acknowledges that no organisation is immune to the possibility of corruption. Alliance Housing will guard against real or perceived conflict of interest by implementing processes to ensure that fraudulent, corrupt or criminal behaviour is detected and handled appropriately.
Fraud – To dishonestly obtain or arrange a benefit by deception or other means including:
• Theft such as stealing property, petty cash, gift cards, donations, tenant funds or the organisation’s assets
• Falsification of records, accounts or documents to deceive
• Dishonestly destroying or concealing accounts or records
• Embezzlement or misappropriation of funding or other assets
• Misuse of assets or property for personal benefit
• Forgery or issuing false or misleading statements with intent to obtain financial advantage or deceive
Corruption – Dishonestly obtain a benefit by misuse of power, position, authority or resources including:
• Bribery, extortion & blackmail
• Secretly permitting personal interests to override the organisation’s interests
• Secretly giving or accepting gifts & benefits in return for preferential treatment to the giver
• Collusion, false quotes, false invoices or price fixing
• Manipulating design & specifications or processes for personal gain or to conceal defects
• Complicity in excessive billing or submission for false support documents or concealment of documents
• Falsifying job qualifications or work or safety certifications
• Nepotism (favouring relatives)
• Privacy breaches or data manipulation with intent to cause harm
• Criminal behaviour is defined as an act or failure to act in a way that violates public law.
Alliance takes a very serious view of self-interested or dishonest conduct on the part of any of its Board or staff, and will take all practicable steps to ensure that its standards of probity and accountability are upheld.
4.Privacy
Alliance Housing collects and administers a range of personal information for its purpose as a Community Housing organisation. Alliance Housing is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information it collects, holds and administers. This includes but is not limited to emails, data, reports, applications and correspondence. Alliance Housing recognises the essential right of individuals to have their information administered in ways that reflect and are supported by our values and processes, which are compliant with the Privacy Act 1988.
Legislation and Compliance
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Implementation, Review and Amendments
This policy is applicable from the date of Board Approval. Alliance Housing will review this policy on a regular basis to ensure it remains up to date.
Document or Version Number: AH-PCP/4
Modified By: Elysian Consulting
Narrative: Complete revision
Board Approved Review Date: 17/08/2022
Status: Approved
