EMPLOYEE CODE OF ETHICS

Transcription

1 Attachment 1 7a EMPLOYEE CODE OF ETHICS Introduction Toronto Public Library (TPL) is a well-used and well-respected public institution with a long history of providing excellent and responsive service to Torontonians. By committing to, and being guided by, the values in this Code, all employees from Pages to the City Librarian support public trust in the Library, deliver excellent service and support the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior. The Code of Ethics communicates TPL s expectations of its employees by demonstrating how staff can embody the Library s service values. No code can address every situation that staff may encounter; staff are required to exercise good judgment and adhere to all library standards, policies and procedures. If staff are unsure of the Library s expectations of them or how to respond to a situation, they should seek guidance and support from management, including the Ethics Executive (Director of Human Resources). This Code is intended to align with the Collective Agreement and employment contracts, as well as legislative, professional, and employment standards, such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This Code does not supersede the content of those documents. In accordance with TPL s policies and procedures, the Library may take appropriate action in response to prohibited behaviour, up to and including dismissal and/or legal action. Mission Toronto Public Library provides free and equitable access to services which meet the changing needs of Torontonians. The Library preserves and promotes universal access to a broad range of human knowledge, experience, information and ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment. Toronto Public Library s Service Values Staff have a key role in bringing TPL s values to life through: the services that they deliver; their interactions with each other, as well as the public, community members, donors, partners, vendors, businesses, and volunteers; the way that library staff support the governance and decision-making of the Board; how they manage public resources.

2 INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM Supporting and facilitating the free exchange of information and ideas in a democratic society, protecting intellectual freedom and respecting individuals rights to privacy and choice 1. Preserve and promote universal access to a broad range of human knowledge, experience, information and ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment. 2. Build and maintain collections which represent a broad range of viewpoints. 3. Provide information service in a neutral manner and in support of TPL's Materials Selection Policy. 4. Support and facilitate access to any or all sources of information that are supported by the Library Board and which may be of assistance or interest to library customers. 5. Provide information and resources in formats that are accessible and meet the unique needs of library customers. 6. Respect and protect customers right to privacy. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Canadian Library Association s Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries Toronto Public Library s Mission Statement Materials Selection Policy (including the endorsement of the Canadian Library Association s Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries) 2

3 INTEGRITY Being open, transparent and honest in all our dealings ACCOUNTABILITY Taking responsibility for our actions and the services we provide 7. Apply policies and procedures in a fair, consistent and equitable manner. 8. May not use, or permit the use of, TPL property, including facilities, equipment, supplies or other resources, for activities not associated with the proper performance of his or her duties. 9. Are required to support and advance the interests of TPL and avoid placing themselves in situations where their private interests may be in conflict with, or be perceived to be in conflict with, the interests of TPL. 10. Will ensure that the privacy of individuals personal information is protected in compliance with the privacy provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. 11. Provide excellent service in a neutral manner. Employees must be, and appear to be, impartial. 12. May not use TPL resources, including facilities, equipment or supplies while engaging in political activity or engage in political activity during working hours. 13. Will not accept, arrange to accept, give or request to be given a reward, gift, advantage or benefit of any kind from any person or entity that influences or could be perceived to influence the performance of the employee's duties. 14. Who are aware that a wrongdoing has occurred will immediately notify his or her Manager, their Director, or the City Librarian. Employees who report wrongdoing in good faith will be protected from reprisal. Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Municipal Elections Act Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Policy Attendance Management Program Policy Circulation and Collection Use Policy Conflict of Interest Policy Customer Service Standard Political Activity Policy Disclosure of Wrongdoing and Reprisal Protection Policy Online and Social Media Policy Procurement Processes Policy Rules of Conduct 3

4 EQUITY Accessibility, respect and fairness DIVERSITY Valuing individual needs, experiences and differences INCLUSION Welcoming participation in decision-making and service development by residents and communities 15. Are responsible for respecting the dignity and rights of their co-workers and the public they serve. 16. Provide services in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities and provides them with an equal opportunity to learn about, use or benefit from library services. TPL employees offer services in a way that respects the dignity and full participation of persons with disabilities. 17. Are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment. TPL employees must report promptly to their supervisor any incident where the employee is subjected to, witnesses, or has knowledge of workplace violence, or has reason to believe that workplace violence may occur. 18. Apply the same standards, policies and guidelines to online and social media as they do to all other forms of TPL communication while providing the same quality of service. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 Ontario Human Rights Code Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities Policy Employment Equity Policy Human Rights and Harassment Policy Rules of Conduct Policies Occupational Health and Safety Policy Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Policy Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy Online and Social Media Policy 4

5 INNOVATION & SERVICE ORIENTATION Encouraging creativity, experimentation and the generation of ideas 16. Balance and protect the needs of residents, communities, and the City as a whole. 17. Engage in professional development to support professional, excellent and innovative services that meet the current and future needs of library customers and communities. 18. Are open and responsive to customer feedback, comments and ideas. 19. When communicating on behalf of TPL, or when identifiable as a Library employee, are aware of their potential impact on the brand, reputation and service values and work environment of TPL and act appropriately and with good judgment. 20. Support the development of efficient and responsive service through innovation, engaging in professional development and adopting best practices. Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Policy Customer Service Standard Materials Selection Policy Online and Social Media Policy Public Consultation Policy 5