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We ensure young children get the best start in life by supporting and regulating the early childhood education and care sector. We are the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.

This policy is current as at 19/09/2018 06:44am, AEST. Please refer to policy library website (https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library) for an updated version.

Code of Conduct Policy

The Code of Conduct clarifies the standards of behaviour that are expected of Department of Education staff in the performance of their duties. It gives guidance in areas where staff need to make personal and ethical decisions.

1. Objectives - Policy statement

1.1

The Code of Conduct clarifies the standards of behaviour that are expected of staff of the Department of Education in the performance of their duties. It gives guidance in areas where staff need to make personal and ethical decisions.

1.2

The Department of Education Code of Conduct is to be read in conjunction with the Code of Ethics and Conduct for NSW government sector employees issued 20 April 2015.

2. Audience and applicability

2.1

All Department of Education staff and operations.

2.2

The policy does not apply to staff employed by bodies that are only partially funded by the Department.

2.3

The policy applies to members of the Public Service Senior Executive (PSSE). PSSE staff are also to comply with the current Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Sector Executives issued by the Premier’s Department.

3. Context

3.1

DET is committed to the highest standards of conduct in public education, training and administration. To meet this commitment, the Department has issued this single Code of Conduct to cover all departmental sectors and to more closely align staff conduct with the organisational values and ethics that underpin the Department’s policies and procedures.

3.2 Legislative Provisions

Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
Child Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2003
Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
Education Legislation Amendment (Staff) Act 2006
Government and Related Appeals Tribunal Act 1980
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000
Ombudsman Act 1974
Protected Disclosures Act 1994
Government Sector Employment Act 2013

4. Responsibilities and delegations

4.1

The Secretary Department of Education, senior executives, senior officers, principals, managers and supervisors are responsible for the effective management of the Code of Conduct.

4.2

The Secretary, Department of Education directs that the Code of Ethics and Conduct for NSW government sector employees issued 20 April 2015 is to be implemented in the Department of Education.

4.3

All staff have a responsibility to comply with legislation, departmental policy, procedures and the Department’s Code of Conduct, perform their duties effectively, provide impartial and accurate advice and act in a manner that promotes a productive and harmonious working environment.

4.4

All Department of Education staff must also comply with the Code of Ethics and Conduct for NSW government sector employees issued

5. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements

5.1

All senior executives, senior officers, principals, managers and supervisors are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the operation of this policy within their area of responsibility.

5.2

All senior executives, senior officers, principals, managers and supervisors will comply with all mandatory reporting requirements detailed in the guidelines to this policy.

6. Contact

Executive Director, Employee Performance and Conduct (02) 9266 8070.

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This information is current as at 19/09/2018 06:44am, AEST. For the most up-to-date information, go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/code-of-conduct-policy.