The Code of Conduct for the NSW DET
The New South Wales Department of Education & Training released a revised Code of Conduct in 2010. According to the NSW DET, the code aims to "establish a common understanding of the standards of behaviour expected of all employees of the Department of Education & Training." The Code applies to teachers, administrators and staff and both part-time and full-time employees.
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Reputation
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The Code of Conduct stipulates that employees must refrain from behavior that may harm the NSW DET's reputation, and it applies to emails, websites and social networks.
Relationships
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In addition, the Code requires that employees maintain a professional distance from students and their parents and recommends refraining from inviting students to join their social networking sites, socializing, visiting their homes or transporting students in their cars to avoid compromising the professional relationship.
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Reporting
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The Code of Conduct requires employees to report instances in which they think the Code may have been breached by coworkers. According to the NSW DET, reported breaches, if proven, can cause "management or remedial action, or disciplinary action ranging from a caution and reprimand to dismissal from the department."
Considerations
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The NSW DET's Code of Conduct has received some criticism, especially about the requirement that employees must "follow reasonable instructions" from supervisors. According to the NSW DET, reasonable instructions include activities for which "an employee must have the necessary knowledge, skill, capability and ability to carry out."
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References
Resources
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