Five Star Rating Ethics and Compliance Policies
It's common sense that astrong ethics and compliance program begins with afirst rateworkplace ethics and compliance policy.However
, do any of these sources ever tell you exactly what makes an ethics and compliance policy "first rate"? All to often, the answer is no, which is why I have decided to dedicate this post to helping you better understandwhat makes anethics and compliance program deserving of a five star rating.
It's important to understand that each company's ethics and compliance policy will be different, aspoliciesare built around a company's processes andis influenced by the industry in whichit operates. However, there are common elements that must be included in every company's ethics and compliance policy- it's the "little extras" that are included thatseparate the top notch ethics and compliance policies from the not-so-stellar ones.
Begin With the Basics
A good way to determine whatto includein a corporate
ethics and compliance policy is to identify the ethical risks your company encounters and provide solutions and guidance for those situations. Think about ethically compromising situations employees at all levels may face, document them, and build your ethics and compliance policy around them.
Basic elements of an ethics and compliance policy include:
Compliance with the law-Compliance with local and industry laws are the most basic forms of compliance. I believe that companies need to challenge themselves to go beyond complying with the minimum standards. Build upon existing laws to take your company's ethics and compliance program to the next level.
Definition of unethical behaviour- Address various forms of unethical behaviour- harassment, discrimination, theft, fraud,retaliation, etc. Define each of these terms, provide real life examples and consequences for violating the policy. Some companies choose to adopt a zero tolerance attitudetowards these issues. If your company does, make it clear.
Integrity statement- Every company should promote honest business. Many companies include their mission, vision and goals for employee conduct in this section of the ethics and compliance policy. According to the Canadian Centre for Ethics & Corporate Policy,
"A code of ethicsusually proposes specific principles and rules of conduct. A key objective of a code is to provide guidance on expected behavior as well as rationale for that behaviour. A code also provides a way for a company to measure and monitor performance designed to achieve objectives and to instill values."
Anti-Bribery, gifts and entertainment- To avoid involvement in bribery, let employees know where your company standson the issue ofgifts and entertainment. Some companies allow gifts to besent orreceivedif the gift is under agiven value. Isuggest eliminating as much grey area as possible from your company's ethics and compliance policy. Make it clear- no gifts!
Reportingunethical behaviour- Employees are likely to uncover unethical practices in the workplace before senior executives. To catch violators earlier, let employees know how to
report misconduct.Include hotline phone numbers, Ombudsman information, website addresses and other information pertaining tofiling a complaint. This information is usuallyfound at thebeginning or end of the policy, or sometimes even both.
Confidentiality-In some cases, ultimate confidentiality cannot be maintained due to the discovery of a criminal act or a court case. Make a statement that confidentiality will be upheld to the highest possible degree for those making complaints or involved in internal investigations.
Accurate accounting- Corporate accounting is highly regulated, but often violated. Here's a great example of an accounting integrity clause that Exxon Mobil has included in its corporate ethics policy:
"It is the Corporation's policy that all transactions will be accurately reflected in its books and records. This, of course, means that falsification of books and records and the creation or maintenance of any off-the-record bank accounts are strictly prohibited. Employees are expected to record all transactions accurately in the Corporation's books and records, and to be honest and forthcoming with the Corporation's internal and independent auditors."
Don't forget, go public with your policy. Place the document on your company website to increase accountability and transparency.
Five Star Rating Ethics and Compliance Policies
By: i-Sight Software
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