Conduct and Standards Policy

Introduction

This policy details the main standards of behaviour that all Malvern International employees, including Language in Action and contractors need to adhere to. The standards of behaviour and the details of gross misconduct listed in this policy, and in the disciplinary procedure should not be considered exhaustive.

Everyone who acts on behalf of Malvern International and Language in Action are required to adhere to this policy when undertaking their duties or when representing Malvern International in any other guise.

Your duties and responsibilities

You are under a duty to comply with the standards of behaviour required by Malvern International and to behave in a reasonable manner at all times.

Attendance & Timekeeping

You must:

• Comply with the rules relating to notification of absence set out in the absence procedure.
• Arrive at work promptly, ready to start work at your contracted starting time.
• Remain at work until your contracted finishing time.
• Obtain management authorisation if for any reason you wish to arrive later or leave earlier than your agreed normal start and finish times.

Malvern International reserves the right not to pay you in respect of working time lost because of poor timekeeping. Persistent poor timekeeping may result in disciplinary action.

Conduct standards

You must:

• Maintain satisfactory standards of performance at work.
• Comply with all reasonable management instructions.
• Co-operate fully with your colleagues and with management.
• Ensure the maintenance of acceptable standards of politeness.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Take all necessary steps to safeguard Malvern International’s public image and preserve positive relationships with all people and organisations connected to Malvern International.
• Ensure that you behave in a way that does not constitute unlawful discrimination.
• Comply with Malvern International’s operating policies and procedures.
• Dress appropriately in accordance to your role.

Flexibility

You may be required to work additional hours at short notice, in accordance with the needs of the business. You may also be required to undertake reasonable duties outside your normal job remit and to work at locations other than your normal place of work.

Conduct while representing Malvern International

As a general rule, behaviour outside of normal working hours is a personal matter and does not directly concern the organisation. However, there are some exceptions to this rule as follows:

• At office parties or other work-related social occasions or gatherings.
• At social occasions or gatherings organised by a third party, where you have been invited in your capacity as a representative of Malvern International.
• While working away on business on behalf of Malvern International.

On these occasions you are expected to behave in an appropriate and responsible manner, keeping in mind that you are representing Malvern International. You are instructed specifically not to consume any alcohol at such events where you are driving.

Should your conduct bring Malvern International into disrepute, you will be subject to the disciplinary procedure. Such behaviour may be viewed as a gross misconduct offence and could render you liable to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal without notice.

Outside activities and other employment

You are not permitted to engage in any activity outside your employment with Malvern International that could reasonably be interpreted as competing with the organisation. You are required to seek permission from management before taking on any other employment while employed by Malvern International unless you are on a zero-hour contract.

Property and equipment

You are not permitted to make use of the organisation’s property or equipment for personal use, nor remove property or equipment from the premises unless for use on authorised business or with permission from management. This includes using any Malvern International premises as a mailing address. Any deliveries made to any Malvern International premises, that have not been authorised, will be returned to sender or disposed of in line with GDPR.

Where you have damaged property belonging to Malvern International, either through misuse or carelessness, the organisation reserves the right to make a deduction from your pay in respect of the damaged property.

On termination of your employment, you must return all property, such as keys, laptops, mobile phones and documents or any other items belonging to Malvern International.

Personal property

You are solely responsible for the safety of your personal possessions on any Malvern International premises and should ensure that your personal possessions are kept in a safe place at all times. If you find an item of lost property, you are required to inform management immediately.

Meetings

The organisation will normally arrange for summary minutes to be taken at any formal meetings. It is not the policy of Malvern International to record meetings by any other means (e.g., digital, audio recordings and photographs). You (or any party accompanying you) must not record any meeting without the express permission of the Organisation in advance. Where a meeting is to be recorded then parties must agree to it in advance. If requested, a copy of the minutes/recording will be provided (in line with GDPR).

Policy approval