VISION AND APPLICABILITY

The Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) is committed to doing what is right and honorable. We set high standards for ourselves and we aspire to meet these standards in all aspects of our lives—at work, at home, and in service to our profession.

This Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct describes the expectations that we have of ourselves and our directors, officers and employees. It articulates the ideals to which we aspire as well as the behaviors that are mandatory in our professional and volunteer roles.

The purpose of this Code is to instill confidence in our team. We do this by establishing a profession-wide understanding of appropriate behavior. We believe that the credibility and reputation of the BoIA team is shaped by the collective conduct of each individual.

We believe that we can advance our company, both individually and collectively, by embracing this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. We also believe that this Code will assist us in making wise decisions, particularly when faced with difficult situations where we may be asked to compromise our integrity or our values.

Our hope is that this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct will serve as a catalyst for others to study, deliberate, and write about ethics and values. Further, we hope that this Code will ultimately be used to build upon and evolve our company and community.

The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is divided into sections that contain standards of conduct which are aligned with the four values that are most important to BoIA: responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty. This Code affirms these four values as its foundation.

Aspirational and Mandatory Conduct

Each section of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct includes both aspirational standards and mandatory standards. The aspirational standards describe the conduct that we strive to uphold. Although adherence to the aspirational standards is not easily measured, conducting ourselves in accordance with these is an expectation that we have of ourselves as professionals—it is not optional.

The mandatory standards establish firm requirements, and in some cases, limit or prohibit behavior. People who do not conduct themselves in accordance with these standards will be subject to disciplinary procedures before BoIA Ethics Review Committee.

RESPONSIBILITY

It is our duty to take ownership for the decisions we make or fail to make, the actions we take or fail to take, and the consequences that result.

Responsibility: Aspirational Standards

• We make decisions and take actions based on the best interests of society, public safety, and the environment.
• We fulfill the commitments that we undertake – we do what we say we will do.
• When we make errors or omissions, we take ownership and make corrections promptly. When we discover errors or omissions caused by others, we communicate them to the appropriate body as soon they are discovered. We accept accountability for any issues resulting from our errors or omissions and any resulting consequences.
• We protect proprietary or confidential information that has been entrusted to us.
• We uphold this Code and hold each other accountable to it.

Responsibility: Mandatory Standards

• We inform ourselves and uphold the policies, rules, regulations and laws that govern our work, professional, and volunteer activities.
• We report unethical or illegal conduct to appropriate management and, if necessary, to those affected by the conduct.

Ethics Complaints

• We bring violations of this Code to the attention of the appropriate body for resolution.
• We only file ethics complaints when they are substantiated by facts.
• We pursue disciplinary action against an individual who retaliates against a person raising ethics concerns.

RESPECT

It is our duty to show a high regard for ourselves, others, and the resources entrusted to us. Resources entrusted to us may include people, money, reputation, the safety of others, and natural or environmental resources.

An environment of respect engenders trust, confidence, and performance excellence by fostering mutual cooperation—an environment where diverse perspectives and views are encouraged and valued.

Respect: Aspirational Standards

• We inform ourselves about the norms and customs of others and avoid engaging in behaviors they might consider disrespectful.
• We listen to others’ points of view, seeking to understand them.
• We approach directly those persons with whom we have a conflict or disagreement.
• We conduct ourselves in a professional manner, even when it is not reciprocated.

 Respect: Mandatory Standards

• We negotiate in good faith.
• We do not exercise the power of our expertise or position to influence the decisions or actions of others in order to benefit personally at their expense.
• We do not act in an abusive manner toward others.
• We respect the property rights of others.

FAIRNESS

It is our duty to make decisions and act impartially and objectively. Our conduct must be free from competing self-interest, prejudice, and favoritism.

 Fairness: Aspirational Standards

• We demonstrate transparency in our decision-making process.
• We constantly re-examine our impartiality and objectivity, taking corrective action as appropriate.
• We provide equal access to information to those who are authorized to have that information.
• We make opportunities equally available to qualified candidates.

Fairness: Mandatory Standards

• We proactively and fully disclose any real or potential conflicts of interest to the appropriate stakeholders.
• When we realize that we have a real or potential conflict of interest, we refrain from engaging in the decision- making process or otherwise attempting to influence outcomes, unless or until: we have made full disclosure to the affected stakeholders; we have an approved mitigation plan; and we have obtained the consent of the stakeholders to proceed.
• We do not hire or fire, reward or punish, or award or deny contracts based on personal considerations, including but not limited to, favoritism, nepotism, or bribery.
• We do not discriminate against others based on, but not limited to, gender, race, age, religion, disability, nationality, or sexual orientation.
• We apply the rules of the organization (employer, Project Management Institute, or other group) without favoritism or prejudice.

HONESTY

It is our duty to understand the truth and act in a truthful manner both in our communications and in our conduct.

Honesty: Aspirational Standards

• We earnestly seek to understand the truth.
• We are truthful in our communications and in our conduct.
• We provide accurate information in a timely manner.
• We make commitments and promises, implied or explicit, in good faith.
• We strive to create an environment in which others feel safe to tell the truth.

Honesty: Mandatory Standards

• We do not engage in or condone behavior that is designed to deceive others, including but not limited to, making misleading or false statements, stating half-truths, providing information out of context or withholding information that, if known, would render our statements as misleading or incomplete.
• We do not engage in dishonest behavior with the intention of personal gain or at the expense of another.

 

Date Last Modified: December 28, 2017