Minnesota 50501 code of conduct

Subd. 1. Act Ethically and with Integrity.

Ethical conduct is a fundamental expectation for every Program Participant. In practicing and modeling ethical conduct, Program Participants are expected to:

• act according to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct;

• be personally accountable for individual actions;

• fulfill obligations owed to other Program Participants;

• conscientiously meet organizational responsibilities; and

• communicate ethical standards of conduct through instruction and example.

Subd. 2. Be Fair and Respectful of Others.

MN50501 is committed to tolerance, diversity, and respect for differences. When dealing with others, Program Participants are expected to:

• be respectful, fair, and civil;

• speak candidly and truthfully;

• avoid all forms of harassment, illegal discrimination, threats, or violence;

• promote conflict resolution; and

• strive to practice the guiding principles of integrity, responsibility, compassion, and forgiveness.

Subd. 3. Manage Responsibly.

The Board of Directors, Officers, and Executive Director are expected to:

• ensure access to and delivery of proper training and guidance on applicable organizational rules, policies, and procedures, including this Code;

• ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and organizational rules;

• review performance of Executive Director, Staff, Independent Contractors, and Volunteers conscientiously and impartially;

• foster professional development; and

• promote a healthy, innovative, and productive atmosphere that encourages dialogue and is responsive to concerns.

Subd. 4. Protect and Preserve Organization Resources.

Program Participants shall:

• use MN50501 property, equipment, finances, materials, electronic and other systems, and other resources for legitimate organizational purposes;

• prevent waste and abuse;

• promote efficient operations;

• follow sound financial practices, including accurate financial reporting, processes to protect assets, and responsible fiscal management and internal controls; and

• engage in appropriate accounting and monitoring.

Subd. 5. Promote a Culture of Compliance.

MN50501 is committed to meeting legal requirements and to fostering a culture of ethics and compliance.

a) Expectations – Program Participants are expected to:

1. learn and follow MN50501 policies and procedures applicable to the organization’s activities. Organization’s policies and procedures shall be given to all Program Participants during onboarding. Program Participants shall sign an acknowledgement form indicating they have received, reviewed, and understood those policies and procedures.

2. be proactive to prevent and detect any compliance violations; and

3. report suspected violations within their area of responsibility.

b) Prohibition – All Program Participants are prohibited from retaliating against anyone for reporting a suspected compliance violation.

Subd. 6. Avoid Conflicts of Interest.

MN50501’s Board of Directors and Executive Director have an obligation to be objective and impartial when making decisions on behalf of the Organization. To ensure this objectivity, the Board of Directors and Executive Director are expected to:

• avoid actual individual or organizational conflicts of interest – financial and non-financial;

• disclose potential conflicts of interest and adhere to the Conflicts of Interest Policy as well as any plans created by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Director to eliminate conflicts of interest; and

• ensure personal relationships do not interfere with objective judgment when making decisions affecting the Organization or other Program Participants.

In order to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, Program Participants should not solicit anything of value from any person or organization with whom MN50501 has a current or potential business or educational relationship. Program Participants should not accept any item of value from any party in exchange for or in connection with a business transaction or program between MN50501 and that other Party. Program Participants may accept items of incidental value (generally, no more than $25.00) from vendors or others as long as the gift is not given in response to solicitation on your part and as long as it implies no exchange for business purposes. Items may include gifts, gratuities, food, drink, and entertainment. If a Program Participant is faced with and is unsure about how to handle a situation that has the potential to violate this policy, notify Organization leadership. Violations of this code may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or dismissal from the activities of the Organization.

Subd. 7. Carefully Manage Public, Private, and Confidential Information.

Program Participants may create or be the custodian of many types of information. The public right to access and the individual’s right to privacy are both governed by laws and MN50501’s policies. To meet these responsibilities, Program Participants are expected to:

• learn and follow MN50501’s policies and agreements regarding access, use, protection, disclosure, retention, and disposal of public, private, and confidential information;

• follow document preservation and retention guidelines; and

• maintain data security using electronic and physical safeguards.

Subd. 8. Promote Health and Safety.

Program Participants have a shared responsibility to ensure a safe, secure, and healthy environment. Program Participants are expected to:

• follow organizational practices, including using appropriate personal safety equipment, and reporting accidents, injuries, and unsafe situations;

• maintain security, including securing MN50501’s assets and facilities; and

• report suspicious activities.