Ethics Policy at DNC

People often ask “How is the DNC run?  How does it operate?  Is it just a mob of well-meaning volunteers doing their thing?”  The answer to the last question is “No.  There is a nine-member Committee of Management, a full-time Manager, two part-time staff and a number of other volunteers.”

And as a fully incorporated body (The Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre Inc.) we have a constitution and a comprehensive set of Policies and Procedures that everyone employed there is obliged to understand and follow.

We have 37 Policies and numerous Procedures for each.  Policies are included for such areas as Budget Development & Management; Recruitment & Appointment of Staff; Strategy, Business & Risk; and Child Safety & Well-Being (reflecting the Notes from the DNC last week).

In order to ensure that we are responsive to the current and future needs of the Daylesford district and surrounding community we need to exhibit sound governance Policies.  One of the most important Policies to ensure proper governance is our Code of Ethics Policy.

This policy guides our business behaviour, ensures ethical conduct, clearly identifies the DNC ethical principles and establishes a culture of openness, trust, and emphasis on the staff and clients’ expectation to be treated with fairness.  Effective ethics is a team effort involving the participation and support of every DNC member.

DNC promotes a trustworthy and honest atmosphere to reinforce our vision of ethics within the organisation based on these ethical principles:

  • a respect for basic human rights.
  • a respect for the individual and the right to self-determination.
  • a respect for different cultures and religions in society.
  • a commitment to empowerment and participatory democracy.
  • a commitment to collaborative working relationships and collective action.
  • an acknowledgement that all relationships and activities with young people are based on their consent (whenever possible).

Unethical Behaviour is not tolerated.  At DNC we:

  • avoid the intent and appearance of unethical or compromising practice in relationships, actions, and communications.
  • do not tolerate harassment or discrimination.
  • do not tolerate unauthorised use of DNC trade secrets & marketing, operational, personnel, financial, & technical information integral to the success of DNC.
  • do not permit impropriety at any time and we will act ethically and responsibly in accordance with laws.
  • do not use DNC assets or business relationships for personal use or gain.

For more information about our policy approach to ethics and any of our other policies, contact our Manager on 5348 3569.

 

DNC Joke of the Week

Peter went to the doctor who after examining him says, “You have some problems with your heart, but if you take these tablets, I think it will be okay.”

So the doctor gives the man the tablets and Peter asks, “Do I have to take them every day?”

“No,” replies the doctor, “take one on Monday, skip Tuesday, take one on Wednesday, skip Thursday and go on like that.”

Two weeks later the doctor is walking down the street, and he sees Peter’s wife.  “Hello Mrs Murphy,” he says, “how’s your husband?”

“Oh he died of a heart attack,” says Mrs Murphy.

“I’m very sorry to hear that,” says the doctor, “I thought if he took those tablets he would be all right.”

“Oh the tablets were fine,” says Mrs Murphy, “It was all the bloody skipping that killed him!”

 

[If you’ve got a better joke, (and doesn’t everyone??) send it to  admin@dncentre.org.au  and we’ll publish it. (Remember, this is a family publication! ?).  We’ll even include your name if you wish – or you can protect your anonymity!]