Code of Conduct

Our Web Site Communications Code of Conduct is a clear set of standards for our business and communication conduct. It provides the ethical and behavioral framework on which we base our decisions every day when we communicate on our web site. The Code is anchored in our values and beliefs and underpins all that we do.

Our guiding principles grouped into five categories that cover the breadth of our activities. They are:

1. Writing communications on a public web site with one another
2. Respect for intellectual capital and English language protocol of no foul language
3. Acting with professional integrity
4. Maintaining our objectivity and independence

By delivering on the promise of our Code, we will deliver quality in everything we communication on our web site, out into our communities and ourselves to succeed in sharing knowledge, technology and information.

Web Site Code of Conduct

Preamble

The Guelph Technology Economy discussion forum Code of Conduct is founded on four concepts stated:

• Free and open access to web site is an important matter of public interest;
• Communicators on the web site are involved in a legitimate activity;             
• It is desirable that web site communicator and the public be able to know who is engaged in activities; and,
• A system for the registration of communicator should not impede free and open access to Guelph Technology Economy.

 

The GTE Code of Conduct is an important initiative for promoting public trust in the integrity of communication. The trust that Guelph Technology Economy places in public form of communicators to make decisions in the public interest is vital to a free and democratic society.

To this end, communicators, when they deal with the public, are required to honour the standards set out for them in their own codes of conduct. For their part, communicating within public form must also abide by standards of conduct, which are set out below.

Together, these codes play an important role in safeguarding the public interest in the integrity of Guelph Technology Economy decision-making.

Principles

Integrity and Honesty

Communicators should conduct with integrity and honesty all relations with public communications and with other communicators in a public form

Openness

Communicators should, at all times, be open and frank about their activities, while respecting appropriate English language and confidentiality. 

Professionalism

Communicators should observe the highest professional and ethical standards. In particular, Communicators should conform fully with not only the letter but the spirit of the Web Site Code of Conduct as well as all the relevant laws, including legislation and common law or its regulations.

Rules

Transparency

1. Identity and purpose

Communicators shall, when making a representation to web site, disclose the identity of the person or organization on whose behalf the representation is made, as well as the reasons for the approach.

2. Accurate information

Communicators shall provide information that is accurate and factual to web site viewers. Moreover, Communicators shall not knowingly mislead anyone and shall use proper care to avoid doing so inadvertently.

3. Disclosure of obligations

Communicators shall indicate to anyone they represent their obligation to adhere to the Web Site Code of Conduct.

Confidentiality

4. Confidential information

Communicators shall not divulge confidential information unless they have obtained the informed consent or disclosure is required by law.

5. Insider information

Communicators shall not use any confidential or other insider information obtained in the course of their activities to the disadvantage of this web site.

Conflict of interest

6. Competing interests

Communicators shall not represent conflicting or competing interests without the informed consent of those whose interests are involved.

7. Disclosure

Communicators shall advise Guelph Technology Economy of potential or apparent conflict of interest, and obtained the informed consent before proceeding or continuing with the undertaking.

8. Improper influence

Communicators shall not place public web site holders in a conflict of interest by proposing or undertaking any action that would constitute an improper influence on a public web site.Bottom of Form