Introduction
Members’ Code of Conduct is issued by the Board of the MIoD and outlines the standards and behaviours that every member of the Institute is expected to uphold to ensure the highest standards of honesty and integrity. The MIoD Code of Conduct reaffirms the MIoD’s commitment to ethical conduct and its practice of complying with all applicable laws and avoiding potential or actual conflicts of interest.
The Code of Conduct clarifies what the MIoD expects of its members and provides for disciplinary measures to be taken against members whose conduct is unacceptable to the Institute and unbecoming of corporate leaders.
The Code of Conduct does not address every situation you may face, but it does provide a guide to the values, behaviours and ways of working which are core to being a member of the Institute. If you are facing an ethical dilemma or if you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us at the MIoD.
Values
The MIoD’s core values underpin this Code of conduct. they are:
Integrity
Leading Mauritian corporations and institutions to international best practice in corporate governance while upholding the highest ethical, moral and professional conduct;
Excellence
Aiming for excellence in all we do and being passionate about our values;
Accountability
Acting responsibly and demonstrating accountability for our decision;
Knowledge and Foresight
Promoting the learning and continuous development of our members and the acquisition of planning and transformational skills;
Teamwork and Innovation
Working together, in mutual respect, towards a common goal, recognizing that innovation comes from harnessing diversity;
Transparency
Why ethics matter
Operating in an ethical manner is an essential part of our vision and mission. Our Founders and Patrons, our members and other stakeholder look to the MIoD as the model of corporate governance and business ethics. It is imperative therefore that we behave ethically in order to maintain the confidence of all of our stakeholders and ultimately to retain our members.
Being a member of the MIoD puts you in a position of trust and responsibility to uphold our ethical values.
The Code
- Members of the MIoD are expected at all times to act in such a way so as not to bring themselves or the Institute into disrepute whether in their personal or professional capacity.
- Adherence to Code of Conduct is a condition of membership – members are liable to face disciplinary action if, after due process, they are found guilty of misconduct which includes any act likely to bring discredit to the member, the Institute, or the profession.
- Members are expected to comply with the applicable laws and regulations in Mauritius and in those countries in which they may operate, as well as with the Mauritian Code of Corporate Governance.
- Members are required to uphold the Institute’s Constitution and comply with its provisions.
- Members are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner with the highest standards of honesty and integrity, exercising diligence and due care in carrying out their duties and responsibilities, with courtesy and consideration towards others.
- Members shall at all times be cognisant of their responsibilities as professional persons towards the wider community.
- Members shall at all times safeguard the interests of their employers, colleagues and clients provided that they shall not knowingly be a party to any illegal or unethical activity.
- Members shall not act in any way which may be in conflict with the legitimate interests of their employer or client or which would prejudice the performance of their professional duties and shall act with sound judgement and with such reasonable care and skill that can be expected of them.
- In accepting or continuing a professional assignment, a member should always have regard to any factors which might reflect adversely upon his or her integrity and objectivity in relation to that assignment.
- If in doubt, members are encouraged to seek guidance.
Breach of the Code of Conduct
In order to protect the MIoD’s good name and uphold our values, the MIOD may terminate the membership of any member who breaches this Code.
Where to go for help?
The MIoD encourages its members to conduct business with the highest standards of ethics, honesty and integrity. Any member concerned about any form of malpractice, improper action or wrongdoing by the MIoD, its employees, its Directors or any of its members are strongly encouraged to report the matter. Such matters will be taken most seriously and will be investigated appropriately and with the utmost confidentiality. The MIoD takes all matters of malpractice, improper action or wrongdoing very seriously and you are strongly encouraged to raise incidents or behaviours that are not in accordance with the Code of Conduct or the MIoD policies which are available on our website www.miod.mu. The MIoD Nomination and Membership Committee will be responsible for investigating any such reports. If you feel that your questions or concerns have not been appropriately addressed, you should direct your complaint to the MIoD Chairman.
If members wish to seek guidance on any issue, you may call the MIoD in strict confidentiality.
Ethical Decision-Making Tool
- While a Code of Conduct can provide the general rules, it cannot cover every situation. Ethics sometimes comes down to a personal decision. Use this framework to help you:
- Recognise an ethical issue
- Get the facts
- Evaluate alternative actions from various ethical perspectives – think critically
- Make a decision and test it
- Act and then reflect on the decision later.
And use this Quick Test when making a final decision to act:
- Is it legal?
- What does your Code of Conduct/policies say?
- What would my ethical role model do?
- How would it look on the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper?
- How does it make me feel?
- Would I be comfortable sharing my decision with my closest family?
- Does it pass the Golden Rule test “Do unto others what you would want to be done unto yourself?”
- After approval by the CG Committee, obtain Board approval
- Amend Membership Application Form to include
- Advise all members – email, newsletter and website
- Whistleblowing Policy to be drafted and independent whistleblowing hotline to be set up for members, staff, directors, trainers, key suppliers, partners
- Ensure all MIOD Policies and Procedures are aligned with the companies values and especially the Recruitment and Nomination process should ensure strong ethical commitment
- Look at possibility of running free ethics awareness training session for new members – perhaps as part of an induction process.
