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Branch Policy Manual

Principles of Conduct Policy

Purpose

CBA-SK is committed to the principles of fairness, honesty and integrity. This Principles of Conduct Policy ("Policy") applies specifically to volunteer activities and supplements the governing principles for members of the legal profession.

The Branch recognizes the historical role of codification of rights, freedoms and responsibilities in breaking down unseen barriers to participation. It seeks the participation of new members and volunteers from every sector of the legal profession.

The Policy will promote confidence and credibility in the Branch among members, volunteers, staff, and the public. The Policy is also intended to ensure volunteers and staff are welcomed and treated as valuable and integral members of the Branch’s governance, management, and operations.

Scope

The Policy applies to all volunteers acting in any capacity on the Branch's behalf. Branch staff are also expected to follow the Policy to the extent that it does not conflict with the Staff Policy Manual.

General Principles of Conduct

  1. Act with integrity, honesty, transparency, and in good faith in the Branch's best interests.
  2. Comply with The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018.
  3. Seek consensus through open discussion and debate, with appropriate consideration and respect for legitimate dissent.
  4. Participate in Branch activities constructively, in co-operation with other volunteers and Branch staff.
  5. Respect the fundamental premise that all volunteers give generously of their time and talents.
  6. Refrain from making inappropriate, undue, and unwarranted demands on the Branch's resources, including the time of other volunteers and staff, financial and information technology resources.
  7. Promote new talent, gender balance and diversity, where possible, in support of the achievement of the Branch’s mission statement and strategic plan.
  8. Treat Branch staff and other volunteers, members, and guests with courtesy, respect, and dignity.

Report and Resolving Conflicts

CBA-SK volunteers and staff may confidentially bring concerns about misconduct on the part of any other CBA-SK volunteer or staff to the attention of the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall investigate the matter as they believe appropriate in the circumstances, but in all cases must be informed by both sides of a dispute in the investigation. The Executive Director shall attempt to resolve the dispute quickly and informally to the satisfaction of both parties and in a manner consistent with the General Principles of Conduct. If the complainant has requested that their identity not be revealed, that request shall be honoured, though it may hinder an effective investigation. Any investigation will consider:

  1. Confidentiality
  2. General Principles of Conduct
  3. Privacy of the parties
  4. Value of an apology
  5. Serious implications for reputation due to unsubstantiated complaints
  6. Proportionality with respect to the alleged misconduct
  7. Harm done in the workplace, to the CBA-SK's work, and to the individuals involved
  8. Risk of future adverse outcomes if the misconduct is not discouraged or stopped

If the allegations are against the Executive Director, the President shall investigate the matter as above.

For allegations against a volunteer or the Executive Director, if the dispute cannot be resolved quickly and informally, the complainant may request that the matter be brought to the Board. The Executive Director (or President) must prepare the reference in writing, describing the incident and the results of the informal investigation, including each party’s position. The Board may determine any appropriate steps that should be part of their review procedure and that should be taken to protect the confidentiality of the investigation.

The parties are entitled to attend the Board meeting at which the matter is discussed. The names of the parties directly involved shall not be recorded in the meeting minutes unless the parties request it. The Board may direct the Executive Director to take any further action they deem necessary.

Confidentiality

In the course of day-to-day business, volunteers and staff may receive sensitive information relating to, among other things, Branch plans, practices, programs, methodology, pricing, finances, customers, volunteers, members and staff. This information must be kept confidential.

No one shall seek access to private information of members without due compliance with Branch privacy policies. No one shall seek access to private information of staff without a clear and relevant purpose pertaining to Branch business. All such requests shall be directed first to the Executive Director.