Ethical conduct policy template
A free, ready-to-edit ethical conduct policy template for Australian workplaces. Set the ethical standards that guide everyday decisions — integrity, honesty, anti-bribery and the confidence to speak up — no signup required.
Ethical conduct policy
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By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
This ethical conduct policy template reflects Australian workplace and integrity standards at the time of publication and is provided as a general guide to adapt for your business. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Why your workplace needs an ethical conduct policy
An ethical conduct policy defines the values and principles that guide how your people make decisions — not just what they do, but how they do it. Where a code of conduct sets broad rules of behaviour, an ethical conduct policy focuses on integrity: doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
A clear policy reduces the risk of misconduct, fraud and reputational damage, and gives employees a framework for navigating grey areas. It sets expectations around honesty, fair dealing, anti-bribery and corruption, and confidentiality, and makes clear that concerns can be raised safely. It works hand-in-hand with your conflict of interest policy and gifts & benefits policy.
The policy applies to everyone who represents your organisation — employees, contractors and directors. Store it and capture acknowledgements in your HR software so you can show every person has read and agreed to it.
What an ethical conduct policy should cover
The core principles of integrity at work
Integrity & honesty
Acting honestly and transparently in all dealings, internal and external.
Fair dealing
Treating colleagues, customers and suppliers fairly and in good faith.
Anti-bribery & corruption
Zero tolerance for bribes, kickbacks or improper influence.
Conflicts of interest
Avoiding and disclosing personal interests that clash with duties.
Confidentiality
Protecting sensitive business, client and employee information.
Speaking up
Raising ethical concerns safely, without fear of retaliation.
What's included in this template
A complete framework for ethical decision-making
Purpose & scope
The organisation's ethical commitment and who the policy applies to.
Core ethical values
Integrity, honesty, accountability, fairness and respect.
Ethical decision-making
A framework for working through difficult or grey-area decisions.
Anti-bribery & corruption
Rules on bribes, kickbacks, facilitation payments and improper influence.
Conflicts of interest
Identifying, disclosing and managing personal conflicts.
Gifts & hospitality
How offers are handled, linked to the gifts & benefits policy.
Confidentiality & fair dealing
Protecting information and dealing honestly with others.
Raising concerns
How to report unethical conduct and protection from retaliation.
Consequences
Disciplinary outcomes for breaches of the policy.
Review & acknowledgement
Policy maintenance and employee sign-off.
Turning values into everyday decisions
Make ethics practical, not just aspirational
Be explicit about bribery & corruption
State a clear zero-tolerance position on bribes, kickbacks and improper influence — including gifts that could sway a decision. Tie this to your gifts & benefits policy and conflict of interest policy so the rules are consistent.
Make it safe to speak up
People only raise ethical concerns if they trust they’ll be protected. Provide a clear reporting path, commit to confidentiality, and prohibit any retaliation against someone who reports a genuine concern in good faith.
A simple test for grey areas
Is it legal?
Does the decision comply with the law and company policy?
Is it transparent?
Would it withstand scrutiny if it became public?
Is it fair?
Does it treat everyone involved fairly and in good faith?
Does it feel right?
Is it consistent with our values — not just the minimum required?
Encourage employees to ask for guidance when unsure. Handle breaches through a fair, consistent employee discipline process so outcomes are proportionate and defensible.
Ethics is reinforced by example: leaders who model integrity, decisions that are explained, and concerns that are taken seriously. Pair the policy with regular conversations and training so ethical conduct becomes part of how your team works, not just a document.
Who should use this template?
Every organisation benefits from a clear standard of integrity
Especially important where staff handle money, sensitive data, procurement or client relationships.
Integrity & compliance resources
Official guidance to help you align your ethical standards.
Manage your policies the easy way
RosterElf helps Australian businesses store policies, capture employee acknowledgements at onboarding and keep an audit trail — all in one place.
Related guides
Roll out and enforce the policy effectively
Related templates
Strengthen your integrity and conduct framework
Ethical conduct policy FAQ
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An ethical conduct policy sets out the values and principles that guide how employees make decisions and behave — integrity, honesty, fairness, anti-bribery and confidentiality. It focuses on doing the right thing, gives people a framework for grey-area decisions, and makes clear that ethical concerns can be raised safely.
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They overlap and work together. A code of conduct is broad — covering everything from dress code to use of company assets. An ethical conduct policy zeroes in on integrity and ethical decision-making: anti-bribery and corruption, conflicts of interest, fair dealing and speaking up. Many organisations use both, with the ethics policy giving depth to the values in the code.
Before you download
General information only — not legal advice
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.