Ethical Conduct policy template
A comprehensive policy establishing ethical standards for business decisions and workplace behaviour. Guides employees on integrity, fairness and responsible conduct in all professional interactions.
Ethical conduct policy
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What is an ethical conduct policy?
An Ethical Conduct policy goes beyond rules and compliance to establish the values and principles that should guide all business decisions. It helps employees understand not just what they should do, but why ethical behaviour matters.
While a Code of Conduct often focuses on specific behaviours and prohibitions, an Ethical Conduct policy emphasises the underlying principles — integrity, fairness, transparency and trust — that inform good decision-making.
This policy is particularly valuable when employees face situations not explicitly covered by other policies. By understanding the organisation's ethical principles, they can make appropriate decisions even in novel circumstances. HR software can help you distribute policies digitally and track employee acknowledgements efficiently.
Core ethical principles
The foundational values that guide ethical behaviour
Integrity
Acting honestly and transparently in all business dealings and decisions.
Fairness
Treating all stakeholders — employees, customers, suppliers — equitably.
Confidentiality
Protecting sensitive information and respecting privacy obligations.
Accountability
Taking responsibility for actions and their consequences.
Trust
Building and maintaining trust through ethical behaviour.
Transparency
Being open about decisions, processes and potential conflicts.
What's included in this template
A comprehensive framework for ethical business conduct
Purpose & values
The organisation's commitment to ethical business practices.
Scope & application
Who is bound by the policy and when it applies.
Core ethical principles
The foundational values that guide decision-making.
Honest dealings
Expectations for truthfulness in all business interactions.
Fair treatment
How to treat colleagues, customers and suppliers ethically.
Confidentiality & privacy
Obligations around sensitive information.
Conflicts of interest
Managing personal interests that may affect work decisions.
Reporting unethical conduct
How to raise concerns about ethical breaches.
Consequences of breaches
Outcomes for violations of ethical standards.
Review & acknowledgement
Policy maintenance and employee sign-off.
Making ethical decisions
Questions employees should ask when facing ethical dilemmas
Is it legal?
The first test is whether the action complies with all applicable laws and regulations. If it's illegal, it's unethical — full stop.
Is it consistent with our values?
Does the action align with the organisation's stated values and this policy? Would it be consistent with how we expect all employees to behave?
Would I be comfortable if it were public?
If this decision appeared on the front page of a newspaper, or was shared with family and friends, would I be comfortable defending it?
Is it fair to all stakeholders?
Consider the impact on all affected parties — employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders and the community. Does it treat everyone fairly?
Am I uncertain? Ask.
If you're unsure whether something is ethical, that uncertainty itself is a signal. Seek guidance from your manager, HR, or another appropriate person before proceeding.
Who should use this template?
Every organisation benefits from clear ethical standards
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and Fair Work principles at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, industry, modern award, enterprise agreement and specific workplace circumstances. For complex situations or disputes, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with Australian employment and workplace standards.
Ready to establish ethical standards?
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Ethical conduct policy FAQ
- Yes. This template provides a solid foundation, but you should tailor it to reflect your specific workplace, industry requirements, and any applicable modern award or enterprise agreement. Consider your business size, the nature of work performed, and any industry-specific regulations.
- Distribute the policy during onboarding for new employees and via email or team meetings for existing staff. Have employees sign an acknowledgement form confirming they have read and understood the policy. Using HR software with policy management can automate tracking of acknowledgements.
- An ethical conduct policy focuses specifically on honesty, integrity and ethical decision-making in business dealings. A code of conduct is broader, covering all workplace behaviour including interpersonal conduct. Many organisations have both, with some overlap between them.
- Report concerns to your manager, HR, or through any whistleblower channels your organisation provides. Document what you observed with dates and details. Australian whistleblower laws protect employees who report suspected breaches of law or ethical standards in good faith. Learn more about handling workplace complaints.
- Ethical obligations may extend to out-of-hours conduct if it could affect the organisation, such as social media posts about work or interactions with clients. Use judgement — if conduct could harm the organisation's reputation or interests, the policy likely applies.
Related guides
Learn more about implementing this policy
Related templates
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Disclaimer
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.