CODE OF CONDUCT

Definitions 

  1. Code of Conduct – (hereinafter referred as the “Code”) – This guideline which sets out the minimum standards of behaviour expected by any Member of HIA! Digital Network;
  2. Network – a collaborative Network of experienced business people, professionals, consultants and investors who are registered members of HIA! Digital Network;
  3. Members – Individuals and organizations who have signed a Membership Agreement to join the Network, is a Member in good standing and whose Membership has not lapsed for any reason whatsoever;
  4. Values – The values of HIA! Digital Network;
  5. Client – an organization to whom the Network or the Member of the Network is providing services, or is planning to provide services, or is in the contracting phase of providing services.

Introduction    

This Code of Conduct has been prepared for the guidance of HIA! Digital Network (hereinafter referred to as the “Network”) Members. All Members are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct to protect and enhance the brand, reputation and integrity of the Network and the other Members. Guidance notes may be prepared from time to time to address specific interpretations and areas of ambiguity, but Members are expected to comply with both the spirit and form of the Code. Where Members are unsure of a course of action or behaviour, it is important to consult with the Network to ensure that the Code is not breached.

This document includes:

  1. A statement of what is meant by ethical behaviour and how it applies to the Member; and
  2. The Code of Conduct.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR  AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE MEMBERS   

Members of the Network are expected to behave ethically. That is, Members are expected to “do the right thing”. At its most basic level, this means that Members should act with integrity in all dealings with Clients, colleagues, other professionals, Members of the Network and anyone else the Member meets in the ordinary course of their duties. Members should do nothing that could diminish the brand or reputation of the Network and of the Members. On the contrary, Members are expected to work diligently towards enhancing the brand and reputation of the Network. This includes any aspect of a Member’s personal conduct which could have a negative impact on the Network and other Members.

Members are expected to live the Values of the Network.

THE CODE OF  CONDUCT  

All Members of the Network are required, as a condition of membership, to adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

  1. Confidentiality. A Member will treat Client information and Network information as confidential (unless available to the public) and will neither take personal advantage of privileged information gathered during an assignment, nor enable others to do so;
  2. Unrealistic Expectations. A Member will refrain from encouraging unrealistic expectations or promising Clients that benefits are certain from specific consulting and advisory services. A Member will ensure that before accepting any engagement, a mutual understanding of the objectives, scope, workplan, and fee arrangements has been established with the Client.  A Member will advise the Client of any significant reservations the Member may have about the Client’s expectation of benefits from an engagement;
  3. Commissions / Financial Interests. A Member will neither accept commissions, remuneration nor other benefits from a third party in connection with recommendations to a Client without the Client’s knowledge and written consent, nor fail to disclose any financial interest in goods or services which form part of such recommendations;
  4. Assignments. A Member will only accept work that the Member is qualified to perform and in which the Client can be served effectively; a Member will not make any misleading claims and will provide references from other Clients, if requested;
  5. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest. A Member will disclose at the earliest opportunity any special relationships, circumstances or business interests which might influence or impair, or could be seen by the Client or others to influence or impair the Member’s judgement or objectivity on an assignment. This requires the prior disclosure of all relevant personal, financial or other business interests that could not be inferred from the description of the services offered.
    This relates to:

    • any directorship or controlling interest in any business in competition with the Client;
    • any financial interest in goods or services recommended or supplied to the Client;
    • any personal relationship with any individual in the Client’s employ;
    • any personal investment in the Client organization or in its parent or any subsidiary companies;
    • any recent or current engagements in sensitive areas of work with directly competitive Clients; and
    • any work for a third party on the opposite side of a transaction, e.g. bid defense, acquisitions, work for the regulator and the regulated, assessing the products of an existing Client.

    A Member will not serve a Client under circumstances which are inconsistent with the Member’s professional obligations or which in any way might be seen to impair the Member’s integrity. Wherever a conflict or potential conflict of interest arises, the Member will, as the circumstances require, either withdraw from the assignment, remove the source of conflict or disclose and obtain the agreement of the parties concerned, in writing, to the performance or continuance of the engagement;

  1. Recruiting. A Member will not make offers of employment to or engage any member of the Client’s staff nor use the services of any such person either independently or via a third party unless they have first obtained the Client’s written consent;
  2. Standards of Service. A Member will carry out the duties, which he or she has undertaken for his/her Client diligently, conscientiously and with due regard to his/her Client’s interest.  Members will conduct their professional duties with integrity, due care and competence. A Member will maintain a fully professional approach in all dealings with Clients, the public and fellow Members;
  3. Personal Conduct. A Member shall be a fit and proper person to carry on the profession of consultancy and advisory services and shall always be of good reputation and character. Matters for concern might include:
    • conviction of a criminal offence or committal under bankruptcy proceedings;
    • censure or disciplining by a court or regulatory authority; and/or
    • unethical or improper behaviour towards employees or the public;
  1. Other Consultants. A Member will ensure that other consultants and advisers carrying out work on behalf of the Member are conversant with and abide by this Code of Conduct. A Member will sub-contract work only with the prior agreement of the Client and, except where otherwise agreed, will remain responsible for the performance of the work;
  2. Relationships and behaviour towards other Members of the Network. It is recognized that Members will compete from time to time for the same Client work and/or relationship. Nonetheless, a Member will act with integrity towards other Members of the Network to enhance the reputation and brand of the Network and will not do anything to bring the Network and/or another Member of the Network into disrepute. Where possible, Members are expected to collaborate. Members are encouraged to discuss any potential conflict with other Members. The ultimate deliberation should be measured against the Values of the Network; and 
  3. Compliance. Members shall comply with the laws of any jurisdiction within the Member operates.