Code of Ethical Conduct

Employees, contractors, caregivers, and volunteers for the Society are expected to follow this Code of Ethical Conduct when representing the Society, its members and conducting business on behalf of or with the Society. The Code of Ethical Conduct applies to all individuals associated with the organization through an employment, volunteer or contract relationship (referred to as “Kyndred Personnel” in this Code). The Society also has various policies that are applicable to those associated with the Society. This Code does not limit the effect of those policies. 

A. Expectation of Excellence

Kyndred personnel shall be earnest in their efforts and thoughtful in their undertakings. Personnel shall strive to find efficient and effective ways of conducting business and providing support. Kyndred personnel shall provide persons served with the highest possible standard of service.

B. Service Provision and Professional Conduct

The Chief Executive Officer oversees the provision of efficient and effective services to persons served and their families. This supervision is carried out in a respectful, responsive and ethical manner. The Chief Executive Officer shall be sensitive to the changing needs, expectations and rights of individuals and respect the legislative, funding, and policy requirements that apply to the organization.

Kyndred Personnel shall provide efficient and effective services for persons served and their families. Service must be delivered in a respectful, responsive and professional manner, and individuals are to be treated with dignity and compassion. Personnel must be sensitive to the changing needs and expectations of individuals for personal care, practical assistance, social support, community integration and employment. 

a)  Respect, Dignity and Privacy

Kyndred Personnel shall treat the persons served, their families, and other personnel with respect and dignity, and shall actively respect and support the rights of the people we support and their families by encouraging the people we support to:

  1. make decisions about issues affecting their lives;
  2. maintain their independence and freedom of movement;
  3. assume only reasonable risk;
  4. express their personal beliefs, attitudes and personal goals without infringing upon the rights of others.
b)  Confidentiality

Information concerning a person served, families, personal networks, personnel, colleagues, other agencies and professionals, the affairs of the Society, as well as all proprietary information is confidential. Personnel shall not disclose any personal or confidential information about persons served or the Society without authorization from the Chief Executive Officer and must abide by the Kyndred policy entitled “1.7 CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONSENT”. 

c)  Conflict of Interest

Kyndred Personnel shall not allow their private interests, whether personal, financial, religious, or of any other sort to conflict or appear to conflict with their professional duties or responsibilities. Kyndred Personnel must avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest as set out in the Kyndred policy entitled “1.6 CONFLICT OF INTEREST”.

d)  Social Media

Kyndred Personnel must be responsible in the use of social media to communicate Kyndred’s mission and values. When creating or interacting with content relevant to Kyndred or its interest holders, Personnel must respect privacy and confidentiality. All personnel must adhere to the Kyndred policy entitled “1.20 SOCIAL MEDIA”. 

e)  Boundaries

The relationships between Kyndred Personnel and persons served, both during and outside regular program hours, require that impartiality, competency and quality of service are not compromised. Such relationships and the relationships between Kyndred and the families of persons served are to be established and maintained in a manner that ensures protection of the best interests of persons served. 
Kyndred Personnel are prohibited from participating in or initiating intimate or sexual relationships of any nature, whether “consensual” or otherwise, with persons served, both during and outside of work hours.

f)  Exchange of Gifts, Money or Gratuities

Kyndred Personnel shall be sensitive to the privileged relationship that they have with the persons they support and their families. Kyndred Personnel shall avoid any form of exploitation or perceived exploitation of these relationships for personal gain that may be facilitated through the exchange of gifts, money or gratuities. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to, accepting or receiving money or loans, receiving benefits from an individual’s accounts or consumer rewards (points, gifts, credit, etc.), or accepting other forms of gifts/remuneration. 

g)  Personal Fundraising

Kyndred Personnel shall not engage in fundraising activities on behalf of Kyndred that are not sanctioned and approved by the Fund Development & Communications Manager or the Chief Executive Officer as permissible fundraising activities. Examples of fundraising activities that would not be appropriate include the selling of cookies, candy, tickets, or other items that are personal initiatives of Kyndred Personnel and/or his or her family member.

Kyndred Personnel shall not engage in personal fundraising with persons served or solicit funds from persons served on behalf of a personal cause, such as selling cookies for a daughter in girl scouts, selling candy or wrapping paper for a child’s school, having persons served sell items on behalf of the organization, or allowing persons served to raise funds by appeals to personnel or other persons served.
Kyndred Personnel shall not pressure or use coercive solicitation techniques with fellow personnel such as seeking donations, encouraging purchases or pressuring others financially or otherwise. Personnel receiving unwanted solicitations are encouraged to address the issue with their colleagues and/or report the matter to their supervisor and/or Kyndred leadership.
Kyndred Personnel shall not personally benefit from or accumulate points or other consumer rewards on purchases made through any transactions made on behalf of Kyndred or the people we support. Any points or rewards earned as a result of Society business must be redeemed for items or services for Kyndred. In effect, the points and rewards are an asset of the Society and must be treated as such.  

h)  Organizational Fundraising

Requests for donations must be consistent with Kyndred’s Mission and communication and marketing strategies. Kyndred Personnel shall not engage in fundraising activities or solicit donations on behalf of Kyndred without prior approval from the Fund Development and Communications Manager or the Chief Executive Officer. Kyndred Personnel shall not engage in fundraising activities or solicit donations on behalf of third parties or other organizations utilizing Kyndred resources without prior approval from the Fund Development and Communications Manager or the Chief Executive Officer.  

i)  Personal Property

Kyndred Personnel shall not use Kyndred property or other assets or the personal property or assets of persons served for their personal use. Society assets include, but are not limited to, monetary assets, property, buildings, facilities, vehicles, and equipment, including housewares, materials, tools, manuals, technological equipment, computer software, etc.

Kyndred Personnel shall not engage in the buying or selling of property or services to or from persons receiving Kyndred services without the prior written approval of the Chief Executive Officer. 
Additionally, personnel shall not:

  • Handle or manage monies or other assets of the people we serve unless an agreement has been formally set up by the individual and/or their representative with Kyndred and personnel have been authorized in this role by the appropriate operational manager.
  • Accept for safekeeping any personal effects, jewelry or other assets of the people we serve or their families.
j)  Witnessing or Signing of Legal Documents

Kyndred Personnel shall not act as a witness to documents with respect to persons served such as Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements, guardianship agreements, advance directives, and/or agency contracts without the express written approval of the Chief Executive officer.

Additionally, Kyndred Personnel are not authorized to sign legal documents on behalf of a person served, such as signing a “consent for treatment” when an individual has been admitted to hospital.
 

C. Public Comments

The Chief Executive Officer, the Chair of Kyndred, or their respective designates, are the only individuals who are authorized to speak on behalf of the Society. All calls from media must be referred to the Chief Executive Officer.

D. Business, Financial, and Marketing Practices

When promoting, marketing, or representing the organization, Kyndred Personnel shall act in the best interests of the organization and persons served. Kyndred Personnel are expected to adhere to ethical practices and respect all requirements for confidentiality and the protection of privacy and respect for persons served.

Kyndred’ business and financial practices must be carried out in accordance with applicable legislation, requirements, policies and standards. Kyndred Personnel shall be transparent in financial and business transactions, exercise integrity in financial practices and be accountable to the funding bodies and other stakeholders. Kyndred’ financial practices must comply with generally-accepted Canadian accounting principles and practices. 

Promotional practices are to be ethical, legal and respectful. Kyndred abides by all applicable laws, regulations, standards and ethical practices. Practices such as coercion by means of guilt or obligation, or motivated by personal gain are prohibited.

E. Contractual Relationships

Kyndred engages in sound contracting practices when purchasing any goods or services through a contractual relationship that falls outside of direct employment with Kyndred. Contractors are required to adhere to the same standards of conduct outlined in this code. Specific terms and conditions are included in Kyndred contract for services agreements. The Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer or approved designate are the only authorized personnel who can enter into a contractual relationship on behalf of the Society.

F. Human Resources

Personnel are the most valuable resource in ensuring quality services. Kyndred promotes a human resources management approach based on best practices, Kyndred’ philosophy, values and applicable requirements, legislation, and regulations. 

Kyndred encourages professional development, continuous learning, and application of best practices. We will strive to create a place of work where personnel feel welcomed, appreciated, and comfortable. Kyndred promotes safe and healthy environments, positive working relationships and a collegial spirit. To ensure this environment, no Kyndred personnel will be placed in a position where he/she will be supervising a family member, spouse or significant other.

G. Environmental free from Harassment or Discrimination

Kyndred treats personnel with dignity and respect and strives to ensure that they are not subjected to discrimination or to sexual or personal harassment. Kyndred personnel shall not engage in, and shall act to prevent, sexual or personal harassment and discriminatory behaviour on any basis proscribed by law. Kyndred Personnel shall not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, culture, ancestry, place of origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious or spiritual beliefs, marital or family status, physical or mental disability, language, socio-economic status, or sexual orientation.

H. Prohibition of Waste, Fraud, Abuse of Other Wrongdoing

Kyndred has a clear policy prohibiting any waste, fraud, abuse or other wrongdoing that personnel are required to review annually. Kyndred requires all personnel to report any fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of the Society’s resources.

If you have any questions, concerns or complaints please contact one of the following: