Code of conduct - professional behaviour and relationships

We’re committed to making sure that all colleagues, including people working on behalf of the University, demonstrate high standards of professional conduct and that personal relationships in the workplace don't result in conflicts of interest and situations that might impair objective judgement.

To help ensure continued good professional behaviour and relationships in the University context, we've developed a new code of conduct which replaces the policy on relationships with students. The new code, which you can download below, applies to everyone involved or working with the University including employees, workers, visitors, honorary staff, consultants, contractors and all students engaged in teaching or other work activities.

It covers the boundaries colleagues need to be aware of, examples of behaviours that are considered unacceptable, how to report inappropriate behaviour and contact details for advice and support.  The code also meets the growing requirements from research funding bodies who are keen to see, and have an interest in, how host institutions are preventing unprofessional behaviour.

As this is such an important topic, and to support our understanding of the Code, an online training module has now been developed. All members of staff are required to undertake the training, which should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete. The training can be accessed in Minerva here: Access the Professional Behaviour and Relationships training on Minerva now.

If you have queries about any issues raised by the code, please contact your local HR Manager or use the advice given on page three of the code to seek advice or support.