Ethics Policy

OASBO Code of Ethics Policy

(Approved 2/7/20)

Given its mission, the Board of Directors of OASBO have adopted a code of ethics to guide its Board of Directors, committee members, members, and employees in their conduct when acting on behalf of or representing of the Association. The Code contains broad principles reflecting the types of behavior the Association expects towards constituents, staff, peers and the public.

The Code is intended to provide a framework for ethical decision-making, as no Code can provide specific guidance for all situations. This policy is not intended as a stand-alone policy. It does not embody the totality of OASBO’s ethical standards, nor does it answer every ethical question or issue that might arise. Rather, it is one element of a broader effort to create and maintain a quality organization that gives ethical conduct the highest priority. This Code will be reviewed periodically.

The Board of Directors, committee members, members, and employees will:

 

  1. Exercise care, good faith and due diligence in organizational affairs.
  2. Strive for excellence and innovation and demonstrate professional respect and responsiveness to constituents and others.
  3. Contribute to an organizational culture that respects the diverse, individual contributions of staff and leadership.
  4. Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information about the Association, its constituents, board and employees.
  5. Comply with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and fiduciary responsibilities.
  6. For the board of directors, provide credible and effective oversight to the organization’s work.
  7. Abide by the constitution, by-laws and policies of the Association.
  8. Be accountable for adhering to this Code of Ethics.
  9. Act at all times in accordance with the highest ethical standards and in the best interest of the Association, its constituents and reputation.
  10. Refrain from actions and involvements that might adversely affect objectivity or that might embarrass OASBO.
  11. Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information that may result in a perceived or actual conflict of interest to the Executive Director. If the conflict of interest relates to the Executive Director, the full disclosure should be to the Executive Committee of the Board.
  12. Not use his or her position to obtain benefits for themselves or a family member or anyone with whom they have a business or employment relationship.
     

2.2 Ethics Compliance, Monitoring and Reporting

OASBO management is responsible for communicating this Code of Ethics to the Board of Directors, committee members, members, and employees for ensuring its contents are understood and followed. The policy shall be published annually in the SBO Quarterly magazine.

Breaches of this Code should be reported to the Executive Director of OASBO. Breaches involving the Executive Director should be reported to the Executive Committee. Failure to abide by this policy may result in discipline, up to and including termination of employment or removal from office, as well as any potential civil or criminal sanctions under the law. The Board of Directors and employees are required to sign the ethics acknowledgement page within this manual.