Code of Conduct

The SUDC Foundation’s Code of Conduct

The purpose of this code of conduct is to promote the collective interest of the SUDC Foundation, its work and all the people we serve. Accordingly, each employee, independent contractor and volunteer is obligated to understand and cooperate with these policies and procedures for the advancement of the Foundation’s stated goals. The policies and procedures included do not comprise a formal “employee contract”; they form the basis for all interactions and conduct. The SUDC Foundation may make changes in these policies and procedures at any time. However, should changes be necessary, they will be made only after careful consideration of the advantages to the Foundation and its employees and volunteers. Such changes will be conveyed in writing. Your constructive suggestions are always invited. After you have reviewed the contents of this code of conduct, please sign and return the ACKNOWLEDGMENT statements to indicate that you have read and understand the material. We are pleased to have you on our team.

Thank you,

The SUDC Foundation

This Code of Conduct establishes guidelines for professional conduct by those acting on behalf of the SUDC Foundation, its agents or affiliates, including but not limited to, executive officers, faculty, staff and other individuals employed or subcontracted by the SUDC Foundation using SUDC Foundation resources or facilities, and volunteers and representatives acting as agents of SUDC (hereafter collectively referred to as “Agents”). This Code of Conduct is not an attempt to define everything one should or should not do, but to communicate the SUDC Foundation’s expectations of proper conduct and what professional conduct the SUDC Foundation values.

The SUDC Foundation has the expectation of each Agent to conduct all activities in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and with the utmost ethical integrity.

While the information that follows in this section is not all inclusive, it is indicative of important activities involving SUDC Foundation Agents. Upon reviewing this document, you will become familiar with the contents of the SUDC Foundation’s Code of Conduct.

Employee, Independent Contractor and Volunteer Conduct

Those acting on behalf of the SUDC Foundation have a general duty to conduct themselves in a manner that will maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the SUDC Foundation and take no actions incompatible with their obligations to the SUDC Foundation. Agents shall adhere to the applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies of governmental and institutional authorities.

The SUDC Foundation espouses no specific religious, cultural, political or philosophical ideology. The SUDC Foundation respects the beliefs of all the people it serves and honors their diversity in regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, ability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Failure to maintain these standards will be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Agents are responsible for reporting any activity reasonably believed in violation of a law, rule, regulation and/or policy. This can be done through the Agent’s supervisory chain or directly to the Foundation President. The SUDC Foundation will neither discriminate nor retaliate against any Agent who reports in good faith any instance of conduct that does not comply or appear to comply with laws, rules, regulations and/or policies.

Ethical Standards

New Jersey Code (N.J.S.A 52:13D-23 et seq.) (The “Ethics Law”) makes it unlawful for public officials, public members and public employees to use their position to obtain an economic interest or to have a financial interest in most any contract or purchase connected with the SUDC Foundation, unless certain exceptions apply. No provision of this policy supersedes the Ethics Law. The New Jersey Ethics Law can be found in its entirety at: http://www.nj.gov/ethics/ethics/

Some general ethical standards that apply to SUDC Foundation Agents are:

  • No Agent shall accept or solicit any gift, favor or service that might reasonably appear to influence the Agent in the discharge of duties.
  • No Agent shall disclose confidential information or use such information for his or her personal benefit.
  • No Agent shall make personal investments that could reasonably be expected to create a conflict between the Agent’s private interest and the public interest.
  • No Agent shall accept other outside or dual employment or compensation that could reasonably be expected to impair the Agent’s independence of judgment in the performance of the Agent’s public duties.
  • Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment are unacceptable behaviors. This includes verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
  • Discriminatory language or acts based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, ability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law will not be tolerated.
  • No Agent shall misrepresent themselves or the institution in any way. This includes, but is not limited to, clinical or research documentation, submission of claims for reimbursement, submission of timesheets and advertising of services.

Updated 6.2.2020

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