Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

The purpose of this code of conduct is to represent the values of the Bateman Primary School Board. The code of conduct defines and sets a minimum standard for ongoing activities, communication and behaviour of the Members of the Bateman Primary School Board to ensure its success as a positive, functional board operating in a safe and productive environment.


2. Background

The Bateman Primary School Board has set out the following code of conduct which all members are required to adhere to while functioning in their as a Member, and includes principal, school staff member, parent member and any other community member positions.


3. Abbreviations and Definitions

  • The following abbreviations and definitions are used within this plan:
  • BPS - Bateman Primary School
  • BPSB - Bateman Primary School Board
  • Member - any member of the Bateman Primary School Board


4. School Board Accountability

  • The BPSB and its Members, shall act at all times within the law, including all relevant legislation, regulations, industrial agreements, guidelines and the BPSB Terms of Reference.
  • The BPSB is accountable to the Department of Education, the Director General and the local school community. The acts of the BPSB are to be carried out in the best interests of the student body and the overall school, rather than to benefit an individual interest or cause.


5. Bateman Primary School Values

  • The BPSB shall act at all times to promote the school values as may be relevant at the time and declared in the BPS Strategic Direction or School Development Plan.

6. Code of Conduct Principles

  • Members while acting in their capacities of the BPSB, shall act with respect, civility, honesty, transparency, integrity and without misrepresentation. 
  • Members shall at all times avoid any acts of discrimination, harassment and bullying. Consideration must be used for the rights, safety and welfare of others.
  • The underlying principles for the operation of the BPSB and the Members shall include the promotion of:
  1. respectful partnerships;
  2. clear and honest communication;
  3. transparent process and operation;
  4. democratic and informed decision making; and
  5. personal and professional integrity.

7. Personal Behaviours

  • Members shall contribute in a constructive, courteous and positive way to promote good governance and the reputation of both BPS and BPSB.
  • Members shall conduct themselves in accordance with the code of conduct principles and shall perform all their duties using care, skill and due diligence.
  • Members shall make decisions fairly, impartially and promptly, making use of all available information.
  • Members shall make all reasonable endeavours to become familiar with and understand the relevant issue being dealt with by the BPSB, as well as remain properly informed of the implications of their decisions.
  • Members shall not engage in circumstances of improper or questionable conduct.
  • Members shall report any improper conduct which has been or may be occurring within the BPSB to the chairperson or principal.


8. Representing the Bateman Primary School Board

  • Members are expected to represent the school community as a whole. Members do not represent one viewpoint, or the view of an individual.
  • Members shall regularly seek the views and opinions of the whole school community, especially with regard to developing policies.
  • Representation of the BPSB and its decisions, policies and directions shall be carried out by the Chairperson and principal, or other Member authorised by the BPSB.
  • Members shall not make any unauthorised public statements regarding business of BPS or the BPSB. Individual members shall not contradict or misrepresent the BPSB in their capacity as a Member.


9. Participation and Absentee

  • Members shall actively participate in sub-committees, regular and special meetings as the need arises.
  • Members must attend at least 75% of BPSB scheduled meetings in each calendar year.
  • Members unable to attend any meeting shall submit an apology in advance of that meeting.


10. Dealing with Conflict

  • Conflict between Members must be dealt with respectfully and fairly and in a manner that reflects the principles of natural justice.
  • Conflicts unable to be resolved shall be referred to the chairperson for further direction.
  • Where the chairperson is directly involved, the matter shall be referred to the principal or other Member with no direct involvement to act as an adjudicator.


11. Confidentiality

  • Members shall respect the need for confidentiality and privacy when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature relating to people and BPBS matters.
  • Members shall not disclose to anyone outside of the BPSB without approval from the BPSB, any information of a nature represented to the BPSB as confidential.
  • Members shall not disclose to any party outside of the BPSB without approval from the BPSB, any information, related to any individual or individuals disclosed to the BPSB.


12. Conflict of Interest

  • Members shall not use their position to gain any advantage for themselves or any other person.
  • Members must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest immediately upon becoming aware of the possibility of one.
  • The Member shall provide full disclosure, and detail the potential or actual conflict, as well as how it may affect their position regarding that specific matter.
  • Members who have declared a conflict of interest are not entitled to vote on that particular issue or any subsequently related issues.