Code of Conduct

About our core values and Code of Conduct

Our workplaces make continuous improvement to workplace culture by following NSW Health’s CORE values.

The Code of Conduct (Code) sets standards of ethical and professional conduct in NSW Health.

This Code applies to:

• 2.1.1 Persons who are employed in NSW Health whether on a permanent basis, casual or temporary basis.
• 2.1.2 Contractors (including visiting practitioners, agency staff, and volunteers) working in NSW Health
• 2.1.3 Students, researchers or persons undertaking or delivering training or education in NSW Health, who will be referred to as ‘staff’ throughout the Code.

This Code requires staff to follow the standards, which also apply to:

• social activities that take place outside work premises but is conducted by the agency.
• making of comments about other staff, patients, patients’ family members or visitors on social media (where the status of the person making the comments as a NSW Health staff member is stated or can be assumed.

Code of Conduct breaches

There is a range of consequences for breaches of this Code depending on the nature and seriousness of the matter.

Managers will address alleged breaches of the Code promptly, and in a fair and reasonable manner.

Possible outcomes for a staff member or volunteer who has breached the Code may include:

• counselling
• performance improvement plans
• sanctions may be applied
• referral to the police in cases of suspected possible criminal activity
• referral to other Government agencies, such as the Independent Commission Against Corruption
• termination of employment or volunteer status. 

Certain sections of the Code reflect the requirements of legislation, and breaches of these conditions may be punishable under law.

If you are concerned about a breach of the Code, staff or volunteers should report any breach, or concerns about a breach of the Code, to their manager.

If you are not comfortable about reporting to your manager, you should report the matter to a more senior staff member. In some circumstances, such as allegations of corruption, there is a mandatory requirement to report matters to external agencies.