Employee code of conduct template

This code sets out the standards of behaviour [Company name] expects. It applies to everyone who works for us - employees, workers, contractors and agency staff - at work, at work events, when travelling for work and when communicating about work online. Breaches may be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure. This code is not contractual and may be updated; the current version is at [location].

Treat colleagues, customers, suppliers and visitors with courtesy and respect. Bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination are not tolerated from anyone, at any level, towards anyone. Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature and includes comments, jokes, messages, images and touching. If you experience or witness behaviour like this, report it under clause 10. You will not be treated badly for raising a concern in good faith.

Be honest in everything you record and report: hours, expenses, sales, test results, absence and qualifications. Do not falsify, alter or withhold records. Use company money as carefully as you would your own, and claim only expenses that were genuinely incurred for work.

Tell [role] in writing if you, or someone close to you, has a financial or personal interest that could affect, or appear to affect, a decision you make at work. This includes an interest in a supplier, customer or competitor, a close personal relationship with someone you manage or recruit, and any other paid work. Other work must not conflict with your duties to us or take your working time above the legal limits.

Never offer, give, ask for or accept anything of value to influence a business decision or gain an improper advantage. Modest hospitality in the normal course of business is acceptable. Record any gift or hospitality worth more than [£50] in the register at [location], and get approval from [role] before accepting anything worth more than [£100]. Gifts of cash or vouchers must always be declined. If you are unsure, ask first.

Do not disclose confidential information about [Company name], its customers, suppliers or people, during or after your employment, except where your job requires it or the law permits it. Handle personal data only as your role requires, keep it secure and report any loss or mistaken disclosure to [role] immediately. Nothing in this code stops you making a protected disclosure (whistleblowing).

Equipment, vehicles, software, accounts and information provided for work belong to [Company name], are recorded against your name and must be returned when asked or when you leave. Look after them, use them for work, and do not install software or connect devices that have not been approved. Limited personal use of [email and the internet] is permitted where it does not interfere with work, break the law or bring the company into disrepute.

Follow safety instructions and training, use the protective equipment provided, and report hazards, accidents and near misses to [role] promptly. Come to work fit to do your job. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at work is not permitted. [Alcohol at company events: moderate consumption is permitted; the standards in this code still apply.]

Only [named roles] may speak to the media or make public statements on behalf of [Company name]. On personal social media, do not share confidential information, do not post content about colleagues or customers that would breach clause 2, and make clear that views are your own. Follow the dress standard for your role: [describe].

If you see something that breaks this code or the law, raise it with your manager, or with [alternative named person] if it concerns your manager. Concerns about your own treatment are handled under the grievance procedure. Concerns about wrongdoing that affects others, such as a criminal offence, a danger to health and safety or a cover-up, are handled under [the whistleblowing policy]. Every concern raised in good faith will be taken seriously, and retaliation against anyone who raises one is itself a breach of this code.