The Chartered Governance Institute (Institute) requires Members to observe the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical behaviour in all their activities.
Values
By maintaining these standards, Members enhance their reputation as Governance Professionals and increase confidence in the management and administration of private and public sector organisations. As the conduct of an individual member can reflect upon the wider profession of corporate management and the Institute’s membership as a whole, the Code sets out what are deemed to be appropriate standards of professional conduct.
Code of Ethics
This Code of Ethics is formulated to enhance the standard of corporate governance in companies by defining the ethical conduct and, in addition, to achieve the following objectives:
- To enhance the level of professionalism amongst company secretaries and as governance professionals within the tenets of ethical values, efficiency and administrative effectiveness;
- To uphold the spirit of corporate responsibility and accountability in line with the legislation, regulations and guidelines governing a company.
- To refrain from conduct, behaviour or action which would bring disrepute to the Institute.
- To uphold the Institute’s Charter and comply with the Bye-Laws.
- To exercise the utmost integrity, good faith and act both responsibly and honestly with reasonable care and due diligence in the exercise of their powers and the discharge of the duties and responsibilities of their office;
- To be transparent and uphold professionalism at all times.
- To comply with laws and regulations and avoid any action that can discredit the profession. This includes avoiding involvement in any unethical, misleading, illegal or unbecoming actions, and being cognisant of their responsibilities as professionals towards the wider community.
- To safeguard the interests of their employers, colleagues or clients, and stakeholders.
- To exercise sound judgment, not be a party to any illegal or unethical activities, and at all times be impartial and refrain from conflict of interest positions. This would include not being a part of any agreement or undertaking any activity which may put them in a position of conflict with the legitimate interests of their employer or client.
- To ensure that confidential information obtained in the course of the performance of their duties is not used for any personal gain or benefit, improper purposes or in any illegal manner whatsoever.
