A code of conduct sets formal standards of behaviour about how people work. It’s a set of ‘ground rules’ based on the values, objectives and legal obligations of your business or organisation.

It can help your business or organisation:

• manage people and how they work
• protect people from unacceptable behaviours
• manage legal obligations about appropriate and safe conduct at work.

A code of conduct sets out:

• the behaviours your organisation expects from people
• the behaviours it will not tolerate
• the consequences that can apply if the code of conduct is not followed.

You can require your workers to read and understand, sign and return your Code of Conduct:

• when they start working for or in your organisation
• each time you review it.

It can also form part of a contract or agreement. If a worker doesn't meet their obligations under your Code of Conduct, having an agreed and signed copy can support disciplinary or dismissal processes or be dealt with as a breach of contract.

Your Code of Conduct may relate to other policies in your workplace. Learn more about workplace policies including:

• what makes a good workplace policy
• how to implement a policy at your workplace
• links to other templates. 

How to use this template

This is a guided template for organisations and businesses. You will need to consider what is right and practical for your workplace and the resources available to it.

Download the template, follow the prompts, adapt it to your organisation, delete the guidance notes and add your branding. 

Be sure to communicate it to any workers that it applies to. Make sure they can access it, and that they know who to ask if they have questions. 

But remember: This template is general and does not include legal obligations that are specific to any scenario. For example, some large organisations using this template may need to comply with whistleblowing laws. You will need to consider these obligations separately to this template. 

Download the template