The purpose of this policy is to explain the expectations that the JIBC places on its Board members while members serve at the JIBC. Members of the Board are representing a public institution and should keep in mind at all times that their conduct reflects upon the JIBC. The JIBC asks its Board members to represent the JIBC with integrity at all times. Board members will be expected to avoid any conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest that might impair or impugn their independence or integrity. The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics that is consistent with The Standards of Ethical Conduct for Public Sector Organizations. The JIBC publishes its Code of Conduct and Ethics on its web page.
All Board members, voting or non-voting.
As part of their commitment to the Board, members of the Board are required to affirm an oath agreeing to abide by the Board Conduct By-law.
Board means the governing board as defined in the College and Institute Act.
President means the President of the Justice Institute. The President is a non-voting member of the Board.
Board Chair means member, other than the President, elected annually to the position of the chair from among the voting Board members.
Code of Conduct
- Board members are expected to act at all times in good faith and with honesty and due diligence. Board members’ conduct in Board meetings and while representing the Justice Institute shall reflect social standards of courtesy, respect and dignity.
- Board members are expected to regularly attend meetings and to adequately prepare for the duties expected of them. If a member of the Board has not attended three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the Board, the member is no longer a member of the Board unless excused by resolution of the Board.
- The Board speaks as with one voice. The Board Chair or someone designated by the chair represents the Board in the public. All Board members must refer to the Chair for public comments about the Board and its decisions. Board members shall publicly stand by and uphold decisions of the Board.
- The conduct and language of Board members must be free from any discrimination or harassment prohibited by the Human Rights Code of British Columbia and must be in compliance with the Harassment Policy of the JIBC.
- Confidential information must not be used for any purpose outside that of undertaking the work of the Board. To this end each member of the Board shall take due care to ensure that confidential information of the Board is not made public.
- Performance of Board duties shall not result in any personal or private financial or other substantive gain for its members. (Private gain does not include honoraria for service on the Board.)
Conflict of Interest
Actions taken in the course of performing duties as a member of the Board shall neither cause nor suggest the reality or perception that the member’s ability to perform or exercise those duties has been or could be affected by private gain or interest. All Board members shall ensure that:
- Board members do not have any contract for profit with the Justice Institute on their own behalf or with any company in which they or any member of their family have an interest while the Board member is serving at the Justice Institute;
- Board members do not have personal financial interests, assets or holdings which could place the Board member in conflict with any decision, information or other matter that may be heard by or acted upon by the Board;
- Board members shall not undertake any activity as a private citizen which conflicts with his/her responsibilities as a member of the Board;
- Board members must remain impartial at all times toward individuals who deal with the Board and, as a member, avoid taking any action that may result in preferential treatment for any individual; and
- Board members should avoid conflict with work undertaken through any other memberships, Governorships, voluntary or paid positions or affiliations which could conflict with their duties as a member of the Board.
Related Policies and Procedures
- 1101-001 Board Conduct Bylaw Procedure