Board Conduct Bylaw

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 Justice Institute.

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:

1. 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;
2. 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;
3. Board members shall not undertake any activity as a private citizen which conflicts with his/her responsibilities as a member of the Board;
4. 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;
5. Board members should avoid conflict with work undertaken through any other memberships, directorships, voluntary or paid positions or affiliations which could conflict with their duties as a member of the Board.