The Code of Conduct applies to all Queensland public service employees. Teachers need to adhere to a set of standards when they are performing their roles and when making both professional and personal decisions (Queensland Government, 2011). The code outlines fundamental principles of ethical behaviour which helps teachers understand how to put the principles and values into everyday practise.
The Standard of Practice elaborates how the values in the Code of Conduct apply to teachers. It provides direction in matters such as interactions with students, parents/caregivers, appropriate use of social media, and conflicts of interest.
In the teacher student relationship there is a distinct power imbalance between the teacher and the student (Queensland College of Teachers, 2019). Professional boundaries ensures that a teacher does not breach this power imbalance by their actions. For example, showing preferential treatment towards a student, or using social media to interact with a student.
Teachers need to recognise that there is potential for boundaries to be crossed when using social media and electronic communication. This means teachers must not use social media to contact students, disclose any personal or confidential student information on social media, and should prevent students accessing their personal information by using private accounts (Queensland Government, Department of Education, 2016).
Teachers must be aware that a conflict of interest may occur if they have multiple interests’ that could influence their actions, judgement, and decision making. A conflict of interest may affect a teacher’s ability to carry out their duties with transparency and integrity (Queensland Government, Department of Education, 2021).
Information management and security is the responsibility of teachers. Teachers must make sure that any access to private information, whether through computers, emails, or photocopied papers, is protected and disposed of properly in compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
A gift or benefit is any tangible and intangible item received by a teacher during their official role (Queensland Government, Department of Education, 2023). Teachers need to consider the purpose of receiving a gift or benefit and the public’s perception of accepting this gift.
At its core, ethical decision-making is about making judgements that are consistent with the highest standards of integrity and ethical behaviour. When making ethical decisions, teachers should consult the Code of Conduct and the policies of their school. (Lavelle, 2022).
All public service employees need to commit to the highest ethical standards. The Code of Conduct makes it mandatory for all public service employees to report any suspected behaviour or practices that are not consistent with the standards set in the Code of Conduct and the Standard of Practice (Queensland Government, 2011).
Queensland Government (Department of Education). (2021). Conflict of Interest policy. https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/attachment/conflict-of-interest-policy.pdf
Queensland Government (Department of Education). (2023). Gifts and benefits procedure. https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/pp/gifts-and-benefits-procedure
Queensland Government (Department of Education and Training). (2016). Standard of Practice. https://qed.qld.gov.au/workingwithus/induction/workingforthedepartment/inductionandonboarding/Documents/code-of-conduct-standard-of-practice.pdf
Lavelle, C. (Host). (2022) Integrity in Practice (video podcast). Queensland Government, Department of Education. University of Southern Queensland Study Desk. https://usqstudydesk.usq.edu.au/m2/mod/page/view.php?id=2552796
Queensland College of Teachers. (2019). Professional Boundaries: A guideline for Queensland teachers. https://cdn.qct.edu.au/pdf/Professional%20Boundaries%20-%20A%20Guideline%20for%20Queensland%20Teachers.pdf
Queensland Government. (2011). Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service. https://www.forgov.qld.gov.au/employment-policy-career-and-wellbeing/public-service-values-and-conduct
