Ethical Conduct Policy

Ethical conduct is important in your relationship with the public, other agencies and contractors. You represent the state in business dealings and hold a position of trust with grave responsibilities that require you to observe the highest ethical standards. Standards that may be acceptable in the private business world or other departmental or governmental jurisdictions are not necessarily acceptable as an employee of CHRO. The following provisions apply to you as an employee of this agency.

You-as an individual or as the member of a group-may not solicit or accept a gift or gratuity from a person or organization that had, has, or may have a relationship with your unit or the agency. The gift may be any object or payment not offered to the public at large (e.g. a meal, ticket to an athletic event). Items distributed among coworkers, supervisors or subordinates for birthday, holidays or special occasions are permitted, if under $50. Avoid a situation that may lead you to be found in a conflict of interest or give the appearance of it. When in doubt, contact the Ethics Commission. Situations may occur where the value of an object offered to the public at large is of little or no consequence and does not fall within the provisions of the codes, such as a pencil or pen.

You may not use or distribute state information or use state equipment or materials for other than the purpose of state business.

You may not allow personal business or obligations to take precedence over any agency responsibility. Avoid a conflict of interest or the appearance of it.

You may not accept employment with a consultant, contractor, appraiser or any other individual or organization under contract or agreement with your unit or the agency. You also may not have a direct or indirect financial interest in a business, firm or enterprise doing business with your division or the agency that could influence or conflict with the performance your duties.

Though your relatives are not prohibited from seeking or accepting employment with the agency, you as an employee may not use your influence to help them gain employment and may not directly or functionally supervise them. "Relative" means father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, niece, wife, husband, grandparent, father-in-law, mother-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother or half sister. If you sign a document that financially benefits a relative, such as a personnel form or performance appraisal, you may violate the code.

You may not indirectly or directly use your official authority to coerce, command or require another state employee to act in violation of state personnel rules or regulations regarding appointments and promotions.

If you seek or hold a public office, you must notify your Supervisor in writing and indicate the term. Copies will be sent to the Human Resources Office. You will neither engage in partisan political activities while on state time nor use state materials or equipment for the purpose of influencing a political election.

The provisions of the federal law on political activities, the Hatch Act may cover you if your principal employment is financed in whole or part by loans or grants from the federal government or a federal agency. If so, you also are subject to the Act while on vacation leave, sick leave, leave without pay, or personal leave.