Consultant Code of Conduct

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Code of Conduct for Consulting Partners of the Baldrige Connect Business Development Program

Principle 1: Protect the Integrity of Baldrige

In our Baldrige-based consulting and/or training practices we will:

• Strive for business and operational excellence at all times
• Uphold Baldrige’s integrity and good standing, and refrain from conduct which detracts from its reputation, whether written or verbal
• Demonstrate a mutual interest in the success of our organizations through our actions with Baldrige stakeholders
• Act only within our level of competence and advise the client when asked to act beyond it
• Avoid conflicts of interest
  • Disclose any personal interest which may affect our decisions
  • Ensure that BPEP and other stakeholders, as appropriate, are informed in writing of any past, current or future business relations that may be, or may become, an actual, or in their best judgement, a perceived conflict of interest
  • Consider for each potential new engagement the possibility of it creating a conflict of interest, or the perception of such a conflict, and, if such a conflict is identified, take all reasonable steps to protect the interests and confidentiality of each relationship with members and customers
  • Act reasonably and justifiably in identifying and resolving conflicts of values, including those of an ethical nature
• Ensure that agreements entered into or activities undertaken are consistent with the interests of clients and demonstrate good management practice
• Promote Baldrige wherever possible with passion and belief
• Promote the Baldrige image and standing as a professional body

Principle 2: Exhibit Professional Conduct at All Times

As a Baldrige-based consultant and/or trainer we will:

• Exemplify the highest standards of professional behavior and performance
• Establish, maintain and develop business relationships based on mutual confidence and trust
• Honor and respect the intellectual property of fellow consultants/consulting partners
• Be accountable for achieving the objectives, projects and tasks that we undertake to deliver
• Ensure that we properly understand the interests of BPEP and the other stakeholders and respond to them in a balanced and positive manner
• Remain accountable for our actions
• Allow any action or recommendation made, if necessary, to be reviewed by qualified peers to confirm that we have acted in a proper way
• Observe the standards of conduct and practice as set out in this Code, as they may be reviewed and reissued from time to time
• Continue to develop our business consulting competencies and keep up-to-date with best practices
• Seek to identify and promote enhancements to the organization’s structure, procedures and processes
• Act in a manner which supports the organization’s overall objectives and contributes to the achievement of targets set

In our interactions with Baldrige stakeholders and customers we will:

• Treat colleagues on an equitable basis, without discrimination, recognizing their specific needs, pressures and problems
• Foster a culture of openness and transparency, where issues may be addressed in a frank and timely manner
• Act consistently and fairly when addressing any shortfall in performance or standards of behavior
• Encourage and assist colleagues to develop their skills and progress their careers, valuing the contribution made by each
• Have regard for their physical and mental health, safety and well being
• Respect the customs, practices and reasonable ambitions of others, where these may differ from our own
• Respect matters of conscience and diversity in their widest sense
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and positively about BPEP and BPEP stakeholders in all matters
• Neither offer nor accept gifts, hospitality or services which could create, or imply, an improper obligation against this Code of Conduct or the BPEP Examiner Code of Conduct

For the wider Baldrige community, we will:

• Ensure that we are aware of, and comply with, all applicable legislation and regulations

Principle 3: Protect the Promise of Confidentiality

For the clients with which we work, where it is within our power, authority or influence to do so, we will:

• Safeguard confidential information and intellectual property and not seek personal advantage from it
• Uphold the client’s policies and practices and seek to enhance them in the interests of good management practice
• Identify, support and communicate relevant policies, practices and information
• Safeguard the reputation and assets of the client

Principle 4: Protect the Program Stakeholders’ Intellectual Property

In the interests of Baldrige’s reputation (and the reputation of all Baldrige stakeholders) we will:

• Safeguard all BPEP and BPEP stakeholder confidential information and intellectual property that comes into our possession
• Respect the intellectual property of BPEP and all BPEP stakeholders, including materials that may be shared among various stakeholders
• Be honest, open and truthful in all external communications and be always positive about BPEP and BPEP stakeholders

I agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Consulting Partner
Name
Signature
Date                                                                     

This Code of Conduct is based on the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Code of Conduct and the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program (BPEP) Examiner Code of Conduct