There may be times when behaviour does not adhere to the values set out in the Code. Such conduct may not always give rise to a disciplinary matter or constitute misconduct. However, where the allegation of a breach of the Code is more serious this may give rise to investigation under the Commission’s Conduct and Discipline Policy.
You should familiarise yourself with the contents of the Code and should act in accordance with the values set out in it. Failure to adhere to the Code or the requirements of the Code could be a breach of the Commission’s Conduct and Discipline Policy and your contract of employment.
If you are concerned that you are being asked to behave in a manner that is contrary to the values set out in this Code, or consider that someone else is doing so, you should raise this with your Line Manager or with Human Resources. If you do not feel able to so do, then you should follow the procedure set out in the Commission’s Raising a Concern Policy.
The ICRIR’s Raising a Concern policy sets out the whistleblowing procedures for staff, which are in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 in Great Britain and the Public Interest Disclosure (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 in Northern Ireland.
If staff of the ICRIR believe they are being required to act in a way which:
- Is illegal, improper, or unethical.
- Is in breach of a professional code.
- May involve possible maladministration, fraud or misuse of public funds; or
- Is otherwise inconsistent with this code.