Policy Type: Governance Process

GP-5 – Board Members Code of Ethics

Initial Date of Approval:

Revision Dates: 06/09/2020

BOARD MEMBERS CODE OF ETIHCS

The Board of Trustees commits itself and its members to ethical, businesslike, and lawful conduct. This includes proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as board members.

1. Members must represent unconflicted loyalty to the interests of the community. This accountability supersedes any conflicting loyalty such as that to advocacy or interest groups and memberships on other boards or staffs. It also supersedes the personal interest of any board member acting as a consumer of the organization's services.
2. Members must avoid conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary responsibility. 
   1. There must be no self-dealing or any conduct of private business or personal services between any board member and the organization except as procedurally controlled to assure openness, competitive opportunity, and equal access to “inside” information.
   2. When the board is to decide upon an issue, about which a member has an unavoidable conflict of interest, that member shall absent herself or himself without comment from not only the vote, but also from the deliberation.
   3. Board members must not use their positions to obtain employment in the organization for themselves, family members, or close associates. Should a member desire employment, her or she must first resign from the board.
   4. Members will annually disclose to the Board Chair their involvement with other organizations, with vendors, or any other associations which might produce a conflict.
3. Board members may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the organization except as explicitly set forth in board policies.
   1. Members' interaction with the chief executive or with staff must recognize the lack of authority vested in individuals except when explicitly board authorized.
   2. Members’ interaction with public, press, or other entities must recognize the same limitation and the inability of any board member to speak for the board.
4. Members will respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature.
5. Members shall ensure that public funds are spent wisely and legally, including those that relate to their expenses. Expenses shall be authorized, legitimate, direct, and reasonable expenses of trusteeship.