Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board Member Code of Conduct

Purpose and Application
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish rules of conduct to govern the professional and ethical responsibilities of Board members in carrying out the responsibilities of the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB). This Code does not refer to the members’ legislated obligations set out in Ontario’s Agency Establishment & Accountability Directive, the Board’s Conflict of Interest Policy, and the Terms of Reference between PEQAB and the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. Also, it is not intended to conflict with any legal or professional requirements.

In accordance with established norms of good governance, the Code is based on the principles of integrity, honesty, openness, and concern for the public interest. It is designed to maintain the effectiveness of PEQAB as a whole and to ensure the fairness of all PEQAB procedures, recommendations, and decision making. It addresses common situations that PEQAB members may experience as they carry out their responsibilities, while it recognizes that not all situations can be anticipated. All PEQAB members have a responsibility to consider appropriate standards of behaviour and to conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner. The Code assumes that it is not only the actual situation, but also the perception others may have of it that may lead to a perception of bias, dishonesty or inappropriate conduct.

To Whom Does the Code Apply?
The Code applies to all members of PEQAB in their roles as members of the Board.

When is This Code Applicable?
The Code governs the conduct of PEQAB members from the date of appointment. It also includes the continuing responsibilities of members after the completion of their terms with respect to decisions and recommendations made by PEQAB while the person was a member.

General Rules of Conduct
Members are committed to the principles and practices of quality assurance in post-secondary education and adhere to PEQAB’s guiding principles. When considering applications referred to them, members make decisions on the merits of the application, and consider the information provided in good faith and to the best of their ability, not being concerned with the prospect of disapproval from any person, institution, or community.

a. Confidentiality
Any part of an agenda, of a PEQAB meeting or of any PEQAB committee which is conducted in camera, including the minutes or any records, is kept in confidence by the Chair and every member of PEQAB. The confidentiality requirement set out in this Code does not apply to any part of the information which is in the public domain at the date of disclosure to the member or which after that date enters the public domain, other than by any act or failure to act on the part of the member.
Members do not discuss individual submissions for review outside the Board’s deliberations.
Members employed by a post-secondary institution do not represent their home institution.
Members do not report to their home institution on privileged information of any type about another institution. Nor do they report on decisions regarding their home institution until they are in the public domain.
Members respect the confidential nature of documents, information, and records received as Board members, and restrict the use of this information to their work as Board members.
Members, at all times, adhere to the intent and requirements of Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990 which applies to all information, material and records relating to, or obtained, created, maintained, submitted or collected during the course of a review.

b. Communication
Members do not make public statements, orally or in writing, on any issues that are currently under consideration by PEQAB. In cases where it is not clear what an individual member may say publicly about an issue, the member consults with the PEQAB Chair or the manager of the PEQAB secretariat.
Members refrain from communicating with the media regarding the deliberations or recommendations of PEQAB unless designated to do so by the Chair. All inquiries from the media are referred to the PEQAB Chair or the manager of the PEQAB secretariat.

c. Personal Gain
Members do not take improper advantage of information obtained through official duties as a PEQAB member.
Members do not engage in conduct that exploits their position as a member.
Members do not accept money, awards or gifts from persons who may be, or have been affected by a PEQAB decision.

d. Fairness and Objectivity
Members are sensitive to issues of gender, race, language, culture, and religion that may affect the conduct of a review or decision.
Members deal with groups and persons, with staff, and with each other in a manner that reflects open and honest communication, respect, fair play, and ethical conduct.
Members approach every application and every issue arising with an open mind, and avoid doing or saying anything to cause any person to think otherwise.
Members are independent in decision-making.

e. Collegiality
Members promote positive relationships among PEQAB members.
Members demonstrate respect for the views and opinions of colleagues.
Members share their knowledge and expertise with other members as requested and appropriate.

f. Commitment
Members are available on a timely basis to attend meetings and adequately prepared for the duties expected of them.