Appendix 1: Code of Conduct

Conduct, probity and openness 

1. Housing 21 is committed to establishing and upholding the highest standards of integrity and probity and demonstrating that it acts and operates in an open and transparent manner. It will maintain an open dialogue with and be accountable to stakeholders including residents, employees, regulators, and local authority partners. 

1. Housing 21 has adopted the NHF Code of Conduct (current version 2022). The following points highlight some of the main principles. 

• General responsibilities: Board Members must fulfil their duties and obligations responsibly, acting at all times in good faith and in the best interests of the Group and its customers. 
• Conflicts of interest: Board Members must take all reasonable steps to ensure that no undeclared conflicts arise or could reasonably be perceived to arise between Board Member duties and personal interests (financial or otherwise).  
• Bribery, gifts and hospitality: Board Members must not offer, seek or accept bribes or inducements from individuals or organisations that might be seen to compromise judgement or integrity, or place them under an obligation to those individuals or organisations. 
• Funds and resources: Board Members must not misuse the Group’s funds or resources. 
• Confidentiality: Board Members must handle information in accordance with the law and Group’s policies and procedures. 
• Respect for others: Board Members must treat others with respect. 
• Relationships between Board Members and employees: Board Members and employees must maintain constructive, professional relationships based on sound understanding of their respective roles. 
• Relationships with residents and other service users: Board Members must maintain high standards of professionalism, fairness, and courtesy in their dealings with residents and other service users. 
• Learning and development: In partnership with the housing association, Board Members must take responsibility for your own learning and development, regularly updating and refreshing your skills and knowledge. 
• Health safety and security: Board Members must not endanger the health, safety or security of themselves or others. 
• Conduct at meetings: conduct at meetings must meet a high standard of integrity, commitment and courtesy. 
• Representing the Group: In representing the Group Board Members must uphold and promote the Groups values, objectives and policies.