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Code of Ethics

Applies to Employees and Students

Purpose

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region (BBBSWR) is committed to providing safe, ethical, respectful, and high-quality services to children, youth, families, volunteers, donors, community partners, and one another.

This Code of Ethics establishes the standards of conduct expected of all employees and students while carrying out their responsibilities on behalf of BBBSWR. It complements applicable legislation, BBBS National Standards, organizational policies, and, where applicable, the ethical standards of professional regulatory bodies and educational institutions.

All employees and students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values, mission, and reputation of BBBSWR.

1. Our Ethical Values

The work of BBBSWR is guided by the following core values.

Trust & Safety

We put young people’s safety, dignity, and wellbeing first.

Relationship Centered

We believe in building strong, positive, intentional relationships.

Belonging & Inclusion

We value diversity and are committed to reducing barriers to access and participation.

Collaboration & Partnership

We value strategic partnerships that create greater impact.

Sustainability & Impact

We pursue responsible growth, innovation, and partnerships to ensure long-term success.

2. Ethical Responsibilities

Employees and students are expected to uphold the following responsibilities.

A. Protect Children and Youth

Employees and students shall:

  • place the safety and well-being of children and youth above all other interests;
  • comply with all child protection obligations and mandatory reporting requirements;
  • maintain appropriate professional boundaries;
  • immediately report concerns regarding abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other safety risks in accordance with legislation and BBBSWR policies.

B. Respect Human Rights, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Employees and students shall:

  • provide services free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, or retaliation;
  • respect each person's identity, culture, beliefs, language, abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, and lived experiences;
  • promote equitable access to services;
  • recognize and reduce barriers to participation whenever possible;
  • provide services consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Employees and students are expected to practice in ways that are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and supportive of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

C. Maintain Professional Integrity

Employees and students shall:

  • act honestly and ethically;
  • avoid actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest;
  • never use their position for personal benefit;
  • exercise sound professional judgment;
  • maintain appropriate boundaries with children, youth, families, volunteers, donors, and colleagues;
  • represent BBBSWR professionally at all times while acting on its behalf.

D. Protect Privacy and Confidentiality

Employees and students shall safeguard confidential information obtained through their work.

Confidential information may only be disclosed:

  • with appropriate consent;
  • for legitimate service delivery purposes;
  • where required or permitted by law.

All confidential information shall be collected, stored, accessed, retained, and disposed of in accordance with BBBSWR policies and applicable privacy legislation.

E. Demonstrate Professional Competence

Employees and students shall:

  • perform duties within their level of competence and authority;
  • seek supervision and guidance when required;
  • recognize personal limitations;
  • participate in ongoing education, training, and professional development;
  • refer individuals to appropriate services when another professional or organization is better positioned to assist.

Students are also expected to comply with the ethical standards, placement requirements, and learning objectives established by their educational institution while fulfilling the expectations of BBBSWR.

F. Foster Respectful Collaboration

Employees and students shall work cooperatively with:

  • colleagues;
  • volunteers;
  • placement supervisors;
  • schools;
  • community agencies;
  • funders;
  • other service partners.

Collaboration shall be characterized by professionalism, mutual respect, effective communication, and shared responsibility.

G. Use Technology Responsibly

Employees and students shall use electronic systems responsibly, including:

  • email;
  • electronic records;
  • mobile devices;
  • artificial intelligence tools;
  • social media;
  • messaging platforms; and
  • video conferencing.

Confidential information shall never be disclosed through unauthorized means. Professional boundaries must be maintained in all digital communications.

H. Demonstrate Accountability

Employees and students shall:

  • comply with all BBBSWR policies and procedures;
  • comply with applicable legislation;
  • accurately document services and activities;
  • report concerns regarding unethical, unsafe, unlawful, or fraudulent conduct;
  • cooperate with investigations;
  • accept responsibility for their decisions and actions.

3. Unethical or Unprofessional Conduct

Conduct inconsistent with this Code may result in corrective action.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • failing to protect the safety or well-being of a child or youth;
  • breaching confidentiality without authorization or legal justification;
  • discrimination, harassment, bullying, or retaliation;
  • abuse of authority or professional relationships;
  • inappropriate relationships or boundary violations;
  • conflicts of interest that are not disclosed or appropriately managed;
  • falsifying records or documentation;
  • dishonest, fraudulent, or illegal conduct;
  • misuse of organizational funds, property, technology, or confidential information;
  • inappropriate use of social media or electronic communications;
  • failing to report child protection concerns or other legal obligations;
  • practicing outside one's competence without appropriate supervision;
  • behaviour that damages the reputation or public trust of BBBSWR.

4. Reporting Ethical Concerns

Employees and students who become aware of unethical, unsafe, unlawful, or inappropriate conduct have a responsibility to report their concerns through the appropriate supervisory channels and in accordance with BBBSWR policies.

Reports made in good faith will be addressed respectfully, fairly, and, where possible, confidentially.

BBBSWR prohibits retaliation against any individual who raises a concern or participates in an investigation in good faith.

5. Related Legislation and Standards

This Code should be read in conjunction with applicable legislation, standards, and organizational policies, including but not limited to:

Legislation and Standards

  • Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA);
  • Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA);
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA);
  • Ontario Human Rights Code;
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada National Standards.

BBBSWR Policies

  • Protection and Collection of Personal Information Policy;
  • Child Protection Policy;
  • Conflict of Interest Policy;
  • Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy;
  • File Maintenance, Access to Records and File Storage Policy;
  • Complaints Policy.

6. Compliance

All employees and students are required to read, understand, and comply with this Code of Ethics as a condition of employment or placement.

Employees and students are encouraged to seek guidance whenever they are uncertain about an ethical issue or appropriate course of action.

Failure to comply with this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, discontinuation of a student placement, or other action consistent with organizational policies and applicable legislation.

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