JWM Code of Practice

 

Values

This code establishes our values as a business and workplace. Each employee is responsible for behaving in accordance with the values and practices it details. By signing a work contract with Jackson Wells, employees agree to be bound by this Code of Practice.

While the values are expressed in general terms, they apply to specific situations and the code attempts to describe some of these. Since it is not possible to forecast every case that may be encountered, the code is not exhaustive. It is also subject to change over time. If employees are unsure of the application of the code to a specific situation, they must seek the counsel of the Executive Chairman or the Chief Executive Officer.

We want Jackson Wells employees:

• To be at ease interacting with diverse stakeholders, recognising that the good of these stakeholders is part of Jackson Wells' own good
• To be obsessed with fairness, recognising that the other person's interests count as much as our own
• To assume individual responsibility for the actions of the company, recognising that Jackson Wells expects individuals to be responsible to themselves as well as the company
• To see Jackson Wells' activities in terms of a purpose, which is to communicate, inform and advise honestly and productively in the interests of our clients and the society of which we are a part [1]

 

Behaviour

The ethical principles on which our company is founded comprise trust, respect, responsibility and equity. This matrix defines the ethical values comprising these four 'pillars'. It also provides a precis of the behaviour that will activate these values.

 

Code of practice

This code of practice specifies certain policies and guidelines that define the company's position on a number of important matters. These guidelines are not exhaustive and will be supplemented and refined from time to time.

1 - Honesty

c.   We provide our services under terms and contracts that do not compromise our independence, integrity and objectivity.

d.   We avoid conduct likely to bring discredit upon ourselves, the company or its clients.

e.   We are prepared to identify the source of funding of any public communication initiated by us or for which we act as a conduit.

2 - Integrity

c.   We do not over-promise, ie, exaggerate what we can achieve in order to satisfy client requirements. We are prepared to state what is possible and why action beyond this may be impractical.

d.   We understand objectives as statements of intent not promises and we state them in terms offering reasonable prospect of their achievement.

e.   We undertake projects only in our areas of expertise and where we have the capability to deliver effective services.

3 - Loyalty

a.   As communicators we understand how relationships develop, grow and are maintained. We understand that effective communication underpins effective relationships and that effective relationships are loyal relationships.

b.   We respect each other as individuals within the company and accept that, as agents of our clients, our loyalties also extend to them.

c.   We do not betray people's trust by disclosing information or matters rightfully theirs to disclose.

d.   We do not place ourselves in a position where we have conflicting interests nor, without client consent, represent competing interests.

e.   We do not accept contingency fees as we believe these remove the appropriate degree of detachment and objectivity and are inconsistent with maintaining the most effective client relationship.

f.   We adopt appropriate financial arrangements that promote trust with clients, suppliers and employees.

g.   We do not compromise the disinterested nature of our services as a result of personal relationships or business or financial interests.

4 - Autonomy

a.   We recognise the autonomy, worth, personal experience and heritage of individual people and value our own individuality and dignity.

b.   We have a right to expect that other people will treat us with dignity.

c.   We support people's right to argue and advocate vigorously providing group welfare is not jeopardised.

d.   The company does not work for political parties, since this might cast it in a prejudicial light, although partners and employees, as individuals, are entitled to exercise their rights as private citizens in this and all other respects.

5 - Tolerance

a.   We are tolerant and celebrate and promote diversity.

b.   We do not differentiate between people on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual preference or other personal attributes.

6 - Courtesy

a.   We understand the workplace as an extension of ourselves and a microcosm of society as well as a place of production and achievement.

b.   We work hard to make our relationships with clients, suppliers and others pleasant and productive.

c.   We try to ensure client objectives are attained in a climate of sensitivity to the needs, values and expectations of other people.

7 - Accountability

a.   We know that being accountable for our actions, whether as an individual or as a group, is critical to self-respect, group functionality and client relationships.

b.   We are aware that we cannot solve all problems with equal facility and that, if we fail to achieve the desired outcome, we will accept the burden of responsibility where it is ours and not indulge in blame-shifting.

8 - Cooperation

a.   We value teams because they enhance our capacity to do great work.

b.   We value teams because they promote trust, openness, challenge, opportunity and personal and organisational growth.

c.   We understand the importance of teamwork in providing the best outcomes for clients.

d.   We contribute to the development of effective groups by seeking shared values, good communication, a high level of interaction, mutual reliance, and shared problem-solving and decision-making.

e.   We are willing and know how to join with each other, clients and suppliers to provide solutions to problems, requirements and demands.

9 - Excellence

a.   We aspire to excellence.

b.   We behave according to the highest standards.

c.   Having first agreed a set of realistic client expectations, it is our strong desire to work to deliver them in full and to exceed them.

d.   We recognise that doing our best involves understanding client intentions, thorough preparation and attention to detail.

e.   We believe that quality and continuous improvement are fundamental to the way we develop products and support clients.

f.   We are committed to training and developing ourselves to provide better services.

g.   We are committed to the development, personal and professional growth of employees.

10 - Fairness

a.   We accept the 'golden rule' that we should "do unto others as we would want them to do unto us".

b.   We treat other people as equals.

c.   We do not behave prejudicially.

d.   We do not participate in activities that could unfairly or unjustly damage the business or reputation of others.

e.   We strongly advocate the interests of our clients but do not knowingly disseminate false or misleading information and take care to avoid doing so inadvertently.

f.   We accept clients on the basis of the facts underlying their request for our services not on reputation or stereotyping.

11 - Caring

a.   We try to make the world a better place.

b.   We know that business organisations exist within a social structure and derive from society their freedom and ability to operate. This understanding underpins our belief that we must bear in mind the interests of our nation and society in decision-making and action.

c.   We comply with the spirit as well as the letter of the law.

d.   We provide services free of charge to selected organisations that require our help but cannot afford it.

e.   We organise appropriate mentoring programs for students and young practitioners who wish to gain work experience in the public relations industry.

If you believe that Jackson Wells may be in breach of any of the foregoing guidelines, you should initially raise the matter with the Executive Chairman or CEO on (02) 990 44 333.