Breach of the Departmental Values and Ethics Code
The Code encompasses a broad spectrum of conduct that employees are required to follow and uphold. A breach occurs when an employee violates these values and ethics. Examples of such breaches include misusing influence or access to resources, providing false personal information, threatening or intimidating a colleague, or failing to disclose a conflict of interest.
During the period, there were seven instances where breaches of the Values and Ethics Code of the Department of Justice were identified as set out below:
Inappropriate or unprofessional behaviours
- An employee continuously acted inappropriately and disrespectfully towards their manager in emails and MS Teams messages. This behaviour was addressed through progressive disciplinary actions including a written reprimand and suspensions without pay.
- An employee acted inappropriately during an informal discussion with a staffing review panel. This was resolved through other administrative measures.
- An employee repeatedly used inappropriate language that intimidated or belittled their colleagues. This was resolved through a letter of expectations.
- An employee was aggressive toward and raised their voice to a colleague which was resolved through other administrative measures.
Breach of integrity
- An employee was discovered to have provided falsified documentation at the time of their appointment. An internal investigation resulted in the termination of employment.
- An employee offered opposing counsel a financial settlement to settle a claim against a client department without proper authorization from the Department of Justice and without the client department’s knowledge. Measures are pending in this case.
Undue use of influence or access to resources
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An employee gained unauthorized access to an IT room by misrepresenting themselves to the Commissionaire as an IT employee. This led to a verbal reprimand and an internal review of access level requirements to avoid similar issues in the future.
Certain breaches may also be investigated as potential wrongdoing under the PSDPA if they constitute a serious breach of the Department of Justice Values & Ethics Code. There were no instances under PSDPA this fiscal year.
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