I REPRESENT THE butler TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD

I REPRESENT THE butler TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD

My attitude, actions, words, and conduct reflect not only upon me, but in fact The Entire Guild. It is therefore my responsibility to conduct myself in such a way that I bring honor and pride to the name of The International Guild of Professional Butlers, its Members and the Private Service profession as a whole.

This Code of Honor outlines the standard of behavior expected of a professional in Private Service. It is designed to help me understand my responsibilities and obligations, and also to provide guidance if I am faced with an ethical dilemma or conflict of interest in my work. Familiarize myself with this Code and observe its provisions. Members who breach the standards of conduct detailed in this Code may face disciplinary action.

A Code of Honor cannot cover every situation. If I am unsure of the appropriate action to take in a particular situation, discuss the matter with my colleagues directly, in The Forum or with a Director of The Guild.

Personal and Professional Behavior
Since it was founded, one of the keystones of The Guild's success has been integrity in its dealings with people both inside and outside The Guild. The International Guild of Professional Butlers is in a position of trust with respect to many external clients, organizations and others. All Members have a responsibility to The Guild. Ethical conduct has been and continues to be the very foundation of our Profession.

How Should I Serve My Employer?
I have a principal responsibility to implement and administer the policies and programs of my employer. I may hold views on particular matters that differ from those of my employer, but such views must not interfere with the performance of my duties. Always act in the best interests of my employer rather than for the benefit of personal interests.

How Should I Serve The Public?
Treat all people with whom I have contact in the course of my work fairly, and with courtesy and sensitivity. Act with propriety and be able to demonstrate this in relation to any advice or service I give. I must be able to justify any decisions I make.

How Should I Treat Colleagues?
Respect, and seek when necessary, the professional opinions of colleagues in their area of competence, and acknowledge their contribution. Treat my staff fairly, involve them in decisions that affect them, and provide equal opportunity to develop their skills.

What Is Expected Of Me?
Perform my duties diligently, impartially and responsively, to the best of my ability. Only be absent from work with permission. Observe relevant occupational health and safety requirements, and act to remove or bring to the attention of my employer any situation which is, or may be, a health or safety hazard. My activities outside working hours must not diminish confidence in me or my ability to perform my duties. I must never harass anyone or discriminate on the grounds of sex, sexual preference, age, marital status, pregnancy, the state of being a parent, childless or a de facto spouse, race, color and national extraction, lawful religious or political belief or activity, and impairment.

Use and Release of Information, Can I Make a Public Comment?
Public comment includes public speaking engagements, comments on radio and television and expressing views in letters to the newspapers or in books, journals or notices where it might be expected that the publication or circulation of the comment will spread to the community at large. As a member of the community, I have the right to make public comment and enter into public debate on political and social issues. However, Butling prevents me from making public comment on your employer.

How Should I Treat Private Information?
I may have access to personal information relating to my employer and my staff or supervisors. This information will have been provided to me on the understanding it will only be used for a specific purpose and will remain confidential. I must store this information securely, and not disclose it to any person except in the course of my official duties. I must not use or communicate employer's information for other than official purposes without the permission of my employer (except where such information has already been made available officially to the public). This includes leaking information to the media. I must not take improper advantage of any information gained in the course of my employment. If I release information I may be liable for legal action.
Act and advise with honesty and integrity in all aspects of my official duties. If I believe an aspect of my employer's policy or administration may have unforeseen consequences or otherwise requires review, then bring it to the attention of my employer.

Can I Participate In Seminars and Related Activities?
Obtain the prior approval of my employer before addressing or chairing seminars organized by professional conference organizers.

How Can I Avoid a Conflict Of Interest?
Conflict of interest with official duties may arise for various reasons and, as an individual; I may have private interests that from time to time conflict with those of my employers. However, there is a reasonable expectation that where such conflict occurs it will be resolved in favor of my employer rather than mine. Disclose potential conflicts of interest to employer when dealing in the course of official duties with relatives, close friends or business acquaintances. I should neither buy nor sell shares in my employer's company at a time when I possess information that could, if publicly disclosed, affect the value of such shares.
It is not possible to define all potential areas of conflict of interest and if I am in doubt as to whether a conflict exists, raise this with my employer. In some circumstances, the appearance of a conflict of interest could itself jeopardize my integrity.

Can I Accept Gifts and Favors?
I should not seek or accept favors or gifts for services performed in connection with my official duties. Included in this category are gifts in kind, such as free accommodation or travel or entertainment vouchers whether for I or members of my family. The general principle to be followed is that I should not seek or accept favors or gifts from anyone who could benefit by influencing me.
Immediately report to my employer any circumstances where an offer of a benefit or gift is made, regardless of whether it is accepted or not, if I feel that such circumstances involve an attempt to induce favored treatment. Where a gift is given without my prior knowledge or consent or where a gift is given as a token of goodwill to my employer, inform my employer as soon as possible. Gifts of more than token value should in all cases remain the property of my employer. It is expected however, that token gifts in the nature of souvenirs, mementos or symbolic items of low material value may be accepted in circumstances approved by my employer.

Outside Employment
I should not engage in outside employment or in the conduct of a business, trade or profession without written authority from my employer. Consideration of requests to engage in outside employment would be concerned to establish whether the outside employment would interfere with the proper performance of official duties and whether it would give rise to a conflict of interest.
Once I leave my employer for other employment I should not use confidential information obtained during my employment to advantage my prospective employer or disadvantage the previous employer.

Principles
Treat all people fairly. Base actions, decisions and advice on a consideration of all relevant facts, and implement employer's policy and programs equitably. Maintain my employer's trust by acting in his interest. Achieve results through the best use of the employer's financial, physical and human resources. I must not use your position to obtain a private benefit for someone else. My decisions must not be improperly influenced by family or other personal relationships. Ensure that in financial matters, including the handling of funds, there is full accountability in relation to any advice or transaction in which I may be involved. Treat everyone fairly and do not discriminate against anyone on grounds such as age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, or national origin.


Access private information on The Guild's Web Site and The Guild's Bulletin Board only when it is necessary in the course of your duties. Maintain the confidentiality of any information to which you may have access. Acknowledge statutory laws governing data privacy such as the Commonwealth Information Privacy Principles. Cooperate with and support your fellow Members. Be honest about your competence and seek help when necessary. When your professional advice is sought, It must be impartial. Avoid conflicts of interest; if they do arise declare them. Continue to update and enhance your Butling knowledge and management skills by training, study, and the sharing of information and experiences with your fellow Members.