1.0 Purpose and Scope
This Code of Conduct outlines Cheshire West Recycling’s commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life, also known as the Nolan Principles. CWR expects all employees and Board Members to adhere to these principles to maintain high standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism. The principles define the behaviour and ethical standards that underpin our company culture and guide interactions with colleagues, partners, and the public.
2.0 Seven Principles of Public Life
The Seven Principles of Public Life are fundamental to the CWR Code of Conduct. All employees and Board Members are expected to embody these values:
• Selflessness
• Integrity
• Objectivity
• Accountability
• Openness
• Honesty
• Leadership
Outlined below are definitions of each principle and examples illustrating their application within the CWR work environment.
3.0 Principles and Application at CWR
3.1 Selflessness
Act in the best interest of others without seeking personal gain.
- Welcoming new team members and supporting them in acclimatising to the workplace.
- Assisting residents who may need help bringing containers to the kerbside.
- Proactively addressing safety concerns, such as cleaning spills, even if it falls outside your designated duties.
3.2 Integrity
Maintain honesty and commitment to ethical standards by following company policies and procedures.
Examples:
- Staying calm and professional when dealing with challenging or disrespectful interactions.
- Reporting procedural lapses that could endanger safety or damage equipment.
- Declining any offers of bribes to perform unauthorised tasks.
3.3 Objectivity
Make impartial and fair decisions based on factual evidence, avoiding personal bias.
Examples:
- Allocating tasks in a way that maximises team performance rather than personal preferences.
- Recognising that any work assigned mid-round is assigned for operational reasons.
- Assigning tasks based on skillsets, providing support where needed to ensure everyone can perform effectively.
3.4 Accountability
Take responsibility for your actions and the quality of your work. Accept and resolve issues promptly.
Examples:
- Ensuring vehicle cleanliness as a shared responsibility.
- Owning up to mistakes, such as a missed collection, and working to prevent recurrence.
- Performing tasks diligently without reminders, such as conducting vehicle checks or wearing required PPE.
3.5 Openness
Be receptive to change, new ideas, and continuous learning.
Examples:
- Embracing new methods or safety protocols, such as remaining in vehicles to mitigate risk.
- Understanding that operational changes, like re-routing or rescheduling, are often driven by urgent needs.
- Welcoming advancements in technology, including AI in the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), to improve efficiencies.
3.6 Honesty
Communicate truthfully and transparently, ensuring that details are not omitted or distorted.
Examples:
- Providing full accounts of incidents to ensure effective and timely resolutions, even if it reflects poorly on oneself.
- Reporting near misses immediately rather than delaying to finish a task.
- Notifying a supervisor of any item missed on the picking line that could lead to equipment damage.
3.7 Leadership
Demonstrate high standards and set a positive example for others.
Examples:
- Showing respect to others through courteous language and behaviour with colleagues and the public.
- Consistently modelling compliance with safety rules, such as wearing PPE, and addressing non-compliance.
- Addressing and reporting any bullying behaviour in the workplace.
4.0 Compliance and Accountability
CWR requires all employees and Board Members to embody these principles consistently. Failure to adhere to the CWR Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary actions in accordance with company policies. Compliance will be reviewed periodically, and employees are encouraged to raise any questions or concerns about these standards with their supervisors or HR.
Latest Revision: November 2024
Next Review Date: November 2026 (or change in legislation)