Objective

The purpose of this policy is to define a code of conduct for Burnaby Public Library Trustees.

Policy Statement and Details

Trustees must observe the highest ethical standards in the performance of their duties. The public interest must be their primary concern. Their conduct in their official affairs must be above reproach at all times.

Conflict of Interest

A conflict exists where the trustee could directly influence a decision made in the course of performing the trustee’s duties, or where the trustee could indirectly influence a decision through the exerting of personal influence over the decision-maker, where the outcome of that decision might benefit the trustee.

A trustee shall not grant any special consideration, treatment or advantage to any citizen beyond that which is available to all, nor place themselves in a position where they are under obligation to any person who might benefit from special consideration or favour on their part, or who might seek preferential treatment in any way.

A trustee shall not have a financial or other interest, direct or indirect, which is incompatible with the proper discharge of their duties, or which would tend to impair their independence of judgment or action.

Rewards and Benefits

A trustee shall not influence decisions relating to library dealings with businesses which have in any way benefited the trustee directly or indirectly.

In accordance with the Library Act, trustees serve without remuneration but may be reimbursed travel and other expenses that are necessarily incurred in connection with their duties and have been approved by the Board.

It is recognized that moderate hospitality is an accepted courtesy of a business relationship. Recipients should not allow themselves to reach a position where they might be, or might be deemed by others to have been, influenced in making a business decision as a consequence of accepting such hospitality.

Confidentiality

Trustees shall not benefit, or appear to benefit, from the use of information acquired as a result of their appointment with the Library unless such information is available to the public generally. Trustees shall not disclose information from in camera meetings.

Upon termination of office, individual trustees must return items of a confidential nature and delete electronic copies of such items.

Last reviewed 2019-12-12

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