Standards & Conduct Policy

The standards Equity Transport Group maintains are the keys to the Company’s business success.

Every contractor/employee at every level of the business needs to be aware of these standards and the conduct required by them as individuals and as a member of their work team.

Relevant state and federal legislation in relation to standards and conduct bind both Equity Transport Group and contractors/employees.

Contractors/Employees engaged by Equity Transport Group are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with:

• The highest community standards,
• Equity Transport Group’s commitment to customer service excellence,
• Equity Transport Group’s corporate policies and procedures, and
• Strict compliance with applicable laws.

Where these standards are breached, counselling and disciplinary action will occur, which could result in termination for acts of serious misconduct.

The standards of personal behaviour expected of all Equity Transport Group
contractors/employees include:

• acting with honesty and integrity,
• abiding by laws and regulations,
• demonstrating Equity Transport Group values,
• providing excellence in customer service,
• dealing with customers and the community with respect, and
• treating each other with respect and working as a team.

You will demonstrate this by:

• being beyond reproach in matters of:
  • trust,
  • confidentiality, and
  • honesty, and
• at no time misusing privilege, authority or status.

You will demonstrate this by:

• complying with the applicable laws of Australia
• behaving in a fair and consistent manner in all dealings with clients, other contractors and Equity Transport Group employees, and
• having regard for the protection of the environment and the well being of the various communities in which we operate.

You will demonstrate this by:

• ensuring the protection and enhancement of Equity Transport Group’s:
  • image,
  • profitability, and
  • success,
• promoting the Equity Transport Group spirit of service excellence,
• ensuring that behaviour or action does not cause Equity Transport Group public embarrassment or bring the image of Equity Transport Group into disrepute,
• maintaining an appropriate business-like standard of appearance while performing duties,
• ensuring that work is carried out conscientiously, efficiently, economically and effectively, and
• working safely and ensuring the safety and security of Equity Transport Group customers, clients and assets.

You will demonstrate this regardless of whether you deal face-to-face with our clients, other employees, or if you are dealing with members of Equity Transport Group staff, by:

• presenting a positive and professional image of yourself and Equity Transport Group,
• taking ownership of service failures and taking action to fix the problem,
• recognising clients in a warm, friendly, professional manner, using their names at every opportunity,
• cooperating with other departments or other ETG contractors for the benefit of the client,
• providing an alternative or explanation when unable to meet client requests,
• taking ownership of and following through on client requests and problems with empathy,
• ensuring that your job knowledge and skills impress the client,
• endeavouring to understand the needs of the client,
• ensuring the client feels safe and secure, and
• presenting yourself and Equity Transport Group in a pleasant manner which reflects The Highest Standard of Excellence.

You will demonstrate this by:

• behaving in a fair and consistent manner in all dealings with clients and employees, and
• having regard for the protection of the environment and the well being of the various communities in which we operate.

You will demonstrate this by:

• working safely and ensuring the safety and security of Equity Transport Group staff and other contractors,
• treating Equity Transport Group employees and other contractors with trust, dignity, respect, fairness and equity, and
• placing the wider needs of the company before sectional or departmental self-interest.

Unacceptable behaviours include:

• abuse, harassment or discrimination,
• physical assault,
• threatening or intimidating behaviour,
• unauthorised use of Company time, resources or facilities for personal benefit or private purposes,
• wilful damage to or theft of Equity Transport Group property, or property entrusted in Equity Transport Group’ care,
• unauthorised selling or promotion on behalf of another organisation,
• making unauthorised public statements about Equity Transport Group or its position in respect of any matter,
• selling, using, distributing or being found in possession of drugs,
• seeking tips, gratuities, autographs or memorabilia from clients,
• not adhering to safety and security procedures and standards, and
• unauthorised selling, possession, distribution, drinking, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• unauthorised use of the Equity Transport Group name, brand names or logos.
• Criticising Equity Transport Group’s policies, standards or staff.

Managers are responsible for:

• their own behaviour and action.
• providing contractors/employees with a positive role model,
• ensuring contractors/employees are aware of and comply with policies, and
• seeking the assistance of the Group General Manager or Quality National Manager, where appropriate.

Contractors/Employees are responsible for:

• their own behaviour and actions at all times,
• adhering to Equity Transport Group policy regarding all standards of personal behaviour,
• seeking the appropriate advice regarding the acceptability of an action prior to undertaking it, and
• treating Equity Transport Group employees, other contractors and clients fairly and equitably.

When contractors/employees breach any of the standards, counselling and disciplinary action will occur including termination where appropriate.

Contractors/Employees must also be aware that engaging in unacceptable behaviour may lead to them being personally liable to prosecution and penalties imposed by the courts for breaches of legislation.

Contractors/Employees engaged by Equity Transport Group are expected to abide by the equal employment opportunity/antidiscrimination Equity Transport Group guidelines, and state and federal laws.

Where these standards are breached, counselling and disciplinary action will occur, which could result in termination for acts of serious misconduct.

The federal and state anti-discrimination laws cover employees, passengers, clients and contractors.

Equity Transport Group promotes a working environment free of intimidation, threat and humiliation.

Harassment of employees/contractors or members of the general public is not permitted.

Complaints of harassment must be investigated immediately with due regard to the sensitivity of the issue and the privacy and rights of the staff members/ contractors concerned. Appropriate counselling and disciplinary will be taken as necessary, including termination, where appropriate

Harassment is any behaviour that:

• offends, upsets or humiliates another person, and/or
• makes the workplace uncomfortable and unsafe.

The perception of whether or not behaviour is threatening or intimidating lies with the receiver.

The legal definition of harassment, under both state and federal anti-discrimination laws, includes harassment due to:

• sex
• race
• colour or national origin
• age
• disability (physical or mental)
• sexual preference
• pregnancy or potential pregnancy
• marital status
• family responsibilities
• religion

Harassment may be verbal, non-verbal, written or physical.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring proper standards of conduct are maintained in the workplace and the harassment in any form is not tolerated or accepted.

Contractors/Employees are responsible for:

• Their own behaviour and actions at all times,
• Adhering to Equity Transport Group policy regarding harassment, anti-discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity,
• Seeking the appropriate advice regarding an acceptability of an action prior to taking it,
• Treating Equity Transport Group employees, clients, employees and contractors fairly and equitably,
• Being aware of their individual responsibilities under anti-discrimination and harassment legislation, and
• Advising their supervisor/manager if they believe they have been discriminated against to allow prompt resolution.

Any contractor/employee who feels that they are being discriminated against has the right to seek assistance of their Regional Manager in resolving the matter, and lodging a formal complaint.

Contractors/Employees must also be aware it is a possible under federal and state anti discrimination laws for an individual to be liable separately to the company in relation to complaints of harassment or anti discrimination in the workplace.

A contractor/employee who experiences harassment in the workplace can do something about it. The best action will depend on the nature and severity of the harassment and how long the incidents have been occurring.

Actions which can be taken include letting the person responsible know that their behaviour is offensive; seeking the assistance of the Regional Manager and lodging a formal written complaint.

Regardless of the action taken, you must make all reasonable attempts to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all individuals concerned. This reduces the possibility of victimisation and legal actions for defamation.

The theft, attempted theft or unauthorised removal of Equity Transport Group property (including intellectual property), other Equity Transport Group staff’s/contractors/employees property, or property entrusted to the care of Equity Transport Group, is an act of serious misconduct.

Where Equity Transport Group has reasonable grounds to believe a contractor/employee has committed this act the contractor/employee will be stood aside while Equity Transport Group conducts an investigation. Where Equity Transport Group is satisfied that a contractor/employee has committed an offence, their services will be terminated and they may face criminal charges.

Failure to comply with the procedures set out in this policy will also render the contractor/employee liable to disciplinary action, which could result in termination.

These procedures outline the responsibilities and actions involved in security inspections. If necessary, managers should photocopy these procedures for display.

Security Inspection Procedures are to be prominently displayed in the workplace and accessible to all contractors/employees at all times.

Upon being requested to do so by a Manager or other authorised officer by Equity Transport Group, a contractor/employee must permit the inspection of any:

• parcels, bags or containers in the possession or control of the
  contractor/employee.
• motor vehicle driven by the contractor/employee, and
• lockers, desks or other receptacles used by the contractor/employee.

Inspections may be carried out at any time when:

• duty is being performed, and
• upon entering Equity Transport Group premises, or
• on leaving Equity Transport Group premises.

For this purpose, ‘Equity Transport Group premises’ means any place or thing (whether or not owned by or within the exclusive control of Equity Transport Group) used by Equity Transport Group in the course of conducting its business and includes vehicles.

Wherever practicable, security inspections shall be undertaken in the presence of the contractor/employee concerned.

If this is not possible, the inspection shall be carried out in the presence of an independent person.

Before any inspection is conducted, the Manager conducting the inspection shall:

• clearly identify him/herself to the person being subjected to the inspection, and
• state the reason for the inspection.

During the course of the inspection it shall be the contractors/employees responsibility to reveal the contents of any item being inspected to the satisfaction of the Manager conducting the inspection.

The Manager conducting the inspection shall not touch the contractor/employee during the course of the inspection or reach inside any receptacle in the possession or control of the contractor/employee without the consent of the contractor/employee.

If a contractor/employee refuses to undergo an inspection, the Manager will inform the contractor/employee that such refusal may render the contractor/employee liable to disciplinary action and/or termination.

If the contractor/employee continues to refuse to undergo an inspection, the Manager shall immediately report the contractors/employees refusal to the Group General Manager.

During the course of an inspection, a contractor/employee may be found to be in possession of Equity Transport Group property (including intellectual property), Equity Transport Group staff’s/contractors/employees property or property entrusted to the care of Equity Transport Group. If the Manager conducting the inspection reasonably believes that the contractors/employees possession of the property is unauthorised, the officer shall invite the contractor/employee to give an explanation.

Unless an adequate explanation is provided the Manager shall:

• immediately take possession of the property and attach identifying labels or tags in the presence of the contractor/employee,
• immediately prepare a list of items taken and provide the contractor/employee with a signed copy of the list,
• immediately place the items in a sealed receptacle and/or store in a safe place as soon as practicable, and
• as soon as practicable notify the Group General Manager of the property which has been taken, the Manager’s reasons for doing so and any explanation offered by the contractor/employee.

Inspections shall be undertaken in a manner, which as far as possible, respects the contractors/employees dignity and privacy and avoids any embarrassment to the contractor/employee. In an appropriate case, the contractor/employee may elect to have the inspection conducted by a Manager of the same gender as the contractor/employee.

Any complaints made regarding the inspection should be reported immediately to the Group General Manager.

Managers are responsible for:

• ensuring contractors/employees are aware of and comply with policies,
• taking all reasonable action to secure all Equity Transport Group premises and property,
• seeking the assistance of the National Quality Manager, and
• displaying the appropriate Security Inspection Procedures prominently in the workplace.

Contractors/Employees are responsible for:

• their own behaviour and actions at all times,
• adhering to Equity Transport Group policy regarding all standards and conduct,
• taking all reasonable action to secure all Equity Transport Group premises and property, and
• seeking the appropriate advice regarding the acceptability of an action,
  prior to undertaking it.

Equity Transport Group recognises that the misuse of drugs and alcohol is a significant community problem with the potential to impact on the:

• health and safety of contractors/employees,
• health and safety of clients and passengers,
• safe operation of Equity Transport Group business, and
• protection of the environment.

It can also have significant negative impact on operational and business decision making.

The unauthorised use, sale, possession or distribution of any type of drugs on Equity Transport Group premises at any time is prohibited.

Alcohol is not to be consumed by contractors/employees whilst on duty or on Equity Transport Group premises both during and after work hours, unless authorised. No person shall attend work or perform duties if impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Contractors/Employees are not to consume alcohol or drugs:

• when on duty
• in view of clients, and
• in public whilst in Equity Transport Group uniform.

Where breaches of these guidelines occur, disciplinary action, including termination where appropriate, will occur.

This topic provides guidelines on the drugs and alcohol policy, including:

• definition of drugs,
• authority to consume alcohol,
• notification of use of medication,
• duty away from Equity Transport Group premises,
• security of alcohol on Equity Transport Group premises,
• workers’ compensation, and
• notifying contractors and visitors.

Equity Transport Group provides a smoke-free workplace to all its Australian workplaces.

Contractors/Employees whilst on duty or on Equity Transport Group premises in Australia or vehicles are expected to abide by the smokefree workplace guidelines.

Where breaches of these guidelines occur, disciplinary action will occur, which may include termination.

The following Equity Transport Group workplaces and premises are smokefree:

• all Equity Transport Group workplaces and premises including leased premises
• Equity Transport Group contractor’s vehicles,
• all Equity Transport Group off site desks,
• within 20 metres of a hotel driveway, and
• near dangerous or flammable materials.

Contractors/Employees are not to leave their work area in work time to smoke except during designated breaks approved by the respective Manager.

All applicants are to be advised prior to them accepting an offer of employment of the Equity Transport Group Smoke-free Workplace policy and the need to comply with it.

All visitors to Equity Transport Group premises are to be advised of the Smoke-free Workplace policy.