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(1) The University is a statutory corporation established by the Western Sydney University Act 1997 (NSW). Its object and functions are, in broad terms, to promote scholarship, research, free inquiry, the interaction of research and teaching, and academic excellence. (2) The exercise of good governance requires sound, purposeful and ethical decision-making consistent with the University's object and functions and guided by its mission and values. (3) The Board of Trustees is legally charged with the responsibility of making decisions consistent with the purpose of the University as articulated in its founding Act. The Board is also expected to demonstrate ethical standards of governance, not just in exercising due diligence in decision-making, but also in stewardship of the University's resources to ensure organisational sustainability and the continuing ability to contribute to the public good ‘having particular regard to the needs and aspirations of residents of Greater Western Sydney’. (4) Specifically, Board members are required to: (5) Decision-making invariably involves dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity. An Ethical Framework or Code of Ethics ‘expresses fundamental principles that provide guidance in cases where no specific rule is in place or where matters are genuinely unclear’. The Code of Conduct provides much more specific guidance on standards of personal and professional conduct. Similarly, the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 sets out principles and responsibilities that researchers and institutions are expected to follow when conducting research. Critical to this endeavour are the moral leadership and espoused values of the institution and the shared values and expectations of honesty and integrity that characterise an institution’s leadership and culture. (6) The ethical considerations that reflect good governance are often complex and individual members of the Board bring a diversity of experience, knowledge and personal values that are highly valued and respected. The Ethical Framework is designed as a point of reference against which decisions can be tested in leadership and governance to ensure decision-making occurs on the basis of evidence and reason and consistent with the University's mission, values and principles rather than personal conviction. (7) As an ethical organisation we will test whether we are making the right decisions against the following guiding principles: (8) We are mindful of our responsibilities as an anchor institution and leading place-maker for Western Sydney having particular regard for our region’s needs and aspirations. (9) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing are central to all our activities and we seek to ensure that our decisions are respectful and inclusive of these ways of knowing. (10) We aim to achieve excellence in all that we do, and assess opportunities on the basis of the quality of potential outcomes. (11) We promote freedom of enquiry in the pursuit of truth and ensure that our governance processes preserve institutional autonomy and enable critical reflection coupled with accountability. (12) We will ensure that we exercise stewardship of our resources to support the capacity of both current and future staff and students to pursue knowledge and lifelong learning. (13) We ensure that we are informed, responsive and accessible to the communities that we serve. (14) We apply scholarly rigour and integrity to our decision-making drawing on the best available evidence. (15) We ensure that our decision-making is transparent and that we realise our commitments. (16) We encourage all of our members to participate fully in decision-making, regardless of role, recognising that the University is enriched by the diversity of contributions. (17) We recognise and acknowledge the knowledge and contribution of all members of the University and engage in consultation and robust debate to enhance our collective capability. (18) As a student-centred institution, we draw on the experience, and seek and respect the voices, of our students. (19) Organisational consistency in the guiding principles applied to inform decision-making is important in a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.Board of Trustees Ethical Framework
Purpose
Mission
Starting in Western Sydney, our students will succeed, our research will have impact and our communities will thrive through our commitments to excellence, sustainability, equity, transformation and connectedness.
Values
• Fairness
• Integrity
• Excellence
Principles
• Equity
• Transformation
• ConnectednessGuiding Principles
Act with integrity in the public good
Respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges
Pursue excellence
Promote academic freedom and preserve institutional autonomy
Be sustainable
Be engaged
Ethical decision-making will also be evidenced in how we make decisions:
Demand the best reasons
Be accountable
Be involved
Be collegial
Be respectful
We strive to develop an ethical organisational culture based on trust and we engage respectfully with our staff.Be consistent