How we operate

Code of conduct

Last updated: July 29, 2023.

Our Creed

We will build our business sustainably through passionate and loyal customers and will strive for continual improvement. We will not pass up the opportunity to help out a colleague. We are motivated by Innovation and Enjoyment, not revenue growth. We will communicate openly, we are never parochial or myopic. We use positive language and have a positive attitude. Innovation is a journey, not a sprint. No matter how far away the goal is, we get there one step at a time. Given time, no problem is insurmountable.

Conduct

We require our employees and contractors to conduct themselves honestly, professionally and ethically at all times.

Confidentiality and data protection

Private and Confidential information about clients, employees, partners and our company must be protected at all times. Confidential information will not be used for any purpose other than the purpose for which it is intended.

We are committed to:

  • Keep confidential information inside our company's or customer premises unless otherwise authorised.
  • Restrict and monitor access to sensitive data.
  • Develop transparent data collection procedures.
  • Build secure networks to protect data from cyberattacks.
  • Establish data protection practices (e.g. secure locks, data encryption, access and authorisation.)
  • Only disclose information to others when it's necessary and authorised.
  • Personal security

    Protecting the security of our people and workplaces is critical. Employees must understand and follow workplace and business security procedures and promptly report any circumstances that appear to represent a threat to the safety of themselves, or other people or property.

    Occupational Health and Safety

    One of our key values is our overriding commitment to health and safety and our aspiration for zero Harm to our people, the environment and the communities in which we operate.

    We are committed to protecting the health and safety of all persons in the workplace including employees, contractors and other visitors. Our employees, contractors and visitors have a duty of care including; the responsibility to work safely, to take all reasonable care for their own health and safety, and to consider the health and safety of other people who may be affected by their actions.

    We will take all reasonable and practical steps to improve work safety conditions and will strive to uphold our core values of safety, knowledge, integrity and leadership in order to achieve our goal of zero harm.

    We are committed to:

  • Complying with all applicable health and safety laws, regulations, and standards;
  • Mental health awareness and assistance if anyone is experiencing personal or work troubles.
  • Implementing risk and hazard management systems which are; relevant and suitable for the organisation's risk exposure as well as identify, promote and continuously improve health and safety performance.
  • Ensuring all employees are responsible and accountable for their health, safety and welfare.
  • Maintaining a positive health and safety culture.
  • Actively responding to and investigating all incidents at the earliest possible opportunity.
  • Consumption of alcohol/drugs

    We are a drug-free workplace. Whether an employee, contractor or visitor.

    Supplier and Customer Relationships

    Wherever possible, we seek to establish a collaborative relationship where customers and suppliers can be viewed as partners with similar values. We take great care in operating a business that is professional and ethical.

    We expect staff and suppliers to share a commitment to:

  • Lawful business practices conducted according to a high standard;
  • Management practices that respect the rights of all employees and the local community;
  • Minimising the impact on the environment;
  • Providing a safe and healthy workplace.
  • Equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination

    We are an equal opportunity employer and support an overall commitment to create a safe and happy workplace for everyone.

    We are committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workforce and to providing a work environment in which every employee is treated fairly and with respect, has the opportunity to contribute to business success and to realise their potential.

    You should be aware of our commitment to equality in employment and upholding human rights and abide by these commitments. Employment, development opportunities and promotion are offered and provided on merit.

    All employees and applicants for employment will be treated and evaluated according to their job-related skills, qualifications, abilities and aptitudes. Decisions based on attributes unrelated to job performance constitute unlawful discrimination and are prohibited.

    All employees have a right to be treated equitably and without harassment occurring in the workplace. All employees have the responsibility to respect the rights of fellow employees, by not taking part in any action that may constitute harassment and by supporting and promoting the achievement of equal opportunity.

    Workplace harassment

    To build a happy and productive workplace, we need everyone to treat others well and help them feel safe. Each of us should do our part to prevent harassment and workplace violence.

    Harassment is a broad term and may include seemingly harmless actions, like gossip.

    We are committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment on any discriminatory grounds.

    Definitions:

    Discriminatory harassment is a recognised form of discrimination which occurs when a person is harassed because of characteristics such as disability, gender, race and age.

    Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including unwelcome sexual advances, which are likely to make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. It does not require an intention to harass and does not require the recipient to ask for the behaviour to stop.

    Victimisation occurs when a person is treated unfairly or less favourably because of making or intending to make a complaint of harassment or discrimination.

    We can't create an exhaustive list, but here are some instances that we consider harassment:

  • Commenting, making jokes, suggestive comments or offensive gestures related to a person's race, colour, ethnic origin, disability, gender or sexual characteristics;
  • Acting towards, or speaking to a person in a manner which threatens or vilifies that person;
  • Starting or spreading rumors about a person's personal life.
  • Ridiculing someone in front of others or singling them out to perform tasks unrelated to their job
  • Distribution or display of material (including through e-mail) which may be offensive, such as sexually explicit posters or pictures, racist or sexist jokes or cartoons;
  • Engaging in unwanted advances of any nature.
  • Workplace Bullying

    Bullying is an unacceptable form of behaviour and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

    All staff have a right to a workplace that is free from bullying and violence. Employees and contractors must accept responsibility for their actions towards others in the workplace and must not take part in any bullying or violent behaviour.

    Workplace bullying is any unreasonable behaviour directed toward a person in the workplace environment including employees, contractors, customers or stakeholders.

    It can be verbal, physical, social or psychological. Such behaviour may include actions of individuals or a group of people. It may involve using a system of work as a means of victimising, humiliating, undermining or threatening.

    We wish to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equitably and are not subject to discrimination, victimisation, harassment or bullying.

    Confidential procedures for handling complaints under this policy are available. These procedures are based on the principle that the rights and privacy of both parties to a complaint should be safeguarded.

    All staff are required to treat any complaints under this policy confidentially and discuss a complaint only to assist its resolution.

    Kestra

    Kestra is a software engineering company focussed on designing state of the art search, NLP and machine learning systems.

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