RFNSW’s Code of Conduct provides our management and staff with a framework for their decisions and actions in relation to the conduct of their employment.

The community is entitled to expect that any person in a position of trust and care will act in a responsible manner - one which shows respect for people, cultural sensitivity, responsiveness to public concern and a willingness to participate in the development of effective and safe services which are free of discrimination.

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to promote an environment of trust and confidence, ensuring that working relationships and service delivery are free from discrimination and based on honesty, fairness and respect.

Many aspects of the RFNSW Code of Conduct are also covered by legislation. It is not intended that any element of the Code of Conduct will replace any other policies, regulations or Acts.

Disability Services Act

The objectives and principles of the Disability Services Act for example are to ensure the provision of necessary services to enable people with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential as members of the community, and ensure the provision of services that will:

• Further the integration of persons with disabilities in the community and complement services available generally to such persons in the community.
• Enable persons with disabilities to achieve positive outcomes, such as increased independence, employment opportunities and integration in the community
• Provide ways that promote in the community a positive image of persons with disabilities and enhance their self-esteem.
• Ensure that the outcomes achieved by persons with disabilities by the provision of services for them are taken into account in the granting of financial assistance for the provision of such services.
• Encourage innovation in the provision of services for persons with disabilities.
• Achieve positive outcomes, such as increased independence, employment opportunities and integration in the community for persons with disabilities.
• Ensure that designated services for persons with disabilities are developed and reviewed on a periodic basis through the use of forward plans.

The RFNSW Code of Conduct supports the objectives and principles of the Disability Services Act in full.