Code of Conduct for Board Members
Section 166 of the Education and Training Act 2020open_in_new allows the Minister of Education to issue a code of conduct for all school board members.
The Code of Conduct for Board Membersopen_in_new came into effect on 21 June 2023.
Keep reading to learn more.
What is the Code of Conduct for Board Members?
The code sets out the minimum standards of conduct that each board member must meet.
It has 15 standards covering expectations such as acting with personal integrity, not discriminating or favouring any particular group, respecting board processes, legal and administrative requirements, ensuring student wellbeing, and treating everyone with respect.
You can view or download the Code of Conduct for Board Membersopen_in_new from the Ministry of Education’s website.
Who does the code apply to?
Everyone on the board. This includes school-based board members such as principals, staff representatives, and student representatives.
Section 168 of the Education and Training Act 2020open_in_new states that every board member must comply with the code.
Can you add additional standards for your members?
Yes. open_in_new
Section 167 of the Education and Training Act 2020open_in_new allows boards to augment the code by specifying additional standards for its members.
Augment means to increase something by adding to it.
For example, your board may decide to augment the code to protect the special characteristics of its school, kura, or community.
Any additional standards must not contradict or alter the intent of the code’s minimum standards.
Augmentations must be in writing and passed by way of board resolution.
Can you add additional standards for your members?
Yes.open_in_new
Section 167 of the Education and Training Act 2020open_in_new allows boards to augment the code by specifying additional standards for its members.
Augment means to increase something by adding to it.
For example, your board may decide to augment the code to protect the special characteristics of its school, kura, or community.
Any additional standards must not contradict or alter the intent of the code’s minimum standards.
Augmentations must be in writing and passed by way of board resolution.
What happens if someone isn’t complying with the code?
The board may sanction a member if the matter cannot be resolved directly with the individual.
Sanction is another word for a penalty. open_in_new
Section 169 of the Education and Training Act 2020open_in_new outlines the sanctions for failing to comply with the code of conduct.
Option 1 – A board may censure a board member.
Option 2 – The Minister may remove a board member.
Neither option applies to the Principal, and both are only for significant or persistent breaches of the code of conduct (or a board’s augmented code).
Contact us for advice and support if your board has a member whose actions or behaviour might be in breach of this code.
You can also read our article on Board relationships and conflict resolutionopen_in_new.
How often should you review the code of conduct?
All board members must be fully aware of the minimum standards expected of them.
We recommend reviewing the code of conduct:
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When your board membership changes
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When a board member is unable to comply with a standard
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Annually – at the start of each school year
Some boards get their members to sign the code to acknowledge that they are aware of it and its implications for them as individuals in the community.
Questions your board could ask
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Are we all aware of the Code of Conduct for School Board Members?
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Do we understand the minimum standards expected of each of us?
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How do we demonstrate or role model these behaviours in our school or kura?
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Is the Code of Conduct part of our board member induction?
Templates, resources, and references
Click on the link(s) below to access the templates, resources, and references related to this topic.
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Ministry of Education
Education and Training Act 2020
New Zealand Gazette