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INC Code of Conduct & Ethics

All those employed by the College must comply with lawful instructions and regulations of the College. The College code of conduct and ethics establishes guidelines for professional conduct by those acting on behalf of the College including executive officers, faculty, personnel (including volunteers and representatives acting on behalf of the College). Every complaint regards conduct or harassment will be investigated by the Managing Director.

Those acting on behalf of the College have a duty to conduct themselves in a manner that will maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the College and to take no actions incompatible with their obligations to the College.

With regards to professional conduct, those acting on behalf of the College should:

  • Act by integrity by maintaining an ongoing dedication to honesty and responsibility
  • Be trustworthy by acting in a reliable and dependable manner
  • Treat others impartially
  • Treat others with civility and decency
  • Be responsible for college property and resources
  • Be compliant to the laws and regulations of the Republic of Cyprus and the College’s policies related to their duties and responsibilities
  • Act with confidentiality by protecting the integrity and security of college information such as student records, employee files, records, and college documents

The College code of conduct and ethics guidelines does not tolerate sexual harassment of students, faculty or personnel. Such behaviour includes, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours and other verbal or physical conduct when:

  • Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s education or performance.
  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions or performance appraisal affecting the

 

  • Such conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning or working

Equal Opportunity & Treatment

The College’s policy prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race/national/ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, child-birth/pregnancy, disability, class, political conviction or affiliation, and trade union membership/activity. Any form of possible discrimination will be investigated by the Managing Directo

Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing has gained significant traction at INC over the last years as INC stakeholders increasingly recognize the importance of considering non-financial factors when implementing development decisions. This approach aims to encourage INC to act responsibly and align its business practices with sustainable and ethical principles. By adopting ESG, INC’s investing strategies may align their financial practices with INC’s core values and promote responsible investing among their stakeholders. Here are some key reasons why ESG investing is gaining popularity in INC’s investment landscape:

Social and Environmental Impact: ESG investing allows INC to actively contribute to social progress and environmental sustainability. Students at INC experience greater transparency and accountability through their participation in the various committees (e.g. Academic, Quality Assurance etc.) and bodies (e.g. Student Union). Integrating ESG investing aligns with these expectations, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and responsible business and academic practices. It also provides an opportunity for the students about the importance of responsible investing and encourage them to make informed financial decisions in the future.

 

Environmental

INC promotes an environmental friendly working environment. In doing so, the Administration of INC, which is committed to green management practices (starting from recycling), has proceeded with the installation of solar power collector in order to save energy and reserve the environment. As a result, INC contributed further to sustainability efforts. One of the primary advantages of using solar power collectors is the reduction of carbon emissions. Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source that produces electricity without emitting harmful greenhouse gases. By utilizing solar power collectors, colleges can significantly decrease their carbon footprint and contribute to combating climate change. Solar power collectors also provide a long-term solution for energy generation. Once installed, solar panels require minimal maintenance and have a lifespan of several decades. This long-term durability ensures consistent energy production, allowing colleges to rely on a sustainable and cost-effective energy source for years to come. Financial benefits are another significant aspect of adopting solar power collectors. While the initial investment may be significant, INC experiences substantial cost savings in the long run. Solar power collectors generate electricity from sunlight, which reduces reliance on grid electricity and associated utility costs. This cost-saving potential allows INC to allocate resources to other academic endeavors and sustainability initiatives. Moreover, solar power collectors provide educational opportunities for students. Colleges can integrate solar energy systems into their curriculum, offering programs and courses that focus on renewable energy and sustainable practices.

ESG Code of Conduct:

A code of conduct based on ESG principles can serve as a guiding framework for promoting responsible and sustainable behavior within a college community. Such a code establishes expectations for individuals and groups associated with the college, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators, regarding their actions and decisions related to environmental, social, and governance aspects. Here is an example of the code of conduct implemented at INC based on ESG:

  • Promote and practice environmental stewardship by minimizing waste, conserving energy and water, and adopting sustainable practices.
  • Support initiatives that promote biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable resource management.
  • Encourage the use of renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Foster environmental education and awareness throughout the college community.
  • Respect and value diversity, treating all individuals with fairness, dignity, and inclusivity.
  • Promote a safe, inclusive, and harassment-free environment that supports the physical and mental well-being of all community members.
  • Encourage community engagement and volunteering in social causes that address local and global challenges.
  • Foster a culture of respect for human rights, both within the college community and in interactions with external stakeholders. Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability in all college activities.
  • Ensure transparency and disclosure of relevant information to stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and the wider community.
  • Encourage participation and representation in decision-making processes, promoting shared governance principles.
  • Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, and promote a culture of ethical behavior and responsible corporate governance.
  • Consider ESG factors when making investment decisions for college funds, prioritizing investments that align with sustainable and socially responsible practices. Conduct due diligence on potential investments to assess their ESG performance and potential risks. Engage with companies and organizations to promote ESG best practices, including the integration of ESG factors in their operations.
  • Establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the college’s performance in achieving ESG goals.
  • Provide regular reporting on progress, challenges, and initiatives related to ESG to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Encourage feedback and engagement from the college community to continuously improve ESG practices and initiatives.

By implementing a code of conduct based on ESG principles, INC can create a culture that fosters sustainable and responsible behavior, contributes to social and environmental well-being, and prepares students to become responsible global citizens. This code sets the foundation for integrating ESG considerations into the college’s policies, operations, and decision-making processes.

Sexual Harassment:

Addressing sexual harassment at the college based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is essential to promoting a safe and inclusive campus environment. By integrating ESG considerations into the INC’s approach to preventing and responding to sexual harassment, a comprehensive and proactive framework can be established. Here is an how ESG principles can guide the INC’s response to:

  • Foster a campus environment that prioritizes safety and ensures the physical and emotional well-being of all community members.
  • Implement comprehensive policies and procedures that explicitly address and prohibit sexual harassment.
  • Provide training and awareness programs on preventing and responding to sexual harassment to create a culture of respect and consent.
  • Regularly assess and improve campus infrastructure to enhance safety, including well-lit areas, security measures, and safe transportation options.
  • Promote a campus culture that respects and values all individuals, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
  • Establish clear reporting mechanisms and procedures for victims or witnesses of sexual harassment to come forward safely and confidentially.
  • Ensure support services, such as counseling, advocacy, and resources, are readily available to survivors of sexual harassment.
  • Foster a culture of bystander intervention, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to actively intervene and support those experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment.
  • Develop and enforce a strong code of conduct that explicitly prohibits sexual harassment, emphasizing ethical behavior and accountability.
  • Establish transparent and fair investigation procedures that protect the rights of both the complainant and the accused, while ensuring a thorough and timely process.
  • Appoint a dedicated team or office responsible for overseeing and coordinating efforts to prevent and address sexual harassment.
  • Regularly review and update policies and procedures to align with best practices and evolving legal standards related to sexual harassment prevention and response.
  • Allocate resources to support prevention and response initiatives, including training programs, awareness campaigns, and support services for survivors.
  • Ensure that contracted service providers, such as security personnel and transportation services, adhere to ESG principles and maintain a safe environment free from harassment.
  • Consider ESG factors when selecting and evaluating partners, vendors, and suppliers to ensure they share the college’s commitment to preventing and addressing sexual harassment.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and response efforts through data collection, surveys, and feedback mechanisms.
  • Regularly report on the college’s progress in addressing sexual harassment to stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and the wider community.
  • Engage with relevant external organizations, such as local authorities, advocacy groups, and student associations, to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing in addressing sexual harassment.

By integrating ESG principles into the college’s approach to addressing sexual harassment, INC can foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment. This comprehensive framework emphasizes prevention, support for survivors, accountability, and ongoing improvement, promoting social well-being and aligning with ESG values.