Business ethics

A guide for suppliers and service providers

Sydney Water expects our staff to behave ethically.

Sydney Water also relies on private industry and contractors to maintain a high standard of ethical conduct in their dealings with Sydney Water, our suppliers, service providers and customers. Ethical conduct means asking the question 'what's the right thing to do?' A reasonable test is whether a proposed action is fair to all concerned.

This means Sydney Water, our staff, suppliers and service providers will:

• Promote fair and open competition among suppliers and service providers and seek/deliver value for money on behalf of the community.
• Behave honestly, safely and in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Be respectful and fair in our dealings with our customers and each other.
• Not offer, solicit or accept gifts, benefits or inducements.
• Maintain confidentiality over private and sensitive information and Sydney Water intellectual property.
• Take timely steps to avoid and disclose conflicts of interest in any dealings with or on behalf of Sydney Water.
• Deliver quality in meeting the needs of Sydney Water, our customers and the community.
• Safeguard and do not misuse Sydney Water assets and resources.
• Keep appropriate records.
• Ensure legislation, and government and Sydney Water policies, procedures and requirements are met.
• Follow lawful and reasonable instructions.
• Report any instance of suspected corrupt conduct, maladministration or serious and substantial waste to Sydney Water management, Internal Audit or to external agencies such as the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), NSW Ombudsman or the Audit Office of NSW.