Small Business Mentoring Company Policy

 

  • Governance Board/Team Members

    The code of ethics is the guiding principle for all team members (Governance Board Members, Staff, and Volunteers) working for Small Business Mentoring (SBM), a charitable company, when working within the charitable company and or in the community.

    All team members are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the code of ethics.


    • Respect for the needs and independence of clients.

    All members will demonstrate empathy and understanding when assisting clients with their business and financial needs. We respect individuals or families' choices and their right to withdraw from the service at any time. Support and advice will be provided without prejudice.

    • Assistance without discrimination.

    Members should adopt a non-judgmental and accepting attitude toward everyone, regardless of age, race, or religion. Lifestyle members are encouraged not to impose their values on those who access our services.

    • Total confidentiality, which is never breached.

    All members are required to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters. Before discussing any details with creditors, court officials, agencies, or other third parties, they must first obtain permission from the client. All members must adhere to the provisions of the Privacy Act 2020.


    • An Environment of cooperation and accountability.

    All members will demonstrate reliable integrity and accountability while serving as representatives of SBM, a charitable company, when communicating with individuals, families, creditors, other organisations, fellow team members, and other members of the community.


    • Operations that reflect Te Tiriti O Waitangi

    All members accept that Te Tiriti O Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) is fundamental to the operation of the SBM charitable company. SBM reflects this by recognising each person's uniqueness and offering members and clients choices.

    Ongoing training support and supervision of all staff.


    All members are required to undergo initial induction, training, and ongoing personal and professional development. The resources, support, and supervision provided by SBM are essential for maintaining our high standards of service.


    Philosophy

    In fulfilling our constitutional philosophy,

    • SBM understands the importance of community education to promote a credible and quality-run business and financial mentoring service.

    • SBM understands the need within our communities to provide credible and quality-run business and financial mentoring services.

    • SBM understands the need to be a unified national organisation for business and financial mentoring services and advocacy. 


    Objectives


    In fulfilling our constitutional objectives,

    • SBM will empower individuals and families throughout Aotearoa by offering personalised, one-on-one business and financial mentoring programs that guide them toward actionable goals and measurable growth.

    • Promote, advocate, and communicate with business and financial mentoring services, local community organisations, and commercial entities in all aspects of mentoring.

    • Recruit, select, employ, and train staff for business and financial mentoring roles.

    • Engage with local authorities, government agencies, and members of parliament.

    • Conduct promotional and educational activities to raise public awareness of the importance of business and budgeting as a means of managing financial resources.


    Mission Statement

    Our mission is to provide personalised, one-on-one business and financial mentoring programs, both in-person and online, to empower individuals and families throughout Aotearoa. We aim to help our clients set actionable goals, overcome challenges, and achieve measurable growth in their personal and professional lives.

    Code of Practice for Volunteers


    As a volunteer, I will promote service excellence and maximise the quality of my experience as a volunteer for SBM.

    • Recognise my own motives for being a volunteer and ensure that SBM is aware of these.

    • To seek out work options as appropriate to my skills, interests, and aspirations.


    • Be committed to a high-quality standard of service.

    • Actively accepting opportunities for job training and professional development.

    • I will commit to performing all of my work responsibly and in an ethical manner.

    • Speak out about any concerns that might affect my work relationship or the quality of service.

    • See myself as a valued team member with the right to contribute to decisions that affect work.


    • Value and support other team members.

  • Governance Board/Team Member Policy


    All team members must read the code of conduct policy and its procedures during the induction process and sign the form provided in Appendix 1. Once signed, this form will be stored in each team member's personal file.


    Purpose:


    The Small Business Mentoring Code of Conduct serves as an ethical framework for our decisions and actions on behalf of the organisation. It guides our behaviour and is rooted in our core values, which are fundamental to our identity.


    Our Code of Conduct is founded on fourteen core company values: Honesty, Trust, Confidentiality, Loyalty, Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Empathy, Psychological Safety, Customer Focus, Collaboration, Innovation, Teamwork, and Sustainability.


    Team members are expected to uphold these values. Each member has a responsibility to consider these values when representing Small Business Mentoring and to challenge or speak up if they observe behaviour that does not align with these values.


    Objective: 


    The Small Business Mentoring Code of Conduct provides guidance for all team members on the core values and principles of the Small Business Mentoring culture, informing all policies and strategic planning.


    Coverage:


    This code of conduct applies to all team members of Small Business Mentoring and should be read in conjunction with existing policies and procedures.


    Auahatanga:


    Small Business Mentoring values the effective use of technology and fosters a positive culture of continuous improvement. Our dedication to innovation is grounded in a collective understanding of the organisation and a commitment to nurturing an inquisitive and inclusive environment.


    Manaakitanga:


    Small Business Mentoring embodies hospitality, kindness, generosity, and support, demonstrating respect and care for others.


    Manaakitanga embodies the values of respect, integrity, trust, sincerity, and equity. Small Business Mentoring acknowledges and affirms the identity and value of each team member and every person from any service through open and trusting relationships.


    Caring for others and making them feel comfortable and at home is essential. Being a responsible host and an excellent employer means showing kindness, hospitality and humanity, along with nurturing relationships and caring for the environment, enabling us to demonstrate that we at Small Business Mentoring value people.


    Paeheretanga:


    Ma whero ma pango ka oti ai te mahi - with red and black, the work will be complete.


    Small Business Mentoring is a collegial and collaborative organisation. We recognise the benefits of collective work for the organisation and its team members.


    Tikanga me te Pono:


    Tikanga me te Pono refers to the organisation's focus on integrity, truth, and honesty. These fundamental values underpin how we conduct our business and deliver our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.


    Without integrity, truth, and honesty, we cannot achieve our organisational goals or maintain the trust and confidence of our clients and key stakeholders. We aim to foster a culture where integrity, truth, and honesty are paramount. In all our relationships and communications, we acknowledge that the truth can sometimes be difficult, and we commit to respecting and supporting each other while upholding these values in Small Business Mentoring. 


    These principles lie at the heart of our commitment to the partnership principles reflected in the Treaty of White Hanging. We strive to honour this commitment with openness and respect, as outlined in our Treaty of Waitangi policy.



    Excellent Employer:


    Small Business Mentoring is dedicated to being an excellent employer and ensuring that all team members are treated fairly and equitably. 


    Small Business Mentoring is committed to maintaining an ethical workplace where everyone upholds the principles of honesty and integrity, while also respecting the organisation's values.


    Outcomes:


    If there are concerns that a team member may have engaged in misconduct or serious misconduct, the director or their delegate may suspend the member from performing their duties at any time. They may also exclude the member from the Small Business Mentoring premises while an investigation into the member's conduct is conducted.


    If serious misconduct is confirmed, the member found to be in breach of the code of conduct may face dismissal without notice.


    In accordance with the Code of Conduct policy and the principles of general fairness, the director or their delegate will:


    1. Inform the member of the allegations made against them in writing.

    2. Recommend that the member seek representation and support.

    3. Provide the member with an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

    4. Consider the responses given with an open mind before reaching a final decision.




    Note:


    Please refer to the related legislation and documentation that should be read in conjunction with this policy.


    Employment Relations Act 2000, Human Rights Act 1993, Copyright Act 1994, Classifications Act 1993, Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Privacy Act 2020, Films, videos and publications, and other Small Business Mentoring policies. 


  • About Us

    Our website address is: https://www.smallbusinessmentoring.co.nz.

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