Purpose and Application

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish rules of conduct to govern the professional and ethical responsibilities of Organization Reviewers, External Expert Review Panels and any other external expert appointed by the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) as it carries out its responsibility to create program quality assessment panels, organization review panels, and advisory committees.

This Code does not refer to the External Experts’ obligations set out in their contract for consulting services provided to the government of Ontario, the Board’s Conflict of Interest Guidelines, and the particular duties outlined in the Terms of Reference for External Expert Review Panels. Also, it is not intended to conflict with any legal or professional requirements.

In accordance with established norms of good governance, the Code is based on the principles of integrity, honesty, openness, and concern for the public interest. It is designed to maintain the effectiveness of PEQAB as a whole and to ensure the fairness of all PEQAB procedures, recommendations, and decision making. t addresses common situations that assessors may experience as they carry out their responsibilities, while it recognizes that not all situations can be anticipated. All External Experts have a responsibility to consider appropriate standards of behaviour and to conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner. The Code assumes that it is not only the actual situation, but also the perception others may have of it that may lead to a perception of bias, dishonesty or inappropriate conduct.

To Whom Does the Code Apply?

The Code applies to all Organization Reviewers, External Experts and any other external experts appointed by PEQAB.

General Rules of Conduct

External Experts are committed to the principles and practices of quality assurance in post-secondary education. When reviewing applications or other matters referred to them, External Experts base their judgement on the merits of the information available, and consider the information provided in good faith and to the best of their ability, not being concerned with the prospect of disapproval from any person, institution, or community.

a. Confidentiality

• Subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the confidentiality of the services and all information obtained in connection with the services are at the discretion of the Ministry both during and after the External Experts’ appointment by PEQAB. No such confidential information is used by the External Experts or divulged in any form without the prior written consent of the Ministry Representative.
• In order to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the application and review process, the assessors do not discuss their review, assessment or findings except with other members of the Quality Assessment Panel, the Board, its secretariat, or as may be agreed upon in writing by the Board.
• Confidentiality requirements survive the expiry of the External Experts’ appointment by PEQAB.

b. Communication

• External Experts do not make public comments, orally or in writing, on any issues concerning any application.
• External Experts do not communicate with the media regarding their review assessment or findings for PEQAB. All inquiries from the media are referred to the manager of the PEQAB secretariat.

c. Personal Gain

• External Experts do not engage in conduct that exploits their position as assessors.
• External Experts do not take improper advantage of information received through official duties as assessors of PEQAB.
• External Experts do not accept money, awards or gifts from persons who may be, or have been affected by a PEQAB review.

d. Fairness and Objectivity

• External Experts are sensitive to issues of gender, race, language, culture, and religion that may affect the conduct of a review or decision.
• External Experts deal with groups and persons, with staff, and with each other in a manner that reflects open and honest communication, respect, fair play, and ethical conduct.
• External Experts approach every review and every issue arising with an open mind, and avoid doing or saying anything to cause any person to think otherwise.
• External Experts are independent in making their recommendations.

e. Commitment

External Experts commit to a thorough preparation for the duties expected of them and make themselves available on a timely basis to conduct the review during the contract period.