All Council Members are expected to discharge their duties diligently, faithfully and in the best interests of the University.
To uphold good governance, Council Members shall[2]:
| (a) |
act as trustees in the best interest of the University as a whole, with the obligation to supersede any duty members may owe to those electing or appointing them. |
| (b) |
not improperly use the position to gain an advantage for themselves or someone else[3]. |
| (c) |
act and be perceived to act impartially, and not be influenced in their roles as Council Members by social or business relationship. |
| (d) |
disclose and avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest with the University[3]. |
| (e) |
act honestly, appropriately, carefully, diligently and in good faith and for proper purpose. |
| (f) |
uphold the principle of confidentiality of Council and University information. |
| (g) |
exercise their responsibilities in a corporate manner. |
| (h) |
seek to persuade colleagues by open debate, and register dissent if concerned. |
| (i) |
be satisfied that the course of action proposed is in accordance with the University’s Ordinance and Statutes. |
| (j) |
not bind the University to a course of action which it cannot carry out. |
| (k) |
seek to ensure that the University does not continue to operate if it is insolvent. |
| (l) |
when discharging duties, to reference the “Seven Principles of Public Life”[4] as listed below.
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| i. |
Selflessness
Council Members should take decisions solely in terms of the University’s interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or their friends.
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| ii. |
Integrity
Council Members should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might influence them in the performance of their duties as Council Members.
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| iii. |
Objectivity
In carrying out University business, including making appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for reward and/or benefit, Council Members should make choices solely on merit.
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| iv. |
Accountability
Council Members are accountable for their decisions and actions to the University, and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their holding office.
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| v. |
Openness
Council Members should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict the release of information only when the wider interest of the University clearly demands.
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| vi. |
Honesty
Council Members have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their duties as Council Members of the University and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the interest of the University.
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| vii. |
Leadership
Council Members should promote and support these principles by leadership and example. |
| [2] | Reference: KPMG's training material for PolyU Council Members in December 2016 and the Voluntary Code of Best Practice for the Governance of Australian Universities, University Chancellors Council, Australia. |
| [3] | PolyU is a public body and its Council Members are regarded as "public servants". Their behavior and actions are governed by the provisions in the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Chapter 201, Laws of Hong Kong) . |
| [4] | Reference: UK Nolan Committee on Standards in Public Life. |
Related Document
- Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Chapter 201, Laws of Hong Kong)