Policies & Financials

//Policies & Financials
Policies & Financials 2023-05-24T13:07:03+00:00

Code of Ethics for NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania

Statement of Values

As NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania professionals, we dedicate ourselves to carrying out the mission of our organization.  In order to conduct this important work in an ethical manner, we will operate under guidelines of fairness, impartiality, inclusiveness, compassion, truthfulness, efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and transparency. We will always conduct organizational and operational duties with positive leadership exemplified by open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion. We will, at all times, aspire to serve the best interests of our members while acting in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. We will respect and protect privileged information to which we have access in the course of our official duties. We strive for personal and professional excellence and encourage the professional development of our fellow leaders and members.

General Ethical Standards

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania believes strongly that its staff and board members must uphold the highest standards of ethical, professional behavior. NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania requires all staff and board members to adhere to the following:

  • Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of professional duties.
  • Act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance personal and professional honor, integrity, and dignity of the profession.
  • Treat with respect and consideration all persons, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or other protected difference.
  • Carry out NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s mission in a professional manner.
  • Refrain from using any affiliation or employment with NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania to further any personal interests.
  • Hold in confidence all information obtained the course of my affiliation with NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania.
  • Maintain confidentiality related to employee, member, and consumer data and records.
  • Collaborate with and support other professionals in carrying out NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s mission.
  • Build professional reputations on the merit of services and refrain from competing unfairly with others.

Ethical Standards for NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania Board of Directors

  1. To become familiar with and committed to the major responsibilities of a governing board, including:
    • Setting mission and purposes
    • Appointing a Chief Executive Officer
    • Supporting the Chief Executive Officer
    • Monitoring the performance of the Chief Executive Officer
    • Assessing board performance
    • Insisting on strategic planning
    • Reviewing educational and public-service programs
    • Ensuring adequate resources
    • Ensuring good management
    • Relating to the community
  2. To support NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s fundraising efforts through personal giving in accordance with one’s means, and be willing to share in the solicitation of others.
  3. To devote time to learn how NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania functions—its uniqueness, strengths, and needs.
  4. To carefully prepare for, regularly attend, and actively participate in board meetings and committee assignments.
  5. To accept and abide by the legal and fiscal responsibilities of the board as specified by affiliation agreement, bylaws, and state statues & regulations.
  6. To vote according to one’s individual conviction, to challenge the judgment of others when necessary, yet to be willing to support the decision of the board and work with fellow board members in a spirit of cooperation.
  7. To maintain the confidential nature of board deliberations and to avoid acting as spokesperson for the entire board unless specifically authorized to do so.
  8. To understand the role of the board as a policy-making body and to avoid participation in administration policy.
  9. To learn and consistently use designated institutional channels when conducting board business (e.g., responding to any grievances).
  10. To comply with NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s Bylaws and Board Operating Policies & Procedures.
  11. To refrain from actions and involvement that might prove embarrassing to the institution and to resign if such actions or involvement develop.
  12. To make judgments always on the basis of what is best for the organization as a whole.

It is the policy of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania to provide a timely and fair problem-solving process for program participants and/or members who have a complaint, disagreement, or grievance. Participants and/or members should always try to resolve any issues at the point of contact where the problem or complaint occurred before beginning the formal grievance process. An individual may choose another person to assist them and/or support them in the problem-solving process. This other person can participate in the face-to-face meetings and may provide assistance to or write the complaint in Step 3. The steps in the grievance process are as follows:

Step 1 – Verbal Complaint:
Discuss the issue with the program coordinator, manager or director as soon as possible.

Step 2 – Written Complaint:
If the complaint is not resolved at Step 1, or the individual is not satisfied with the outcome, the individual should address the issue in writing with the Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer will meet with the individual to share the complaint and try to resolve the issue. The Chief Operating Officer will conduct a fact-finding and gather any related information. The Chief Operating Officer will respond in writing to the individual within seven (7) working days of the face-to-face meeting. If the individual is not satisfied with the Chief Operating Officer’s written response, the individual can take the complaint to Step 3.

Step 3 – Written Complaint to the Chief Executive Officer:
The individual will present a written complaint to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer will review the complaint and provide a written response within 5 days. The Chief Executive Officer will make every effort to resolve the complaint to the individual’s satisfaction, however; the decision of the Chief Executive Officer is final.

Individuals who remain dissatisfied may wish to and are free to seek services from another organization.

A copy of the Grievance Policy can be downloaded below. When an individual first mentions a complaint or raises an issue of dissatisfaction, all program staff are trained to provide the individual with a copy of the Grievance Policy.

In addition to our website, the Policy is posted in the conference room at the NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania office. A copy of the grievance policy will be provided as requested.

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