Code of ethics

On November 22, 2025, the CSF Board of Directors adopted this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct to guide and support the professional conduct of the members of the Board of Directors and its employees:

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR CSF SCHOOL TRUSTEES

As a School Trustee, and since this role is considered a fundamental component of the francophone public school system insofar as it holds the trust of the community in its mandate to establish the foundations that will shape the minds, bodies, emotional attitudes, and cultural and gender identities of young francophones:

  1. My decisions will be guided by the best interests, safety, and emotional well-being of CSF students* and staff members*, respectively in educational and professional contexts. I will direct my efforts in service of CSF schools*, which will respond to the individual needs of the people who make them function and bring them to life, regardless of their level of intelligence, race, sex, gender identity or expression, origins, social situation, or potential physical or mental ability challenges.
  2. I will be a strong advocate for francophone education and will do everything in my power to ensure that the francophone public education system provides the highest possible quality of education to every student*.
  3. I will demonstrate diligence and integrity in the performance of my duties and will do everything in my power to ensure that the Board of Directors (BoD*) upholds the values of integrity, reliability, transparency, diligence, respect, and dignity.
  4. I will avoid any situation of conflict of interest in which I might be required to choose between my personal interest or that of a third party*, whether a legal entity or an individual, and that of the CSF, whether the conflict of interest is real, potential, or perceived, and which could influence or appear to influence the performance of my responsibilities. If such a situation cannot be avoided, I will declare the conflict of interest and refrain from participating in discussions.
  5. I commit to actively participating within the BoD* by:
    • a) attending meetings of the BoD*, its advisory committees* and/or working groups*, as applicable, and ensuring that I obtain a summary of discussions and decisions taken in my absence to avoid reopening discussions;
    • b) preparing conscientiously for meetings of the BoD*, its advisory committees* and/or working groups* by carefully reviewing all documentation provided to me in order to foster productive discussions and avoid duplication;
    • c) taking part in discussions by contributing my knowledge and expertise; and
    • d) voluntarily offering to serve on the BoD*’s advisory committees* and/or working groups* to assist the BoD* in fulfilling its mandate.
  6. I will at all times acknowledge that the role of the BoD* is to establish a strategic vision and to ensure that the CSF’s budget, policies*, and administrative directives (AD*) are aligned with that vision. However, I recognize that the operational management and supervision of the CSF (including the implementation of educational programs and the management of all staff members*) fall under the responsibility of the CSF’s Superintendent (DG*). With respect specifically to schools*, I recognize that the day-to-day management of school affairs is entrusted to school administration, in accordance with the British Columbia School Act as well as CSF policies* and AD*.
  7. I will respect the rights of other members of the BoD*, students*, teaching, support, and administrative staff*, as well as any other stakeholders or service providers.
  8. I will not engage in any form of harassment or intimidation toward other members of the BoD*, students*, teaching, support, and administrative staff*, or any other stakeholders or service providers.
  9. I will respect the communication hierarchy in accordance with AD-303.
  10. I will dedicate time and reflection to understanding the obligations and responsibilities of my position in order to provide effective and credible service.
  11. I will do everything possible to cooperate and work harmoniously with other members of the BoD* and will not take differences of opinion as personal attacks.
  12. I will at all times observe recommended etiquette and appropriate conduct by encouraging open and frank discussions on any subject, treating others with respect and consideration, and I will not conceal or withhold any information that would help other members of the BoD* make informed and educated decisions.
  13. Should a by-election be held during my term, I commit to supporting the newly elected School Trustee* of the BoD* in learning their new role and responsibilities.
  14. I will base my personal decisions on verifiable facts for each situation and will vote honestly according to my conviction, without bias. Ultimately, I will abide by the final decision of the majority of the BoD*.
  15. I will refrain from harming the reputation of any individual, whether a colleague or a subordinate within the CSF.
  16. I will not discuss confidential matters outside of meetings of the BoD*, its advisory committees*, and/or its working groups*.
  17. I will strive to understand the needs and aspirations of all individuals involved in the francophone public education system and will do everything in my power to strategically support the development of educational programs for CSF students*.
  18. I will at all times remember that, as an individual, I hold no legal authority outside of BoD* meetings. I may, however, perform representative functions (without decision-making authority or responsibility) unless I have received official delegation from the BoD*, and in accordance with section 166.21(6) of the British Columbia School Act. My relationships with staff*, whether school-based or administrative, the community*, and the media will be governed by the same principle.

ADMINITRATIVE STAFF

CSF administrative staff are committed to upholding the following values and rules of conduct:

  1. To perform their duties in such a way as to help build a positive, professional image of the CSF and maintain an image of integrity and a reputation for excellence, both internally and externally.
  2. To treat as confidential any information obtained in the course of their work.
  3. I will avoid any form of conflict of interest – real, potential or perceived, personal or involving a third party – that could influence or appear to influence the performance of their tasks or duties.
  4. To perform their professional obligations and duties with integrity and objectivity, and promote positive values as they carry out their daily tasks.
  5. To maintain good relations with one another and show mutual courtesy and respect.
  6. To treat their peers with dignity and fairness and avoid passing judgment.
  7. To adhere to the policies established by the CSF.
  8. To value the work of their colleagues and help build a relationship of understanding and mutual trust.
  9. To be capable and at ease in communicating and explaining their actions and decisions.To be capable and at ease in communicating and explaining their actions and decisions.
  10. In accordance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to give equal treatment and equal respect to people of all ethnic backgrounds and orientations (religious, sexual, etc.)