The Code of Conduct and Values (the Code) was created in collaboration with students and staff across the University, with a focus on providing clear parameters for respectful conduct. The Code is our overarching policy document that sets out our values and addresses our legislative obligations. We each have the power to make a positive difference in the way that we choose to respond when unforeseen circumstances arise. The new Code can support us to navigate complex circumstances.

Principles:

1: We are an inclusive UNSW community where everyone belongs

2: We act respectfully

3: We act with integrity, honesty and trust

4: We act responsibly and professionally

5: We act lawfully and comply with this Code, policy documents and regulation

The Code of Conduct and Values is effective 17 May 2024.

The Code of Conduct and Values replaced four codes of conduct:

• Code of Conduct
• Student Code of Conduct
• Research Code of Conduct
• Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct and Values adopts industry codes to maintain currency including the:

• Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
• A Model Code for the Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom in Australian Higher Education Providers and
• AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research.

The new Delegations Policy is effective from 1 January 2025. Schedules for each area of activity support the policy. 

It has been designed as a comprehensive reference to enhance clarity, build trust and enable efficiency in decision-making across the University. 

The policy outlines:

• Specific functions performed by delegated authorities.
• University Council’s functions and delegations under the University of New South Wales Act 1989 (NSW).
• Guidelines for exercising authorisation under other legislation.
• Requirements for altering delegations and authorisations.

This policy replaces: 

• UNSW Delegations of Authority

If you have any links to the retired delegations of authority, please change these to link to the Delegations Policy and schedules on the Policy Hub.

UNSW is trusted with public and private funds to fulfil its vision to improve lives globally, through innovative research, transformative education and a commitment to a just society.

This policy:

• states the UNSW principles and objectives for expenditure and financial management
• allocates financial authority and responsibilities
• defines expected standards for expenditure and financial management, and
• states procedural requirements for each type of expenditure and financial activity.

UNSW has a new Finance Policy effective from 1 February 2024.

This policy has replaced:

• Accounts Payable Procedure
• Business Expense Policy
• Business Expense Procedure
• Credit Card Policy
• Credit Card Procedure
• Investment Policy
• Investment Procedure
• Procurement Policy
• Procurement Procedure
• Travel Policy
• Travel Procedure
• Treasury Policy
• Treasury Procedure

The new Information Governance Policy is effective from 1 February 2025.

The purpose of this policy is to: 

• provide a comprehensive set of enterprise-wide principles and procedures for the (i) governance and management of data, information and records, and (ii) use of UNSW information resources, digital communication platforms/technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) systems or tools
• ensure UNSW complies with applicable laws, standards, codes, guidelines, ethics approvals and contractual obligations in relation to information governance.    

Principles

• Data governance and management
• Records and information management
• Privacy
• Data breaches
• Use of UNSW information resources and digital communication platforms/technologies
• Use of AI systems or tools

Procedures

Section 1: Data Governance and Management 
Section 2: Records and Information Management
Section 3: Privacy 
Section 4: Data Breach Procedure
Section 5: Use of Information Resources and Digital Communications Platforms 
Section 6: Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems or Tools Procedure

The new Risk and Compliance Policy is effective from 1 June 2024.

This policy states the principles and requirements to manage UNSW’s

• risk management practices in its operations, activities, governance and decision-making
• legislative compliance obligations 
• third-party arrangements (including commercial activities).