Written by co-owners for co-owners

This document was originally written by our Staff Forum in response to the question, ‘what is important to you in how all staff should act and behave at BrisDoc?’ Our Code of Conduct and Expectations was the end result: a core set of values and standards of behaviours to ensure BrisDoc remains a good and safe place to work. Most recently this document has been reviewed by our new Co-Owners Council to ensure it continues to reflect our ethos and values: ‘Patient Care by People Who Care”.

This document applies at all levels of seniority to anyone representing the company – inclusive of salaried, casual workers, sessional, locum and agency – in providing an excellent service to our patients and to each other.

Our Performance of Duties

General Duties

We encourage everyone to strive for a high level of performance in their work, aligning with the requirements of their job, employment contract, objectives, work schedules, and more. Our hope is that all of our team members aim to exceed expectations and find joy in their work with BrisDoc.

Following Working Procedures

It’s important for each individual to always adhere to the procedures relevant to their work. Managers are here to ensure that everyone receives proper guidance on these procedures. If you ever find yourself unsure about any aspect of your work practices, don’t hesitate to consult the procedures or ask for clarification. We’re here to support you.

In particular, we must emphasize the utmost importance of prioritizing health and safety, as well as fire safety policies. We all have a legal duty to ensure each other’s well-being in the workplace. Let’s collaborate to create and maintain a safe environment for our patients, service users, the public, and our colleagues.

Following Instructions

We kindly ask all individuals to comply with reasonable instructions from their manager or designated person, in line with BrisDoc’s policies and procedures. Remember, you have the right to seek clarification or question an instruction if needed. We value open communication. However, please ensure that your concerns are expressed appropriately. Once you’ve sought clarification, please follow the instruction given by your line manager. Any disagreements can be recorded and addressed later, following the appropriate policy. Your input matters to us.

Punctuality and Attendance

We understand the importance of being reliable and present for our patients and fostering a strong team dynamic. Therefore, it is essential to be on time for every shift.

All colleagues are expected to attend their shifts and adhere to their official starting and finishing times, including designated break periods. We kindly request that repeated lateness is avoided as it is not conducive to our work environment. If lateness persists, it will be addressed following the appropriate policy.

Punctuality

If you are the first person to arrive at a site and have responsibilities for “set up” arrangements, we recommend arriving before your official start time. This ensures that you are prepared and ready to welcome the first patient or person seeking our services. Similarly, when relieving a colleague, being punctual for your shift is crucial for a smooth handover and to respect your colleague’s time to go home.

Absence

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may prevent individuals from attending their shifts. In such cases, it is important to promptly contact your line manager (or the most senior person on duty) before the shift begins, providing sufficient time to arrange coverage. If you are unable to attend a morning shift, please notify your line manager or designated person the night before if possible. For afternoon or evening shifts, please contact your line manager or designated person as soon as possible in the morning.

Attendance

Our services operate around the clock and require appropriate staffing at all times. Therefore, leaving the workplace early without explicit approval from your manager, following departmental procedures, is not permitted. Unauthorized absence is considered a serious offence and may result in formal proceedings.

By valuing punctuality and maintaining regular attendance, we contribute to a reliable and supportive environment for our patients and colleagues alike.

Our Dress Code

We kindly ask individuals to fully comply with the standards of dress for their respective departments.

It is important to present a caring and efficient image, considering tidiness, social acceptability, and personal hygiene. By doing so, we maintain a safe, healthy, and hygienic environment for ourselves, colleagues, and service users. Whether in uniform or not, please adhere to the dress requirements for your role.

Please remember to wear your identity badge at all times while on duty. If your role requires it, protective clothing or equipment, such as gloves, aprons, masks, etc., will be provided for you.

Please note that uniforms issued by BrisDoc remain the property of BrisDoc. It is your responsibility to take good care of the uniform and return it if you leave employment.

Mobile Phones in the Workplace

Company Mobile Phones

At BrisDoc’s discretion, certain individuals such as team leaders, managers, and Shift Managers may be provided with a business mobile telephone. It is important to understand that these phones are solely for BrisDoc use. If individuals need to make private calls, BrisDoc may request reimbursement for the cost of such calls, as indicated on the mobile phone bill.

Please take good care of any mobile phone devices provided by BrisDoc and ensure they are secure at all times. In case of loss, theft, or damage to a provided mobile telephone, it is essential to notify BrisDoc management immediately. Failure to notify may result in a requirement to reimburse BrisDoc for any loss, theft, or damage caused or contributed to by the individual. If BrisDoc incurs any loss, the amounts may be deducted from any sum payable to the individual by BrisDoc. If requested by BrisDoc or upon departure from the company, employees must promptly return any mobile phone device. Failure to return the device may result in deductions from any sum payable to the employee.

Each BrisDoc car is equipped with an allocated mobile phone for business use. Additionally, all cars are fitted with hands-free kits. It is important to adhere to the Road Traffic Act 2006, which prohibits the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, including when stationary at traffic lights or in a traffic jam. Since February 27th, 2007, using a hand-held phone while driving can result in a fine and 3 penalty points on the license.

Drivers must never use hand-held devices while the car is in motion for BrisDoc business. Hands-free kits should be used, and drivers should avoid calls, both incoming and outgoing, until the car is safely parked. However, if the mobile phone rings while the car is in motion and there is a passenger, such as a doctor, in the car, the doctor can and must answer the call. This prohibition includes making or receiving calls, text messaging, surfing the Internet, checking email, or accessing phone messages while driving. It is discouraged to use company-owned devices for personal business.

Any individual found using a hand-held device while driving will face formal proceedings. In such cases, BrisDoc reserves the right to deduct fines from the driver’s wages and assign penalty points to their license.

Using Personal Mobile Phones or Similar Devices at Work

BrisDoc acknowledges that individuals may use their personal or company-supplied mobile phones for business purposes. However, mobile phones can be distracting in the workplace. Colleagues are kindly requested to set their phones to ‘silent mode’ or ‘off’ during meetings, consultations, etc., unless it is necessary to take calls related to BrisDoc business. In rare emergency situations or when immediate attention is required, the mobile phone may be carried on vibrate mode, and personal calls may be answered.

Smoking (including vaping)

At BrisDoc, all sites are designated as no-smoking areas. Smoking is only permitted during designated break times and in specific areas assigned for smoking, considering that we share sites with multiple organisations.

Smoking outside of designated break times or smoking on the premises, whether indoors or outdoors, is strictly prohibited.

If individuals choose to smoke, they must ensure that their uniform is not visible to the public.

Colleagues are expected to not only comply with these regulations themselves but also to politely remind others, including members of the public, who may be smoking or about to smoke in designated “No Smoking” areas.

For those who are interested in quitting smoking, a smoking cessation program is available at Broadmead Medical Centre. Please contact the Practice Manager for more information.

Our Resource Care

At BrisDoc, we all share the responsibility of being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

Equipment

To support you in performing your role effectively, BrisDoc ensures that you have the necessary tools and equipment in good working order. This includes computers, software packages, clinical equipment such as thermometers, ECG machines, stethoscopes, BrisDoc cars, and office equipment like printers, photocopiers, and mobile phones. We kindly ask that you treat this equipment as if it were your own, taking care of it and handling it with attention. If any equipment is damaged or breaks (accidents can happen), or if you notice any issues, please report it immediately to the most senior person on duty. This allows us to promptly fix or replace the equipment without disrupting our excellent patient care. Please don’t assume that it has already been reported to the Head Office team; it’s better to report it multiple times than not at all. Please note that all BrisDoc equipment is labeled with asset tags.

Environment

Aligned with BrisDoc’s Environment Policy, we are committed to promoting environmentally friendly work practices. Please consider the following in your own work practices:

• Determine if a document needs to be printed or if it can be read on the computer instead.
• If printing is necessary, opt for black and white printing and double-sided printing whenever possible.
• Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room.
• Ensure that computers and screens are turned off before the end of your shift.
• Participate in recycling non-confidential paper, cardboard, plastic, and other recyclable materials.

By being mindful of the environment in our daily practices, we can collectively contribute to a greener and more sustainable workplace.

Acceptance of Gifts/Hospitality

At BrisDoc, we adhere to the Bribery Act 2010, which has been in effect since July 1st, 2011.

This means that when it comes to offering or accepting gifts or hospitality from patients, contractors, suppliers, service providers, and others, we must comply with the regulations outlined in the Act.

Under the Bribery Act 2010, it is an offence to receive, offer, or be offered any financial or other advantage with the intention of inducing improper behaviour or rewarding improper performance. It is crucial that individuals never put themselves in a position where they could be suspected of offering bribes or inducements to individuals or organisations in exchange for special services, treatment, or favours from individuals within the NHS or external organisations.

For detailed information, please refer to our Acceptance of Gifts/Hospitality policy on Radar.

Our Responsibility

Each individual at BrisDoc has the responsibility to uphold and adhere to all aspects of this Code of Conduct & Expectations. By doing so, we collectively contribute to maintaining BrisDoc as a positive and safe workplace.

Failure to comply with our standards of behaviour will be addressed appropriately, considering the specific circumstances. Serious offences and misconduct will be dealt with according to BrisDoc’s Disciplinary procedure.