CODE OF CONDUCT &

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
FOR TECHNICAL & VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS

2011

Vision of the Quaid-i-Azam

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Education does not merely mean academic education, and

even that appears to be of a poor type. What we have to do is
to mobilize our people and build up the character of our future
generations. There is immediate and urgent need for training
our people in the scientific and technical education in order to
build up our economic life, and we should see that our people
undertake scientific commerce, trade and particularly, wellplanned industries. But do not forget that we have to compete
with the world which is moving very fast in this direction. Also I
must emphasize that greater attention should be paid to
technical and vocational education.
In short, we have to build up the character of our future
generations which means highest sense of honour, integrity,
selfless service to the nation and sense of responsibility. We
have to see that they are fully qualified and equipped to play
their part in the various branches of economic life in a manner
which will do honour to Pakistan.
Message to the All Pakistan
Education Conference
Karachi - 27th November, 1947.

Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................... 1
Responsibility for Code Observance .................................................. 2
Updating the Code ............................................................................... 2
Guiding Principles ............................................................................. 3
Service.................................................................................................. 3
Responsiveness.................................................................................... 3
Accountability ...................................................................................... 3
Fairness and Integrity .......................................................................... 3
Efficiency and Effectiveness ................................................................ 3
Equality ................................................................................................ 4
Rules of Practice ............................................................................... 5
National Interests ................................................................................ 5
Leadership ........................................................................................... 5
Quality Teaching .................................................................................. 6
Safety and Wellbeing ........................................................................... 7
Laws and Institutional Policies ............................................................ 7
Ethical and Professional Conduct ........................................................ 8
Conflicts of Interest ............................................................................. 9
Professional Competence .................................................................... 9
False and Deceptive Acts ..................................................................... 9
Political Affiliation.............................................................................. 10
Effective Resource Management ...................................................... 10
Dual Commitment ............................................................................. 11
Discrimination and Harassment ........................................................ 11
Constructive Relations ....................................................................... 12
Complaints and Misconduct .............................................................. 12
Standards of Behaviour for Trainees ............................................... 13

General standards ............................................................................. 13

Absence ............................................................................................. 13
Unacceptable Behaviours .................................................................. 13
Corrective Measures.......................................................................... 14

Introduction
The Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics, hereinafter referred to as
Code, describes principles established to guide the Technical &
Vocational Training (TVT) institutes in their endeavours to create their
identity and institutional brand. It applies to all teachers, instructors,
managers, auxiliary staff and trainees - collectively referred to as
members. The Code specifies the standards of conduct,
professionalism, trust and accountability which are expected of all
concerned. It envisages collective participation in an effective TVT
system and aims to enhance its reputation for being a well regulated,
managed and coordinated sector. The Code of Conduct serves as an
instrument and provides an important base for promoting good
practices in teaching and learning.
The Code also provides guidance to assist members in deciding the
appropriate course of action in the training process. It is derived from
the common moral, ethical, social and cultural values and self esteem
of members; to be builders of better social and economic perspectives
for individuals, enterprises and society through the development of
highly skilled and motivated workforce.
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code, the members are
expected to comply with, at all times, all applicable federal, provincial,
and local laws. If such a law now or later imposes a legal obligation on
the TVT Institution or a member that is in conflict with any provision of
this Code, the Code is superseded for that purpose and with respect to
the applicable member(s) only.
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Responsibility for Code Observance

The head of a TVT institution will exercise his or her full administrative
authority to ensure appropriate and enabling working environment,
safety and wellbeing of trainees and staff members and will also take
measures for ensuring the proper observance of the Code both at staff
as well as trainee level.
The principal will fulfil the role of an arbitrator in a dispute between
staff members. In disciplinary cases, an inquiry committee constituted
under the relevant laws will make recommendations to the concerned
competent authority for appropriate action.

Updating the Code

The Code will be a living document and subject to updating in due
course and with a due process as an ongoing exercise with NAVTTC in
consultation with stakeholders, especially TEVTAs and private TVT
institutions. The Commission will be open to any suggestion and
concerns about ethical issues that may arise. In this regard, the
Commission will welcome recommendations for future revisions of the
Code.

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Guiding Principles
Service

Consistent with the spirit of public service, the

members who are both public servants and
members TVT steam of professionals should place
the responsibility for training, wellbeing and safety
of their students first and foremost.

Responsiveness The members must exhibit commitment, zeal,

enthusiasm,
innovativeness,
dignity
and
professionalism in discharge of their responsibilities.

Accountability

Members are accountable for upholding the law and

adhering to the policies of the institute in relation to
their official obligations. They are also accountable
for the successful implementation of the training
programs that they deliver.

Fairness and
Integrity

Members are placed in positions of trust to manage

institute resources. The trust reposed in them
requires that they conduct themselves with honesty,
fairness, and propriety in all professional dealings.

Efficiency and
Effectiveness

The ethical principles of efficiency and effectiveness

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seek to obtain maximum value of the resources

expended by the institute by achieving high-level
outcomes.

Equality

All members shall have equal rights irrespective of

their gender, caste, creed, religion, sect, place of
birth, social status and culture.

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Rules of Practice
National
Interests

Then whoso disobeys thereafter, they will be the rebellious ones

(Al-Quran 24:56)

Leadership

Keep the interests of state, society and fellow

citizens supreme in the discharge of duties and
never compromise the interest of the institute
for personal gain.
Be honest, impartial and serve trainees and
prospective employers with the awareness that
they form the productive base of the country.
Foster a culture of cooperation, where members are
encouraged to work as a team and communicate
openly, honestly, and respectfully with each other.
Educate trainees to become proactive
professionals and lifelong learners seeking
consistent self-improvement.
Promote confidence in the integrity of the public
service and the profession.
Take into account the diverse social, cultural and
special learning needs of students while
organizing teaching and learning.

We raise some of them above others in ranks so that some may command work
from others. But the Mercy of your Lord is better than the (wealth) which they
amass (Al-Quran 43: 32)

Act as positive role models.

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Quality
Teaching

Acknowledge the work of staff and members.

Encourage initiative, responsiveness and
leadership.
Be open and accept differing views and
perspectives.
Work to achieve departmental and institutional
goals.
Discharge responsibilities conscientiously and
prudently.
Promote participatory decision-making.
Provide learning and development
opportunities.
Give regular constructive feedback on work
performance.
Promote equity and diversity in the workplace.
Identify and support colleagues who may be
experiencing difficulty.
Respond appropriately to issues of inefficiency.
Manage and report perceived misconduct for
appropriate follow-up.

O you who believe! Fulfil your obligations (Al-Quran 5:1)

Provide students with opportunities to learn,

and develop each students unique potential by
addressing his/her educational needs.
Assess students regularly and constructively.
Know the learning strengths and weaknesses of
students that influence their learning.
Participate in learning and development to
maintain and enhance professional knowledge
and skills of students.
Accept responsibility for student learning

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Safety and
Wellbeing

And whoever saves a life it is as though he had saved the lives of all mankind
(Al-Quran 5:32)

Laws and
Institutional
Policies

outcomes.
Know the subjects, the methodology of teaching
and how it relates to curriculum and students
needs.
Draw on the body of knowledge and research
about teaching and learning to support the
teaching practice.

Have utmost regard for safety, health and

welfare of the staff and trainees in a professional
manner.
Ensure that members and third persons are
prevented from any danger to their life or
health.
Ensure that members learn and apply all
relevant rules of safety and health at work place.

We will certainly give those who are steadfast their reward according to the
best of their works (Al-Quran 16:97)

Conduct business in accordance with all

applicable laws and regulations of the institute
and the government.
Refrain from using public resources for personal
gain.
Sensitize trainees to their social and moral
obligations.
Avoid undue privileges, concessions or special
benefits.
Ensure familiarization of members with policies
and procedures for strict adherence.

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Ethical and
Professional
Conduct

Verily the most honoured among you in the sight of God is the one who is the
most righteous of you (Al-Quran 49:13)

Provide adequate facilities, and use methods

and materials appropriate to the learning needs
of trainees.
Implement strategies and pedagogic skills to foster
positive learning and help trainees achieve
learning outcomes.
Ensure effectiveness of teaching methodologies
and evaluate learning outcome.
Participate in program planning, including
assessment of special needs and capacitybuilding, as required from time to time.
Review learning expectations and progress with
students for introducing changes where
required.
Attend to the safety and wellbeing of the
students.
Introduce special measures to foster sensitivity
to work ethics.
Maintain discipline and take necessary steps to
maintain an orderly and safe learning
environment.
Stay abreast of the latest technological
developments and share them with students in
structured manner.
Maintain impartial and unbiased posture in dayto-day affairs.
Give valid reasoning for evaluations and
decisions concerning trainees.
Communicate with clarity and sensitivity.
Develop and maintain constructive professional
relationships with colleagues.

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Conflicts of
Interest

Reconciliation is best (Al-Quran 4:128)

Professional
Competence

Disclose all known or potential conflicts of

interest that could influence or appear to
influence judgment or the quality of services.
Do not take undue advantage of the power and
influence vested as a part of the official position.
Do not promote personal interest at the expense
of professional dignity and the institutions
interest.

Indeed, the noblest among you before God are the most heedful of you(AlQuran 49:13)

False and
Deceptive Acts

Abstain from making malicious or false

statements about a colleague.
Refuse gifts, favours or benefits of any kind likely
to compromise personal judgment or integrity or
to influence professional judgments of
colleagues.
Report all incidents of outside influence
immediately to the head of the institution.

Strive to enhance competence through constant

knowledge-seeking and life-long learning.
Commit to perform services only in areas of
relevant competence and skills.
Volunteer for knowledge and skill development
activities beyond the formal sphere of learning.

O ye who believe, fear Allah and use the straightforward word. He will bless
your works for you and cover up your defaults(Al-Quran 33:71)

Shall not falsify qualifications or permit

misrepresentation of any kind.

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Political
Affiliation

If you obey most of those on earth, they would mislead far from Allahs way.
They follow nothing but opinion and they do but guess (Al-Quran 6:116)

Effective
Resource
Management

Do not exaggerate level of authority or

achievements.
Maintain high standards of impartiality, fairness
and transparency in evaluation and assessments
of trainee.
Shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either
directly or indirectly, any contribution or favour
to influence the decision-making.

Shall not issue statements in favour of or against

a body or a forum which identifies itself as a
political entity.
Maintain an apolitical status and refrain from
active politics.
Restricted participation in organizations allowed
only for the welfare of the members within the
prescribed limits as enshrined in the Constitution
of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and laws of the
respective Federal/Provincial Governments.
Notwithstanding anything in the Code, to write
or speak on academic or literary subjects will be
allowed subject to observance of rules of the
concerned organization/institute.

Waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters

(Al-Quran 7: 31)

Enforce effective and efficient use of

institutional resources and assets.
Avoid procuring training resources through
illegal means.
Ensure just utilization of assets and resources,

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Dual
Commitment

Fulfil your contracts. Contracts will be asked about (Al-Quran 17:34)

Discrimination
and
Harassment

both tangible and intangible, only for legitimate

business.
Undertake preventive measures to avoid loss,
theft or misuse of assets and property.
Report actual or potential damage or defects to
assets and property immediately.

Shall not seek or accept commitment in addition

to the existing employment without explicit
permission of the institute.
Refuse outside engagement adversely impacting
employment with the institution in terms of
performance or commitment.
Do not engage in any outside activity that
creates actual or perceived ethical conflict.
Refrain from sharing sensitive or confidential
information with an outsider.
Undertake social, voluntary or philanthropist
work for the welfare of the community not in
conflict with official duty hours.

Be cautious in discrimination, Allah is Ever Well aware of what you do(AlQuran 4:94)

Ensure equality and freedom, and prevent

discrimination on the basis of religion, sect, race,
caste, creed, sex, social status, culture and place
of birth.
Encourage women participation through a
harassment-free and conducive work
environment.

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Constructive
Relations

Certainly the Believers Are Brothers of Each Other (Al-Quran 49:10)

Complaints and
Misconduct

Engage in open communication with parents.

Report on student progress and learning
options.
Be responsible to all reasonable requests in
relation to their childs education.
Accept responsibility for genuine complaints and
show flexibility to undertake corrections.
Cultivate the respect and confidence of
colleagues, students, parents, and other
members of the community.

You who believe stand steadfast before God as witness for fairplay
(Al-Quran 4:135)

Face the proceedings gracefully in accordance

with the prevailing disciplinary procedure in case
of a complaint.
Shall not permit retaliation of any kind against
good faith reports or complaints of violations or
other illegal or unethical conduct.
Be aware of the procedure to deal with
employees' and trainees grievances and matters
relating to their work.

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Standards of Behaviour for Trainees

General
standards

Demonstrate respect and consideration for

other persons and property.
Attend all scheduled courses on regular basis.
Complete all class assignments within given
timelines.
Participate in special activities related to the
course.
Inform the teacher in advance or as soon as
possible in case of absence from class.
Abide by all safety rules and wear required
safety equipment in all workshops.
Do not access workshops or classrooms after
regular school hours in the absence of teacher.
Desist from bringing food or drink in classrooms,
library, computer room and workshops.
Dress in accordance with the standards of the
institute and in appropriateness to the cultural
and societal norms.

Absence

Avoid absence from duty without a valid reason and

seek leave in accordance with the prescribed
Procedure, Rules and Regulation of the respective
Government/Organization or Institute.

Unacceptable

The following behaviour is unacceptable:

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Behaviours

Corrective
Measures

Plagiarism
Vandalism
Theft
Threat
Drug consumption and addiction
Possession and use of any weapon
Behaviour detrimental to the wellbeing of the
staff, other trainees or visitors
Racial, ethnic and discriminatory misconduct
Sexual or physical harassment/ abuse

A trainee who violates a standard set forth in this

Code shall be subject to:
a) Expulsion for incidents involving drug, theft,
vandalism or weapon possession or sexual
harassment.
b) For any of the standards set forth in this Code:
Verbal warning for the first incident.
Written warning for the second incident.
Suspension or expulsion from the class or
program for a third incident.
However, in the case of serious criminal
activity even the first incident may cause
expulsion.
A trainee will be held liable for any damage caused
intentionally or by serious negligence.

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