This is our Code of Ethics for Bus Átha Cliath. It contains important principles that we all must follow as we do business, and it describes the values that will guide us in our decisions. By complying with this Code, we will enhance not only the company’s integrity, but also its financial accountability and governance. The fundamental rules described below reflect our values, particularly the most essential one—trust. Trust means that others can rely on us to speak truthfully, to honour our commitments, and to treat people fairly and with respect. We must earn and keep the trust of all our stakeholders: Government, our customers, our business partners, our employees, Board members and those who live in the communities where we operate. There is a clear requirement that we will all obey the laws and regulations that apply to us in the transport industry. This Code of Ethics covers expectations and behaviours that are not governed by law, code or regulation but are related to our behaviours in areas of Business Ethics, ensuring that we not only comply with the law but also behave in a trustworthy manner.
Rule 1: Provide a high quality, safe and reliable transport service to all our customers.
We are a company engaged in providing trustworthy journeys to all our passengers. Nothing speaks to our values more than our relentless focus on consistent reliability. Our passengers must have the confidence to rely on us to transport them on each journey safely and helpfully. When something does go wrong, we respond quickly and honestly.
Rule 2: Comply with the spirit as well as the letter of the law
Our work is based on compliance with many of the laws of the State and the EU. We always ensure, by seeking the best legal advice, that our actions are based on faithful compliance with the laws and not based on avoidance strategies to enhance our own interests.
Rule 3: Treat people fairly.
Treating people with fairness and respect goes hand-in-hand with trust. Everyone deserves an equal chance to reach his/her own potential, based on hard work, talent, and commitment to the company’s values. We value a diverse workplace and we recognise that we benefit from it as a business. Diversity requires that we be open-minded and welcoming to people regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, membership of the traveller community, disability, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other legally protected personal characteristic or status. Through a shared commitment to an open and inclusive culture at BAC, we create a good place to work, one that is able to attract the best people and achieve the best results. We support the right of any of our staff to make protected disclosure of any issues of wrongdoing or inefficiency that they think they detect. We welcome the involvement of staff through our consultation and participation organs.
Rule 4: Compete fairly.
BÁC often finds itself in a position as being the sole provider of specific services. However, in situations where we have to compete for contracts, we will compete hard—but fairly. This means we won’t spy on our competitors or steal information they are trying to keep confidential. If someone else gives us information about our competitors, we won’t use it if we think they obtained or disclosed it improperly. We won’t disparage our competitors. We will respect their intellectual property rights. In return, we expect our competitors to treat us fairly. If they don’t, we will challenge them vigorously.
Rule 5: Respect the environment.
Much of our work uses materials which put stress on our ecosystem. Our business operations utilise scarce natural resources. We are, nevertheless, a good steward for the environment. We work hard to prevent pollution, minimize waste, and reduce our use of natural resources. BÁC is focused on sustainability—minimizing our long-term effect on the environment.
Rule 6: Deal honestly with the government.
In our dealings with our Government and with other States we do not bribe, lie, mislead or hide information from government inspectors. Neither do we in any way falsify or occlude our documents and records.
Rule 7: Keep honest books and records
Our financial statements and records are complete, timely, accurate, and fair, and they comply with appropriate accounting standards. We won’t hide liabilities, overstate earnings, keep things off our balance sheets that belong there, or disguise our transactions. In addition, we recognize our responsibility to help promote full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in documents and financial statements and will endeavour to ensure that we update our disclosures in line with current best practice from time to time.
Rule 8: Give BÁC your complete business loyalty.
The company works hard to earn our trust, and in turn expects our loyalty. Our work decisions must always be based on what’s best for the company, not for us personally. You should not have undisclosed business or personal interests that conflict with those of the Institute.
What if the Rules don’t clearly address a situation?
No set of rules could answer every question you will face at work. When these rules do not address your situation, you should analyse your situation by reference to the company’s values. Always do the right thing – integrity matters. Also, we should ask questions when we are not sure what to do. Contact your area manager, the CFO, CEO, Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Audit Committee, lawyer or other appropriate confidante.
What if something seems wrong?
Sometimes things go wrong. It happens in every organisation at some point. We are all human. We all make honest mistakes. And sometimes something worse can happen. If you notice something wrong at the Bus Átha Cliath, try prevention, then look for investigation within our policies, in confidence, if necessary. But do not ignore it. Be a champion for our values and lead others to follow them and management will regard you well. Break the rules, and you can suffer disciplinary action, including dismissal.