Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies Code of Conduct Policy
This Code of Conduct (“Code”) for Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and its affiliated companies (collectively, “PFB”) is applicable to all PFB board members, staff, and volunteer members and guests representing PFB at official functions and events (collectively, “PFB personnel”). This Code is the formal expectation that all PFB personnel comport themselves in a professional manner consistent with PFB’s history, mission, and core values.
While applicable to all PFB personnel, this Code takes on added significance for key PFB leaders, such as board members, committee chairs, and senior staff, who are expected to ensure that unacceptable behavior inconsistent with this Code is challenged and not tolerated. Departing from this Code can lead to damaging PFB’s reputation, harassing and unprofessional behaviors, a breakdown of trust and confidence, and even potential legal repercussions for the company and individuals. Accordingly, all PFB personnel are continually expected to represent themselves and the organization in a professional and respectful manner, especially while representing PFB during official functions, such as during off-site conferences, seminars and trainings, and legislative trips.
While no policy can cover every conceivable situation, the following is meant to aid in the implementation of this policy:
1. Legal Requirements: While representing PFB during official functions, all PFB personnel are expected to comply with the applicable laws and regulations in their event or work locations. This includes, but is not limited to, laws regarding minimum drinking-age requirements, furnishing alcohol to underage persons, alcohol driving limits, illegal substance use, and sexual harassment.
2. Alcohol: Occasionally, alcohol may be served at work-related events or post-meal social gatherings that occur in conjunction with off-site trips such as a multi-day annual conference or legislative trip. On such occasions, all PFB personnel are expected to drink responsibly and behave professionally at all times. Drinking games or other activities which encourage the rapid consumption or the consumption of large amounts of alcohol are prohibited. Additionally, the sale, availability, or distribution of alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited.
3. Discrimination: PFB will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on any characteristic protected under national, state, or local laws. These protected characteristics include race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, genetic information, citizenship, caste, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran status.
4. Sexual harassment. PFB will not tolerate sexual harassment in any form, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, threats, and unwanted physical contact. Sexual harassment also may occur through words or actions such as inappropriate comments or gestures. Unwelcome email or text messages, or pictures or comments posted on social media, can also constitute sexual harassment.
5. Any PFB personnel who witnesses or believes an individual subject to this Code has acted inconsistent with this policy may report such actions to PFB’s human resources or legal department and shall not be retaliated against in any way for making such report. Any relevant individual who is determined to have violated this Code may be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with PFB policies and bylaws, up to and including termination of employment, director status, and membership privileges and benefits.
6. Furthermore, PFB officers, directors, and senior staff are responsible for ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures within their area of responsibility. They are expected to promptly report violations of company policies, illegal acts, and other concerning activity to their supervisor, human resources, or the legal department, and implement suitable disciplinary action. Failure to exercise appropriate oversight may subject officers, directors, and managers to discipline up to and including termination.