The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has introduced a new Personal Conduct and Marital Integrity Policy aimed at enhancing the professional conduct and integrity of its personnel. This policy emphasizes the importance of maintaining high ethical standards and behaviors that uphold the organization’s reputation.
The forthcoming guidelines will address conduct in marital and committed relationships, specifically targeting extramarital affairs that could harm the FCS’s public image. It will also establish expectations for professional behavior both inside and outside the workplace, given that FCS officers are expected to maintain a high level of public trust.
Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa remarked that this initiative showcases the service’s determination to uphold professionalism, integrity, and public confidence. He stated, “Integrity in personal relationships is not merely a private matter for FCS staff; it directly affects public perception of the service.” He further noted that the policy emphasizes the necessity for officers to demonstrate ethical behavior in their personal and professional lives.
Currently, the policy is under review and will go through consultations before it is formally adopted. Once enacted, violations could lead to disciplinary measures ranging from counseling and reprimands to suspension or termination, depending on the severity of the infraction.
In addition to outlining expectations, the policy will feature support mechanisms, including counseling services for employees dealing with personal difficulties. This aspect underscores the FCS’s dedication to employee welfare while upholding the highest standards of conduct.
The Personal Conduct and Marital Integrity Policy will be applicable to all FCS staff and will cover several critical areas, including relationship integrity, professional behavior in the workplace, and the maintenance of a positive public image.