Our Code of Ethics
Goodwill Industries of Tulsa is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Professional Responsibilities
All Goodwill Industries of Tulsa, Inc. (Goodwill) employees, contractors, students, participants, and board members ("covered individuals") are expected to act according to the highest ethical standards. These standards guide our conduct in business, service delivery, fundraising, communications, and interactions with our community. Covered individuals must follow the Ethical Codes of Conduct (Codes), all applicable laws and regulations, internal policies, and, where relevant, their professional licensing or certification requirements.
Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, or termination of affiliation with Goodwill.
Professional Conduct and Service Delivery
Covered individuals must treat all people served with dignity and respect, support their right to make choices, and ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times. Actions must reflect honesty, fairness, and accountability. All covered individuals are encouraged to support and promote access, inclusion, and opportunity for the individuals we serve, consistent with Goodwill’s mission, vision, and values.
Professional boundaries must always be maintained. Personal or business relationships with individuals served are prohibited. Covered individuals may not exchange gifts/money/gratuities or favors with individuals they serve or engage in personal fundraising activities. Legal documents (e.g., powers of attorney, guardianship) must not be witnessed by staff involved in providing services. Dating or sexual relationships with individuals served, as well as suggestive behavior toward them, are strictly forbidden.
Covered individuals must demonstrate ethical conduct by respecting the personal property of persons served, visitors, and fellow personnel, as well as property owned by Goodwill. Any misuse, damage, or unauthorized removal of individual or organizational property is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized removal includes taking, borrowing, or using individual or organizational property without consent, supervisory approval, or other proper authorization. All suspected cases of misuse, damage, or removal of property will be reviewed by management and Human Resources in accordance with established policies and procedures. Maintaining the integrity of shared spaces and resources reflects our commitment to trust, responsibility, and professional respect.Corporate Citizenship, Marketing, and Social Media
Goodwill expects all covered individuals to uphold high standards of ethical and responsible behavior within the organization and while representing the organization in the community. Corporate Citizenship at Goodwill means acting with integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions and consistently representing the organization in line with its mission, vision, and values.
Covered individuals are encouraged to participate in community activities, civic engagement efforts, professional associations, and advocacy initiatives that align with Goodwill's commitment to improving lives through the power of work. Whether attending chamber events, volunteering in the community, or serving on external boards or committees, individuals should be mindful of their role as ambassadors of Goodwill and conduct themselves accordingly.
All marketing, advertising, and outreach must be honest and accurate. We do not use misleading claims or offer financial incentives to enroll in services. Program outcomes should be promoted only when supported by reliable data.
As it relates to the organization, covered individuals must use social media in a way that reflects Goodwill's values and reputation and complies with our Social Media Policy. Misrepresentation or misuse of social platforms is not permitted.Business and Financial Integrity in Billing and Vendor Relationships
Only services delivered and thoroughly documented may be billed. All documentation must be accurate, timely, and complete. Billing must comply with all applicable legal, contractual, and policy requirements. If an error is discovered, it must be corrected, documented, and reported immediately through the appropriate channels.
Vendors are selected based on quality, cost-effectiveness, and appropriateness. Business relationships must comply with all organizational policies and not result in personal benefit for covered individuals.Confidentiality of Personal Information, Records, and Documentation
All covered individuals must protect the confidentiality of personal and organizational information. Information about the persons served may only be disclosed with written consent or when required by law. Personal data shared for research or training requires informed consent.
Records and documentation must be handled according to confidentiality policies and securely stored or transported. Goodwill follows a Record Retention Policy. Records are the property of the organization and may not be altered, removed, or destroyed without authorization.
Conflicts of Interest
Covered individuals must avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest. This includes actions that could result in personal gain or influence business decisions. Examples include receiving gifts or favors from vendors or using Goodwill resources for personal use.
Conflicts must be disclosed immediately per the Conflicts of Interest Policy.
Workforce Development, Human Resources, and Professional Responsibilities
Goodwill maintains a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and workplace violence. Equal opportunity and a safe, inclusive work environment are central to our values.
Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. All individuals must uphold professional conduct and adhere to Goodwill, Equal Employment Opportunity, and organizational policies.
Fundraising and Stewardship
Organizational fundraising must be conducted ethically and transparently. Covered individuals may not solicit or accept donations for personal causes from those served or stakeholders.
Goodwill prohibits fraud, waste, and abuse. All covered individuals are expected to report any suspected wrongdoing promptly.
Reporting and Investigations
All suspected ethical violations must be reported—either to a supervisor or directly through the corporate compliance system. Supervisors must report concerns to the Compliance Officer immediately.
Reports will be investigated within five (5) business days of receipt. The Compliance Officer (or designee) will initiate an investigation within ten (10) business days. Whenever possible, investigations will be completed within forty-five (45) calendar days.
When an investigation is concluded, a written summary or acknowledgment of resolution will be provided to the reporting individual (if identified), to the extent appropriate and without violating confidentiality. If the matter involves personnel, details of disciplinary or employment actions will not be disclosed, but confirmation that the concern was reviewed and addressed will be communicated.
The Corporate Compliance Officer will maintain a confidential record of all concerns and investigative outcomes. Those reporting in good faith are protected from retaliation. Investigators will ensure fairness, consistency, and confidentiality throughout the process.
Annual training and signed acknowledgments will reinforce awareness across the organization.
