Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS) is committed to fostering an environment in which everyone is
treated with dignity and respect, regardless of age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, creed, disability,
ethnic origin, family status, gender expression, gender identity, level of literacy, marital status,
place of origin, political affiliation, race, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding), and sexual
orientation – everyone deserves to feel valued and safe.
Respectful Communication: All interactions should be conducted in a professional and
considerate manner. Disrespectful, abusive, or discriminatory language and behaviour will not
be tolerated.
Inclusive Environment: We embrace diversity and want to include different backgrounds,
perspectives, and experiences.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Bullying: Any form of harassment, bullying, or
intimidation-whether verbal, physical, written, or digital, is strictly prohibited.
Constructive Feedback: Feedback should be solution-focused. Criticism should not be
personal or demeaning.
Professional Conduct: Treat others with fairness, respect, and empathy. Listen actively, seek
to understand others’ viewpoints, and resolve conflict respectfully.
Purpose: The purpose of this Code of Conduct Policy is to:
- Emphasize TNS’s values as the basis for all that we do and how we interact with others.
- Outline the professional conduct standards and expectations.
- Provide everyone who works for, volunteers with, and supports TNS with a respectful,
welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment. - Ensure TNS remains a trusted organization and community partner.
Scope: This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, community members, partners, and
organization members.
Responsibility: We are all responsible and accountable for abiding by the organization’s
policies and Code of Conduct.
All employees, volunteers, members, partners, and organizations will be given a copy of this
Code during orientation, and/or onboarding and be required to familiarize themselves with it.
Individuals will be required to sign an acknowledgement that they have read and understood the
Code.
It is the responsibility of all employees, volunteers, members, partners, and organizations to
report knowledge of contraventions of this Code by filing an incident report (see below).
Breaches of the Code must be reported and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including
termination of employment, engagement or association with the Toronto Nature Stewards, for
cause.
If you feel that the code of conduct has been breached, please contact our Community
Engagement Coordinator at coordinator@torontonaturestewards.org who will put you in contact
with one to two designated members of our Core Circle.
Managing Complaints
- Initially, the Lead Steward will encourage the complainant to speak to the alleged
offender, if they feel safe doing so, and try to help them resolve the issue themselves. - If an informal resolution cannot be reached, or the complainant feels that speaking to the
alleged offender is inappropriate, then an Incident Report should be completed by the
Lead Steward. The matter should be reported confidentially, and the completed Incident
report emailed to coordinator@torontonaturestewards.org. One to two designated
volunteer members of the Core Circle will review the situation and attempt to reach a
resolution through discussion with all involved parties as soon as possible. - If we are unable to reach a resolution/reconciliation between the parties, TNS may
decide on disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment,
engagement or association with the Toronto Nature Stewards, for cause. Their name(s)
may be removed from the list of registered stewards; if they are Lead Steward(s), then
their website access may be removed.