Code of Ethics and Conduct

Terms

We, Next Gen Inc. (“Organization”) members and students, have read and accepted the following ethical responsibilities to the Organization, coaches, clients, society, and to our fellow professionals. The following serves as our Code of Conduct (“Code”). This Code is intended to promote the highest level of conduct of all our activities in accordance with high standards of integrity and in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Noncompliance or violations of the Code may lead to disciplinary actions, including termination or expulsion.

Work environment

We will, at all times, act with integrity, comply with laws, maintain a professional work environment and comply with Organization policies. We will always treat customers, colleagues, and partners ethically. We will avoid any action that may discredit our Organization or our professions.  We will not only to do what is legal, but also what is right.

Protecting company assets 

We will protect company assets, including physical, intellectual, and electronic or digital properties. Caution should be exercised while preparing, maintaining, and disclosing accurate records, protecting external communications, use of property owned by others and our own facility.

No one stands alone

We will strive to create genuinely welcoming environments where each person is treated with equal support and respect, regardless of title, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, political affiliation and/or or economic background.  We nurture and maintain a diverse academic community.  At every Organization event or educational program no person shall stand alone:  it is each person’s responsibility to welcome a solitary individual into the group.  We strive to foster community among our colleagues, peers and students. 

Integrity, confidentiality, and trust

We believe we work best in a culture of trust and are committed to fostering and maintaining such a culture. The nature of our work gives us access to information that may not be available to others. It is our responsibility to ensure the security of all confidential or personal information and materials entrusted to us. We always expect members and students to perform their jobs with integrity and to conduct themselves ethically.

Open & honest communication

We maintain open and honest communications for the benefit of maintaining personal and professional integrity. We welcome members to share their opinions and experiences with our colleagues, peers, and fellow students with the aim of providing the best possible solutions/services without judgement whilst maintaining privacy and confidentiality wherever applicable. 

Diversity and inclusion

We value and embrace diversity in all aspects of our activities and respect others without regard to equal support and respect, regardless of title, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, political affiliation and/or or economic background. We believe in diversity of thought, support affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs. We refuse to engage in or tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.  We are fully committed to help develop and educate underserved, underrepresented and diverse talents in cyber security; help them learn and develop a successful career.

Responsibilities of Members

Members are committed to:

  • Develop the next generation of talent by utilizing personal networks; expand and build the relationships; help develop underserved, underrepresented groups and increase diverse talents in cyber security
  • Fostering innovation, acknowledging the ideas and contributions of every student around us
  • Practice a culture of appreciation; celebrate and recognize each other’s accomplishments and contribution to the society 
  • Utilize our time, skills, and talent to support each other in identifying options, finding solutions, and taking action that make a difference in our students’ journey and help everyone who cross our path to grow, thrive and succeed
  • Build and maintain trusted partnerships with clients, sponsors, and community to support and ensure positive and productive collaboration
  • Respectfully and responsibly use our experience and knowledge of technology to make a positive contribution to our global community and society
  • Ensure the safety of the students always and every student is well informed and prepared for each activity /program
  • Ensure a physically, mentally and emotionally safe environment for all 

Responsibilities of Students

  • Abide by the Code 
  • Focus on collaboration, not competition. 
  • Maintain ethical relationships both within the Organization and with external institutions 
  • Honor individual and group confidentiality to ensure a safe environment for sharing knowledge, experiences and solutions
  • Use respectful language, manner, tone and problems solving skills in all interactions 
  • Ensure, when working with others outside of a training environment, that the sponsor /coach is fully aware of, and understands, the work being done external to the Organization
  • Honesty is paramount. Never share passwords or misrepresent of credentials, status, titles, affiliation or authority in any way.  This behavior will immediately lead to disciplinary actions.
  • Only use internet facilities to access appropriate information needed for learning purposes and never for any personal / inappropriate usage.

Attendance and absence

Students are expected to be regular and punctual in attendance. This means being in the training sessions at starting time each day. Absenteeism and tardiness hinder other activities in the organization. Employees who are unable to attend the sessions due to illness or an accident should notify their coach, if any student doesn’t report to session for three continuous day without notification, then the members shall decide any disciplinary action based on the severity of the issue. 

Harassment

We are committed to ensuring that our students, staff, members, etc.  can carry out their assigned duties in an environment free from discrimination on the basis of gender, race, age, religion, sexual orientation or disability, and free from harassment of any conduct, comment, gesture, graphic or contact that is likely to cause offence or humiliation.  We respect and recognize that everyone is entitled to work in a harassment-free environment. Any display of physical anger, sarcasm, ridicule or belittlement, whether in private or in front of a group is intolerable, unacceptable, and any noncompliance will lead to disciplinary action where board members’ decision is final.

Substance abuse

Distribution, possession, sale, utilization, being under the influence of or purchase of controlled substances on Organization/ client property is strictly prohibited. 

Conflict of interest

We believe it is the responsibility of all of us to avoid conflicts of interest by ensuring that our business decisions, transactions and/or relationships do not place personal interests ahead of those of the firm, clients, colleagues, profession or the public.  We will use the utmost discretion before participating in personal social activities with clients, refrain from any insider trading or paying /accepting any financial incentives for any favoritism.

Anti-bribery and corruption

The relationships that we have with clients and other third parties are critical to our reputation.

It is important that we use our individual position or affiliation with our firm appropriately. Gifts, favors, that could in any way influence, or appear to influence, business decisions in favor of the provider or recipient and should be declined.

Professional misconduct 

‘Professional Misconduct’ means any action which is unethical, unlawful or is contrary to the specific values and guidelines laid out in the Code.  We pledge that we have ZERO tolerance to racism, prejudice, prejudice, bullying and committing to elimination within all humanitarian work environment, operations, educational program or events. In instances of professional misconduct – as described in this Code, and according to the laws and regulations of the state – any complaint shall be dealt with in the strictest of confidence and as swiftly as possible. Should anyone a part of this organization be accused of professional misconduct, there shall be an immediate investigation of the incident and a report shall be made to the relevant authority. Anyone who exhibits such a behavior results in mandatory expulsion and the Board members’ decision is final.

If you are still unsure what to do or know about any potential violations, you should approach your coach/board member.  You can also send an email to contactus@nextgencybertalent.com to report any violations.