Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct sets out the minimum requirements for all Directors, Employees and Consultants (collectively, "Colleagues") of Everest Clinical Research ("Everest") to follow, ensuring that Everest and all Colleagues are successful in achieving their goals.
All Colleagues are responsible for following and upholding all areas of this Code, complying with Everest policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and for raising questions if there is uncertainty whether this Code, policies, and SOPs are being met.
To support this Code of Conduct, many of the sections outlined below, are provided in greater depth within the full text of the Code and within the Everest policies.
Compliance with the Law, Industry Regulations and Clinical Trial Sponsors’ Requirements
Colleagues must comply with all laws, rules and regulations while working with the various pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies (hereafter referred to as "clients"), Regulatory Agencies and with the various legal jurisdictions (provinces, states and/or countries) in which Everest conducts business.
Compliance with Standard Operating Procedures
All SOPs are to be followed to ensure uniformity and quality in performing clinical research services.
Conflict of Interest
Personal interests that conflict with the Colleagues’ duties or agreements with Everest and/or personal gain through association with Everest must be avoided.
Financial Information
All financial information, statements and reporting must be recorded accurately and honestly following recognized accounting principles and practices.
Relationship with Suppliers
Everest selects suppliers based upon quality, cost, delivery, service, diversity, reputation and long term benefit to Everest and its clients. Environmental practices, diversity of workforce and business practices will also be taken into consideration.
Confidential Information
Any confidential information and related matters of which a Colleague may have access, is not to be shared with others outside of Everest without the express consent of the Everest President/CEO. The restriction on sharing confidential information is intended to protect Everest’s clients and to protect the reputation, integrity and legal liability of Everest and its personnel.
Computer, Internet, Email and Telephone Usage
Everest’s computer systems, telephones, and all other communication and information technology systems are company assets. These are provided for business purposes and are to be used in accordance with Everest’s Acceptable Use Policy.
Privacy
Privacy applies to any personal information from the client, subject, and Colleagues. Any information of a personal nature must be protected and not be shared with those unauthorized to know such information. Personal information is anything that can identify a particular individual and would not be publicly available. The use of company assets such as computer, email, internet, and office phone is available for business purposes and no Colleague should have an expectation of privacy when using such resources.
Freedom from Discrimination and Harassment
Everest is committed to recognizing the dignity and worth of every person and to providing equal rights and opportunities based on merit and ability without discrimination and harassment that is contrary to law. Everest is committed to having a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person so that each person feels they are a valuable resource, and are able to contribute fully to the development and well being of the company.
Gifts
Everest Colleagues must not give or accept for personal benefit any valuable gifts, favors, payments, loans or anything else that may personally benefit them from any supplier, customer, client or any other individual or company that does or seeks to do business or competes with Everest.
Solicitation or Contribution toward Personal Causes
It is not appropriate for Everest Colleagues to solicit clients, suppliers, and other Colleagues with regard to personal causes or charities. Although such charities and causes may have great value, it is possible that an individual may object to the charity or cause, and could feel undo pressure to contribute to such.
Hours of Work and Leaves of Absence
Everest Colleagues must maintain regular working hours and follow the necessary timekeeping administration.
Health and Safety
Everest maintains a safe and healthy work environment in compliance with applicable provincial, state and/or federal laws and regulations.
Team Norms
Team norms have been established to ensure successful and professional accomplishment of all business activities and to allow for mutual respect for all members of the team. This creates an environment in which everyone’s opinion can be heard and maximizes the utilization of time, yielding effective business results.
Voicing Concerns
If an Everest Colleague feels the Code of Conduct has been violated they should feel comfortable to voice their concern. If the Colleague does not wish to be identified they may submit concerns anonymously.