IT People Ltd (ITP) employs contract staff to work at client sites on a contract basis. Since the early 1980s such outsourcing practice has helped many corporations and government bodies control their human resources and maximise cost efficiency.

Whether seconded to a private company or a public body, all contract staff are employed by ITP, while the organisation in which the contract staff work (the 'Client') is the client of ITP. As a professional supplier of IT contract staff, ITP expects its contract staff to act professionally and ethically at all times.

These guidelines and tips for ethical practice when working for Clients are only an outline - ITP expects its contract staff to use judgement to ensure that they act professionally at all times. Contract staff are welcome to contact ITP management if they have any doubt about ethical issues.

• Do not use any email address provided by the Client for personal matters.
• Do not surf the Internet without the permission of the Client.
• Do not download any software to the Client's computers without permission.
• Work only on the project to which you are assigned.
• Working materials should only be removed from the Client premises with the Client's express permission.
• Follow the Client's dress code (if any).
• Always wear any identification badge required by the Client.
• Keep personal telephone calls to a minimum.

Section 161 of the Crimes Ordinance, Cap. 200 provides that "any person who obtains access to a computer with dishonest intent" commits a criminal offence and is liable on conviction upon indictment to imprisonment for 5 years.

ITP is aware that its contract staff are often placed in positions where they have, or can obtain, access to confidential Client information. Any misuse of such information, whether intentionally or unintentionally can constitute a criminal offence. Contract staff are therefore reminded to act responsibly in the use of such confidential information. Furthermore, members of the public have the right to expect that information they provide to you on behalf of the Client will be treated confidentially and their privacy will be respected.

• Releasing personal data about the Client's clients;
• Providing information to bidders to help them to secure a contract;
• Disclosing investment strategies to competitors; - Releasing information about development plans and projects;
• Disclosing information on the formulation/implementation of public policies and regulations; and
• Providing market or price-sensitive information.

• Lock away all confidential or sensitive files before leaving the office.
• Evaluation or assessment reports should not be left unattended on your desk.
• Confidential computer printouts should be retrieved immediately from the shared printer.
• Always identify a telephone caller before releasing any confidential or sensitive information. Only release information to a traceable source e.g. a caller with a return telephone number or an email with an identified email address.
• Change passwords regularly.
• Lock away test data and destroy test results after use.
• Consider the nature of received email messages carefully before forwarding to a third party.
• Consult the Client if you have any doubt about handling possibly sensitive information.
• Say only "no comment" if approached by the press.

• Giving advice on bidding strategy for a tender when personally involved in the tendering exercise.
• Offering assistance secretly to a competitor through part-time employment or consultancy service.
• Supplying reference for a candidate when involved in the assessment or recruitment process.
• Recommending the recruitment of a relative or a friend without declaring the relationship.
• Conducting product evaluation of a company in which he himself, or a relative or close friend, holds shares.