Employment policy modern slavery (8.2.4)

Institutional Commitment – Code of Conduct

Széchenyi István University has a formal institutional commitment to protecting human rights, promoting equal treatment and ensuring ethical conduct across all areas of its operation. The University’s Code of Conduct applies to all university citizens, including employees, contracted workers, volunteers, visiting students, doctoral candidates and employees of university-owned entities (Code of Conduct, Section 1(1)). The Code further confirms the University’s commitment to respect for human dignity, fundamental rights, equal treatment and non-discrimination (Code of Conduct, Section 2(3)). The Code of Conduct has been in force since 24 May 2023.

The Code of Conduct explicitly states: “The University rejects all forms of forced labour, slavery, human trafficking and child labour.” The University also condemns organised crime, corruption and bribery and requires all university citizens to comply with applicable laws, regulations and institutional policies (Code of Conduct, Sections 2(1) and 2(8)).

To ensure implementation and accountability, the Code establishes an Ethics Committee empowered to investigate alleged breaches of ethical standards and conduct formal ethics procedures. University citizens may initiate ethics proceedings where violations are suspected. Following an investigation, the Ethics Committee may recommend sanctions ranging from a written warning to immediate termination of employment in cases of serious misconduct (Code of Conduct, Section 10(17)).