EMI CODE OF CONDUCT AND MISSION STATEMENT
Mission Statement
Environmental Management Inspectors are committed to upholding the following core values: Treating all institutions, enterprises and individuals in a manner that is firm, but fair. The Environmental Management Inspectors are committed to carrying out their work and conducting themselves: in an effective and efficient manner; in accordance with the highest ethical standards; with the utmost respect for the human rights of every person; with regard for the principles of environmental justice; and in cooperation with other Environmental Management Inspectors and other enforcement agencies.
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Code of Conduct
Introduction The official uniform and equipment of the Environmental Management Inspectorate are symbols of the Inspectorate’s authority, mission and service commitment. This code of conduct recognizes the value and the positive image created by the wearing of a distinctive and recognizable uniform by all Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI’s). Who may wear EMI uniforms and use EMI equipment? EMI’s who have been designated as Environmental Management Inspectors in terms of sections 31B or 31C of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 may wear the official uniform and use EMI-branded equipment; An EMI may only wear the uniform and use such equipment once he/she receives his/her EMI identity card and signed designation letter; If it comes to the knowledge of any EMI that a non-designated person is using the official uniform or equipment, he/she shall immediately report it to the responsible person, who shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the clothing/equipment is collected; In the event that any EMI designation is withdrawn, the EMI shall hand in all items of EMI uniform or equipment under his/her control to the responsible person; When must an EMI wear the official uniform/use EMI equipment? All EMI’s that have been issued with official uniform and equipment must wear their uniform and use their equipment when acting in their official EMI capacity; In the event that an EMI has not been issued with the official uniform, or is unable to wear his/her uniform for valid reasons, he/she shall wear the EMI brooch; EMIs shall only wear the official uniform whilst on-duty and acting in his/her official capacity; In the event that an EMI attends a private social function before or after the assumption/completion of duty, he/she shall ensure that all EMI uniform items/logos are removed from his/her person; If an EMI undertakes activities in which the wearing of EMI clothing is not appropriate e.g. surveillance, he/she shall be entitled to wear appropriate civilian clothing; All EMIs who appear at media events and other similar public functions at which EMIs are featured, shall wear such EMI uniform items as may be appropriate for that event;
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How must the EMI uniform be worn/EMI equipment be used? EMI Institutions shall, as far as is reasonably possible, follow the guidelines set out in the Corporate Identity Manual during procurement, design, application and use of EMI clothing, logos, equipment, communication, etc; The wearing of non-EMI clothing together with EMI uniform items is permissible on condition that the non-EMI clothing items are of such a nature and condition that they do not detract from the positive and distinctive image of the official as an EMI; No alteration shall be made to the EMI uniform/logo, including the addition of unauthorized badges or other ornaments. Where EMIs are employed at institutions that have their own uniform and/or insignia, the EMI logo must be applied in an unaltered condition according to the dress code of that institution; EMIs are responsible for ensuring that their uniform and/or equipment is kept in a neat, presentable condition. In the event that the EMI uniform/equipment becomes damaged or worn, the EMI shall return the item to the responsible person with a request for a replacement. All lost EMI clothing/equipment must be reported to the responsible person as soon as possible; EMI clothing/equipment that is issued under the name of a specific EMI shall not be lent to another person (including another EMI) without the consent of the responsible person or in the event of an emergency; When using the EMI uniform or equipment, all EMIs must behave in a manner that is consistent with the requirements set out in the EMI Statement of Values and the Code of Conduct for the Public Service; EMIs shall not wear the uniform or use the equipment in a manner that will bring the Inspectorate into disrepute. This includes the consumption of alcoholic beverages or other intoxicating substances while in uniform;
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