CIO Sherpa Council – Code of Conduct

Purpose

This Code of Conduct establishes principles of ethical behavior and integrity for Directors and Members at large of the CIO Sherpa Council. It is designed to ensure that all representatives act with the highest standards of professionalism, avoiding any unethical, illegal, or inappropriate conduct in their role with the Council.

Application

This policy applies to all Directors and Members at large of the CIO Sherpa Council, both globally and across any regional or local chapters. All participants are expected to uphold the values of ethical leadership, trust, and transparency while representing the Council.

Interpretation

The CIO Sherpa Council requires the highest possible standards of ethical conduct in all official matters. Directors and Members at large shall:

  • Declare and avoid any conflict of interest in advance of discussions or decisions.
  • Not engage in any conduct that violates local, national, or international laws, or that may be deemed unethical.
  • Not misuse the name, identity, or logo of the CIO Sherpa Council for personal, corporate, or third-party gain. Any use of Council branding or insignia must be pre-approved in writing by the National Board.
  • Ensure fairness when recommending individuals for participation in Council activities, avoiding favoritism or bias toward specific organizations for personal or corporate benefit.
  • Adhere to a strict vendor-neutral policy. All partnerships must remain non-exclusive and open to qualified industry participants. The goal is to foster a collaborative, unbiased professional ecosystem.

Conflict of Interest Policy & Procedure

Any claim of unethical or illegal behavior will be subject to formal review and investigation:

  • CIO Sherpa Council maintains a non-marketing policy for all its activities. Marketing solicitations, recruitment, or vendor promotions are strictly prohibited at official Council events.
  • Any Director who has a direct or indirect interest in a contract or transaction involving the Council must disclose this interest at the earliest relevant Board meeting and recuse themselves from discussion and voting on the matter.
  • If a Director discloses such interest, abstains from voting, and acts in good faith, they will not be held accountable for any related benefit, and the agreement remains valid.
  • These provisions also apply to all committee members. Disclosure must be made in writing to the respective Committee and the Board.
  • Any nominee for a committee or Board role must declare potential conflicts of interest. Participation may not proceed until reviewed and approved by the President of the relevant national or chapter board.
  • Personal data collected by the Council, such as phone numbers, email addresses, and professional titles, is gathered with consent and must not be disclosed to third parties without explicit authorization.
  • All members are bound by the Council’s Policy Manual regarding conflicts of interest.
  • The National Board shall serve as the final authority in resolving disputes related to conflicts of interest and determining appropriate remedies.

Remedies

If the Board determines that a member has acted in conflict with this Code, appropriate remedial actions may be taken. These include but are not limited to:

  • Formal reprimand
  • Temporary or permanent suspension of membership privileges
  • Removal from office or committee
  • Legal action, where applicable

This Code of Conduct ensures that the CIO Sherpa Council continues to operate with transparency, integrity, and professionalism in its service to the global technology leadership community.