The QSBS Expert Network Code of Conduct sets the minimum standards of integrity, confidentiality, professional judgment and responsible participation expected from every Applicant and Network Member. It operates together with the QSBS Expert Network Membership Terms and the QSBS Expert Compliance Standards.
1. Purpose and Status
1.1 Membership in the QSBS Expert Network depends on continuing compliance with this Code, the Membership Terms, the Compliance Standards, applicable law, professional obligations and project-specific instructions.
1.2 Acceptance of this Code does not replace your own responsibility to understand and comply with duties owed to employers, former employers, clients, professional bodies, governments, regulators or other third parties.
2. Integrity and Accurate Representation
2.1 Act honestly, professionally, respectfully and in good faith in all interactions with QSBS, Clients, other Network Members and approved project participants.
2.2 Keep your profile, employment status, affiliations, credentials, experience, availability and conflicts accurate and current.
2.3 Do not misrepresent expertise, seniority, employment history, authorship, sources, time spent, expenses, project progress or the origin of information.
2.4 Do not fabricate data, quotations, sources, citations, interviews, market observations, credentials or project work. Distinguish fact, professional opinion, assumption, estimate and third-party information whenever that distinction is material.
3. Confidentiality and Restricted Information
3.1 Share only information that you are lawfully, contractually, professionally and ethically permitted to share.
3.2 Never disclose to QSBS or a Client confidential, proprietary, privileged, trade-secret or otherwise restricted information belonging to a current or former employer, client, customer, supplier, business partner, government body or other third party.
3.3 Protect Client and QSBS Confidential Information and use it only for the authorized Engagement. This includes non-public project details, Client identity where restricted, research questions, materials, data, credentials, business plans and other sensitive information.
3.4 Do not solicit, encourage, induce or knowingly receive information from another person when you know or reasonably should know that the person is not permitted to disclose it.
4. Material Non-Public Information
4.1 Never disclose, request, transmit, trade on, recommend trading on or otherwise misuse Material Non-Public Information (MNPI).
4.2 If a discussion moves toward information that may be MNPI or otherwise securities-restricted, stop that topic immediately and notify QSBS through the designated compliance channel.
5. Conflicts, Employment and Professional Duties
5.1 Before accepting an Engagement, consider employer policies, confidentiality obligations, fiduciary duties, professional rules, consulting restrictions and other obligations that may limit participation.
5.2 Disclose any actual, potential or reasonably perceived conflict that could affect your independence, objectivity, eligibility or ability to comply.
5.3 Do not accept or continue an Engagement when required consent, waiver, ethics approval or other permission has not been obtained.
5.4 Former employment does not make confidential or proprietary information available for discussion.
6. Engagement Conduct
6.1 Accept only work within your actual expertise and permitted scope.
6.2 Communicate clearly, meet agreed deadlines, respect project governance and follow reasonable QSBS and Client instructions that are lawful and consistent with your obligations.
6.3 Do not answer restricted questions indirectly through hints, coded language, assumptions, anonymous sourcing or another person.
6.4 Treat all participants professionally and avoid conduct that undermines the integrity, safety or lawful operation of the Expert Network.
7. Research Integrity and Third Parties
7.1 Contact or interview third parties only when the Engagement expressly authorizes that activity.
7.2 When authorized, accurately represent your role, avoid false pretenses, respect third-party obligations and do not seek information that a third party is not permitted to disclose.
7.3 Do not hire, pay, subcontract or engage another person for Project work, data, interviews or information without prior QSBS authorization.
8. Artificial Intelligence and Technology
8.1 You remain personally responsible for every statement, analysis, deliverable and source submitted under your name.
8.2 Do not enter Client Confidential Information, QSBS Confidential Information, personal information, Restricted Information or non-public Project materials into a public or unapproved AI system, chatbot, transcription service, storage platform or other third-party technology.
8.3 Where AI-assisted work is expressly permitted, verify material outputs, confirm sources, correct errors, avoid fabricated citations, respect intellectual property rights and disclose material AI use when required.
9. Recording, Public Statements and Project Confidentiality
9.1 Do not record, transcribe, publish or distribute an Engagement unless the recording or transcription has been disclosed and authorized in accordance with the Engagement terms and applicable law.
9.2 Do not publicly identify, describe or discuss a confidential QSBS Engagement, Client, project question or non-public project material.
9.3 Do not use the QSBS or Client name, logo, relationship or project participation to imply endorsement or authorization that has not been granted.
10. Government, Anti-Corruption and Sanctions
10.1 Disclose government, regulatory, judicial, military, Crown corporation, state-owned enterprise or other public-sector roles that may create legal or ethical restrictions.
10.2 Do not offer, promise, authorize, request, receive or facilitate a bribe, kickback, secret commission, improper benefit or thing of value to obtain business, influence an official act or improperly obtain information.
10.3 Comply with applicable economic sanctions, export controls and trade restrictions and promptly notify QSBS if a restriction may affect your participation or payment.
11. Stop-Work and Compliance Escalation
11.1 You have both the right and the obligation to decline, pause or immediately stop an Engagement when continuing would require or reasonably risk a breach of law, this Code, the Membership Terms, the Compliance Standards, an employer obligation, confidentiality duty, professional duty or other binding restriction.
11.2 Promptly report material compliance concerns to QSBS so the Engagement can be reviewed, narrowed, rescheduled or terminated as appropriate.
11.3 QSBS prohibits retaliation against a Network Member for raising a genuine compliance concern in good faith.
12. Compliance and Membership Consequences
12.1 QSBS may require clarification, additional training, re-certification, project restrictions, suspension or termination where a breach or material compliance concern arises.
12.2 Obligations concerning confidentiality, restricted information, intellectual property, privacy and other continuing duties remain in effect after an Engagement or membership ends to the extent required by the Membership Terms, applicable law or the relevant obligation.
Electronic Acceptance
By accepting this Code electronically, you confirm that you have read and understood the QSBS Expert Network Code of Conduct, Version 0.1.0, and agree to comply with it as a condition of onboarding, membership and participation in QSBS Engagements.