About the Code

Welcome to Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Code of Conduct!

This Code is intended to serve as a source of information to help you apply our values to situations you may face in the course of doing business.  The Code summarizes the standards of conduct that guide our actions.  Although it does not offer an answer for every situation, it provides the resources you need to make ethical decisions.  Refer to it often in your work, use good judgment, and always seek guidance if you need additional assistance.  More detailed policies and procedures are noted in the Code along with contact information that can be helpful to you.

Our ability to execute the Laboratory’s mission depends on all employees doing their jobs well. This is what’s referred to as “simultaneous excellence.”  Our values are what we use to achieve simultaneous excellence: providing excellent service, building integrity, and working well as a team. In essence, “How we do things is as important as what we do.” As employees of Los Alamos National Laboratory, we are fortunate to have a culture that sets us apart and defines who we are as an organization.  Our unique culture is continually renewed by the choices and actions each of us makes every day.  

The Code applies to all Laboratory employees and to members of the Board of Directors, consultants, contractors, and others when they are representing or acting for, or on behalf of, The Laboratory.

Some requirements employees must follow include:

• Adhere to the Laboratory values and this Code of Conduct in order to safeguard the Laboratory’s mission and reputation.
• Always act in a professional and ethical manner.
• Be familiar with the information contained in this Code and related LANL policies, particularly those policies that relate to your job responsibilities.
• Speak up and ask questions whenever you are unsure about how to apply our policies, values, and standards in particular situations.
• Cooperate fully with internal inquiries, audits, and reviews of alleged unethical behavior or inappropriate activities.  Never hinder another employee’s cooperation in an inquiry or audit.
• Promptly report any suspected unethical or illegal behavior to a manager, EA-Ethics, Human Resources, or General Counsel.

While ethical conduct is expected at all levels of the Laboratory, managers are expected to meet the following additional responsibilities:

• Lead by example and be a role model for ethical behavior.
• Be a resource for employees.
• Create an environment where trust and integrity are valued and where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and reporting potential violations of the Code, the law, and policies.
• Make sure that no one who comes forward with a concern suffers retaliation.

Triad takes its legal and ethical obligations seriously and our commitment to integrity begins by complying with laws, rules, and regulations.  To fulfill this obligation, each of us must commit to our Laboratory Agenda and comply with the standards established in this Code of Conduct.  Every employee must, to the extent practicable, have an understanding and working familiarity of the policies, laws, rules, and regulations that apply to their specific roles.  Any employee who is unsure of whether a contemplated action is permitted by law should seek the advice of the Office of General Counsel.  It is the responsibility of every employee to prevent violations of law and to speak up if they see possible violations.

Making Good Decisions

Choosing the right thing to do is not always easy.  There may be times when you feel under pressure or unsure of what to do. Remember, our Code is the starting point, not the finish line.  It lays out the basic rules for how we do things, but it does not have the answer to every question you might have or every situation you might face.  Not sure what to do?   A decision tree can be a useful tool when you are faced with an ethical dilemma. Think of a decision you need to make.  Follow the tree through the questions to determine what action you should take.