Section 1.2: System Policies and Procedures

Approved: November 15, 2022

ELECTRONIC MONITORING

1.0             Rationale

District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1) values trust, discretion, and transparency in informing employees of when and how their work is being monitored. This policy is to be used in addition to Information Services policies and procedures and is intended to establish guidelines for Board practices related to electronic monitoring of employees. The Electronic Monitoring Policy applies to all of DSB1 (the employer), its employees, temporary help agencies, volunteers, trustees and shareholders, and is based on recent updates to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act.

2.0             Definitions

Electronic Monitoring: All forms of employee and assignment employee monitoring that is done electronically. Monitoring may include, but is not limited to, data collection, computer surveillance, including employee emails and online usage, GPS on Board owned vehicles, telephone, fax and camera surveillance in and on Board property. Use of personal devices (e.g., personal mobile phone) on non-Board networks when used in the school learning environment are also subject to this policy.

3.0             Policy

DSB1 monitors its employees’ electronic usage on employer owned devices and employer networks, and may monitor an employee’s own personal computer if used for work purposes. This applies equally where the employee works from home, at the employer’s workplace, or under a hybrid “workplace/home” model. The Board may use electronic monitoring at any time to ensure the health and safety of employees and students, to evaluate employee performance, to ensure the appropriate use of employer equipment, and to ensure work is being performed during working hours.