Singapore’s largest media organization, Singapore Press Holdings, is planning to set up a team to build and enforce its code of conduct concerning staff relations and inappropriate behavior.

The decision comes after the two senior editors from  The Straits Times were penalized after having found to be in unprofessional relationships with the same junior member of staff. Both have been redeployed from their posts, and one has had their salary docked and been furnished with a written warning.

Ng Yat Chung, CEO, SPH announced in an e-mail, addressing staff that a new task force will be formed to investigate staff relations stressing that the company took a serious view on sexual harassment and other breaches of its code of conduct. He further said that “We will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone – and I mean, anyone, who has been found to have breached our code of conduct."

According to the reports, the task force will ensure that policies on relations between superiors and subordinates are set out clearly, and that staff is aware of the code of conduct they are expected to abide by them.

One of the key responsibilities of the task force will also include developing additional and informal avenues for staff to seek advice if they face inappropriate behavior. This provides access to counselors and mentors in the company and is on top of existing whistle-blowing channels and the company’s HR department.