Duration: 6 Months
The Foundation in Workplace Ethics & Compliance (EU Context) is an intermediate-level professional program designed to build upon foundational knowledge and develop practical competencies in workplace ethics, regulatory compliance, and organizational responsibility within the European Union environment, with specific alignment to the legal framework of Lithuania.
This program is the second stage in a structured, progressive learning pathway and is intended for learners who have successfully completed the Certificate level or possess equivalent foundational knowledge. It focuses on enhancing learners’ ability to apply ethical principles and compliance requirements in real workplace situations.
The curriculum consists of 24 modules delivered over 6 months, with each module structured into daily 2-hour sessions. The program covers a wide range of topics, including internal compliance systems, employment law, whistleblowing mechanisms, workplace investigations, conflict of interest management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, and supply chain ethics.
A key feature of this program is its emphasis on practical application and legal compliance. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of Lithuanian labour regulations, particularly under the Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania, and develop the ability to apply EU directives such as the EU Whistleblowing Directive in organizational contexts.
Throughout the course, learners will engage with:
• Design and implementation of compliance programs
• Ethical training and awareness systems
• Employment contracts and workplace rights
• Investigation procedures and reporting mechanisms
• CSR, ESG, and sustainability frameworks
• Ethical challenges in supply chains and global operations
The program integrates real-world case studies, practical scenarios, and applied exercises to ensure learners can translate theoretical knowledge into workplace practice.
At the end of the 6-month program, learners will undertake a final assessment. Upon successful completion, they will be awarded the Foundation in Workplace Ethics & Compliance (EU Context).
• Duration: 6 Months (24 Weeks)
• Modules: 24 (1 module per week)
• Class Duration: 2 hours per session
• Assessment: Continuous + Stage Examination
• Structured 24-week modular learning system
• Integration of digital tools and collaborative technologies
• Practical training in networking and personal branding using platforms such as LinkedIn
• Exposure to freelancing and alternative career pathways
• Continuous assessment and stage-based evaluation
The Workplace Ethics & Compliance (EU Context) programmes—ranging from 3 months (Certificate) to 2 years (Advanced Diploma)—are designed with a unified legal and professional alignment framework. Each level progressively deepens learners’ understanding while maintaining full compliance with European Union regulations and the legal system of the Republic of Lithuania.
1. Alignment with Lithuanian Legal Framework
All programme durations are grounded in the core legal instruments that regulate corporate activities, employment practices, and compliance obligations in Lithuania. The curriculum ensures that learners at every level understand and apply these laws proportionately to their stage of study.
Key legal foundations include:
• Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania
Covers company formation, governance, shareholder rights, and management responsibilities.
• Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania
Defines employment relationships, employee protections, workplace standards, and dispute resolution.
• Law on Prevention of Corruption Lithuania
Establishes ethical conduct, anti-bribery measures, and transparency obligations.
• Law on Legal Entities Register Lithuania
Regulates company registration, reporting, and legal entity compliance requirements.
Level-Based Legal Integration:
• Certificate (3 Months): Introduction to Lithuanian legal principles and workplace obligations
• Foundation (6 Months): Application of labour law and corporate compliance practices
• Diploma (1 Year): Advanced interpretation of corporate governance and regulatory systems
• Advanced Diploma (2 Years): Legal specialization, strategic compliance, and regulatory leadership
2. Alignment with European Union Regulations
The programmes incorporate major EU directives and regulatory frameworks that govern ethical and compliant business operations across member states.
Key EU frameworks include:
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Ensures data privacy, lawful processing, and organizational accountability.
• EU Whistleblowing Directive
Provides mechanisms for reporting misconduct and protecting whistleblowers.
• EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives
Focuses on financial transparency and risk prevention.
• EU Competition Law
Promotes fair competition and prevents anti-competitive behavior.
• EU ESG Framework
Integrates sustainability, corporate responsibility, and ethical governance.
Level-Based EU Integration:
• Certificate: Awareness of EU compliance environment
• Foundation: Application of GDPR, whistleblowing, and workplace regulations
• Diploma: Analytical and operational use of EU compliance systems
• Advanced Diploma: Strategic implementation and cross-border compliance expertise
3. Professional Standards & Global Best Practices
Key professional references include:
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Corporate governance and anti-corruption guidelines
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Standards such as ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems)
• Transparency International
Anti-corruption frameworks and ethical benchmarks
• European Compliance & Ethics Institute
Professional competencies in ethics and compliance
Level-Based Professional Development:
• Certificate: Basic ethical awareness and workplace conduct
• Foundation: Practical compliance skills and workplace application
• Diploma: Professional competency in compliance management and auditing
• Advanced Diploma: Leadership, consultancy, and strategic compliance expertise
4. Alignment with Corporate Objectives & Business Activities (Lithuania)
• Corporate governance and administration
• Human resource and labour compliance management
• Legal and regulatory advisory services
• Risk management and internal audit
• Training, consultancy, and professional development
This ensures that graduates can operate effectively within legally registered business environments in Lithuania and across the EU.
5. Practical Compliance & Industry Relevance
• Case studies based on EU and Lithuanian legal scenarios
• Workplace ethics simulations and investigations
• Compliance audits and reporting exercises
• Policy drafting aligned with legal frameworks
• Industry projects and internships (advanced levels)
6. Lifelong Learning & Progression Framework
• 3 Months → Certificate
• 6 Months → Foundation
• 1 Year → Diploma
• 2 Years → Advanced Diploma
Each level builds upon the previous one, ensuring continuous professional development (CPD) and increasing legal and professional competency.
1. Strengthen Understanding of Workplace Ethics & Professional Conduct
• To deepen knowledge of ethical principles and their application in workplace settings
• To promote integrity, accountability, and responsible professional behavior
• To enhance the ability to recognize and address ethical challenges
2. Develop Practical Knowledge of Compliance Systems
• To provide understanding of internal compliance program structures
• To develop skills in implementing compliance policies and procedures
• To enhance awareness of compliance roles and organizational responsibilities
3. Enhance Knowledge of Lithuanian Labour Law
• To develop detailed understanding of the Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania
• To explain employee rights, employer obligations, and workplace regulations
• To ensure compliance with employment standards and legal requirements
4. Introduce Employment Relations & Contractual Ethics
• To understand different types of employment contracts
• To promote ethical practices in recruitment, contract management, and termination
• To ensure fairness and transparency in employment relationships
5. Build Skills in Workplace Monitoring & Data Privacy
• To introduce legal and ethical considerations of employee monitoring
• To develop awareness of privacy rights under EU law
• To ensure responsible and compliant workplace surveillance practices
6. Develop Understanding of Whistleblowing & Reporting Systems
• To explain the principles of the EU Whistleblowing Directive
• To develop skills in establishing internal reporting mechanisms
• To promote protection of whistleblowers and ethical reporting culture
7. Strengthen Investigation & Conflict Management Skills
• To provide knowledge of workplace investigation procedures
• To develop skills in handling complaints and misconduct cases
• To manage conflicts of interest effectively within organizations
8. Promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Sustainability
• To introduce CSR principles and ethical business practices
• To develop understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks
• To encourage sustainable and socially responsible organizational behavior
9. Develop Ethical Practices in Supply Chain Management
• To identify ethical risks in supply chains
• To promote compliance with labor and human rights standards
• To ensure transparency and accountability in supplier relationships
10. Enhance Practical Workplace Competencies
• To develop skills in policy implementation, reporting, and compliance monitoring
• To prepare learners for supporting roles in compliance, HR, and administration
• To improve problem-solving and decision-making abilities in real-world scenarios
11. Prepare for Advanced Studies and Professional Growth
• To build a strong foundation for progression to Diploma (1 Year) level
• To support continuous professional development (CPD)
• To encourage lifelong learning in ethics and compliance
1. Applied Understanding of Workplace Ethics
• Apply ethical principles to workplace situations
• Identify and address ethical issues and misconduct
• Promote integrity, fairness, and accountability in professional environments
2. Practical Knowledge of Compliance Systems
• Explain the structure and function of internal compliance programs
• Support the implementation of compliance policies and procedures
• Contribute to maintaining organizational compliance standards
3. Competence in Lithuanian Labour Law Application
• Apply key provisions of the Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania
• Interpret employee rights and employer obligations
• Support compliance with workplace regulations and employment standards
4. Employment Relations & Contract Management Skills
• Understand and apply different types of employment contracts
• Support ethical recruitment, contract management, and termination processes
• Ensure fairness and transparency in employment relationships
5. Workplace Monitoring & Data Privacy Awareness
• Apply ethical and legal principles related to employee monitoring
• Demonstrate awareness of privacy rights under EU regulations
• Support compliance with data protection requirements
6. Whistleblowing & Reporting Mechanisms
• Apply principles of the EU Whistleblowing Directive
• Support the establishment of internal reporting systems
• Promote safe and ethical reporting practices within organizations
7. Investigation & Conflict Management Skills
• Assist in conducting workplace investigations
• Apply structured approaches to handling complaints and misconduct
• Identify and manage conflicts of interest effectively
8. CSR, ESG & Sustainability Competence
• Explain Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principles
• Demonstrate understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks
• Support sustainable and socially responsible organizational practices
9. Ethical Supply Chain Awareness
• Identify ethical risks in supply chains
• Promote compliance with labor standards and human rights
• Support transparency and accountability in supplier relationships
10. Professional Workplace Skills
• Contribute to policy implementation and compliance monitoring
• Communicate effectively in professional and compliance-related contexts
• Demonstrate teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
11. Readiness for Advanced Study & Career Progression
• Perform support roles in HR, compliance, and administration
• Demonstrate readiness for Diploma (1 Year) level study
• Engage in continuous professional development (CPD)
| Module | Topic | Brief Description (Day-wise Lesson Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Introduction to Workplace Ethics (EU Context) |
• Concept of Ethics and Workplace Ethics • Importance of Ethics in Organizations • Ethical Theories (Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics) • Ethics vs Law vs Compliance • Ethical Culture in EU Organizations |
| 02 | Fundamentals of Compliance Systems |
• Definition and Scope of Compliance • Components of a Compliance Program • Role of Compliance Officers • Compliance vs Risk Management • Overview of EU Compliance Environment |
| 03 | EU Legal Framework Overview |
• Structure of the European Union Legal System • EU Regulations vs Directives • Key EU Institutions and Their Roles • Introduction to Major EU Compliance Laws • Legal Harmonization Across EU Member States |
| 04 | Lithuanian Company Law Basics |
• Overview of Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania • Types of Companies in Lithuania • Company Formation and Registration • Shareholders’ Rights and Responsibilities • Duties of Directors and Management |
| 05 | Corporate Governance Principles |
• Concept of Corporate Governance • Governance Structures in EU Companies • Board Roles and Responsibilities • Accountability and Transparency • Governance Best Practices (EU Context) |
| 06 | Code of Conduct Development |
• Purpose of a Code of Conduct • Key Elements of an Effective Code • Drafting Ethical Policies • Implementation and Communication • Monitoring and Enforcement |
| 07 | Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Ethics |
• Concept of Diversity and Inclusion • Importance in EU Workplace • Ethical Treatment of Employees • Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness • Inclusive Workplace Practices |
| 08 | Anti-Discrimination Laws (EU & Lithuania) |
• Overview of EU Anti-Discrimination Laws • Lithuanian Labour Law Context (Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania) • Types of Workplace Discrimination • Legal Protections for Employees • Employer Responsibilities |
| 09 | Workplace Harassment & Prevention |
• Definition and Types of Harassment • Legal Framework in EU • Workplace Bullying and Misconduct • Prevention Policies and Procedures • Reporting and Response Mechanisms |
| 10 | Ethical Decision-Making Models |
• Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks • Steps in Ethical Analysis • Case-Based Ethical Judgments • Managing Ethical Dilemmas • Practical Workplace Scenarios |
| 11 | Introduction to GDPR & Data Ethics |
• Overview of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) • Principles of Data Protection • Personal Data and Processing Rules • Rights of Data Subjects • Ethical Use of Data in Organizations |
| 12 | Compliance Risk Basics |
• Concept of Compliance Risk • Types of Compliance Risks • Risk Identification Techniques • Risk Assessment Methods • Basic Risk Mitigation Strategies |
| 13 | Internal Compliance Programs Design |
• Structure of Internal Compliance Programs • Elements of Effective Compliance Systems • Policy Development Framework • Roles and Responsibilities in Compliance • Continuous Improvement in Compliance Programs |
| 14 | Ethics Training & Awareness Systems |
• Importance of Ethics Training • Designing Training Programs • Communication Strategies for Ethics • Awareness Campaigns in Organizations • Measuring Training Effectiveness |
| 15 | Lithuanian Labour Law Deep Dive |
• Detailed Analysis of Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania • Employment Regulations and Standards • Working Hours, Leave, and Benefits • Employee Protection Mechanisms • Dispute Resolution Procedures |
| 16 | Employment Contracts & Ethics |
• Types of Employment Contracts • Legal Requirements in Lithuania • Ethical Considerations in Contracts • Contract Negotiation Practices • Termination and Exit Ethics |
| 17 | Employee Rights & Employer Obligations |
• Fundamental Employee Rights in EU • Employer Duties under Lithuanian Law • Workplace Safety and Well-being • Equality and Fair Treatment • Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance |
| 18 | Workplace Monitoring & Privacy |
• Employee Monitoring Practices • Legal Limits under GDPR • Privacy vs Organizational Control • Ethical Issues in Surveillance • Best Practices for Compliance |
| 19 | Whistleblowing Systems (EU Directive) |
• Overview of EU Whistleblowing Directive • Internal Reporting Mechanisms • Protection of Whistleblowers • Handling Complaints and Reports • Organizational Responsibilities |
| 20 | Investigation Procedures |
• Principles of Workplace Investigations • Steps in Conducting Investigations • Evidence Collection and Documentation • Interview Techniques • Reporting Investigation Findings |
| 21 | Conflict of Interest Management |
• Definition of Conflict of Interest • Identifying Potential Conflicts • Disclosure and Reporting Procedures • Managing and Mitigating Conflicts • Organizational Policies and Controls |
| 22 | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) |
• Concept of CSR in EU Context • Social and Environmental Responsibilities • Ethical Business Practices • Stakeholder Engagement • CSR Reporting Standards |
| 23 | Sustainability & ESG Compliance |
• Introduction to ESG Principles • Environmental Compliance Requirements • Social Responsibility Standards • Governance and Accountability • ESG Reporting and Evaluation |
| 24 | Ethics in Supply Chains |
• Supply Chain Ethics Overview • Supplier Code of Conduct • Risk Assessment in Supply Chains • Human Rights and Labor Standards • Monitoring and Compliance in Global Supply Chains |