Introduction
In keeping with its vision and values, The Forster Charity is committed to maintaining the highest degree of ethical conduct amongst all its personnel. To help increase understanding, this Code of Conduct details The Forster Charity’s expectations of employees and volunteers in key areas.
Scope and purpose
This Code of Conduct applies to all personnel, international and local, employed by and volunteering with The Forster Charity.
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out the conduct expected of The Forster Charity personnel whilst working for the organisation; for employees it forms part of all contracts of employment. The Code is applicable at all times. Breaches of the Code of Conduct are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Whilst recognising that local laws and cultures differ considerably from one country to another, The Forster Charity is an International Non-Governmental Organisation, and therefore the Code of Conduct is developed from international and UN standards. The Forster Charity personnel are expected to uphold local law wherever they operate, except where the Code of Conduct is more stringent, in which case the Code applies.
Mission and values
The Forster Charity is dedicated to preventing maternal and neonatal deaths by providing medical care. We focus on the most vulnerable mothers and babies across the globe, especially those in areas where medical complications during and after childbirth are prevalent. Every year, tens of thousands of women and infants die from preventable complications related to childbirth. Forster Charity combats these tragedies by distributing medical kits equipped with life-saving tools to handle complications such as postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and infection.
Code of conduct standards
As a member The Forster Charity personnel and volunteer I will:
Uphold the integrity and reputation of The Forster Charity by ensuring that my professional and personal conduct is consistent with The Forster Charity’s values and standards
- I will treat all people fairly with respect and dignity
- When working in an international context or travelling internationally on behalf of The Forster Charity, I will be observant of all local laws and be sensitive to local customs
- I will seek to ensure that my conduct does not bring The Forster Charity into disrepute and does not impact on or undermine my ability to undertake the role for which I am employed/volunteered
- I will not work under the influence of alcohol or use, or be in possession of, illegal substances on The Forster Charity premises or accommodation
Not engage in abusive or exploitative conduct
- I will not engage in sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18). Mistaken belief in the age of a child is not a defence
- I will not exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance
- I will not engage in sexual relationships with beneficiaries of assistance, since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics
- I will not engage in any commercially exploitative activities with children or vulnerable adults including child labour or trafficking
- I will not physically assault a child or vulnerable adult
- I will not emotionally or psychologically abuse a child or vulnerable adult
Ensure the safety, health and welfare of all The Forster Charity personnel and associated personnel (volunteers, partners, suppliers and contractors)
- I will adhere to all legal and organisational health and safety requirements in force at my location of work
- I will comply with any local security guidelines and be pro-active in informing management of any necessary changes to such guidelines
- I will behave in a manner such as to avoid any unnecessary risk to the safety, health and welfare of myself and others, including partner organisations and communities with whom we work
Be responsible for the use of information, assets and resources to which I have access by reason of my employment with The Forster Charity
- I will ensure that I use The Forster Charity assets and resources entrusted to me in a responsible manner and will account for all money and property
- I will not use The Forster Charity IT equipment, software or e-mail and social media platforms to engage in activity that is illegal under local or international law or that encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offence. This includes any material that intimidates or harasses any group based on protected characteristics, or encourages extremism
- I will not use The Forster Charity IT equipment to view, download, create, distribute or save in any format inappropriate or abusive material including but not limited to pornography or depictions of child abuse
Perform my duties and conduct my private life in a manner that avoids conflicts of interest
- I will declare any financial, personal or family (or close intimate relationship) interest in matters of official business which may impact on the work of The Forster Charity
- I will not be involved in awarding benefits, contracts for goods or services, employment or promotion within The Forster Charity, to any person with whom I have a financial, personal, family (or close intimate relationship) interests
- I will seek permission before agreeing to being nominated as a prospective candidates or another official role for any political party
- I will not accept significant gifts or any remuneration from governments, communities with whom we work, donors, suppliers and other persons which have been offered tome as a result of my employment with The Forster Charity
Uphold confidentiality
- I will exercise due care in all matters of official business, and not divulge any confidential information relating to colleagues, work-related matters or any sensitive information unless legally required to do so
Complaints and reports
The Forster Charity personnel are obligated to bring to the attention of the CEO any potential incident, abuse or concern that they witness, are made aware of, or suspect which appears to breach the Standards contained in this Code. The Forster Charity personnel reporting concerns are protected by the Disclosure of Malpractice in the Workplace policy.
Personnel who have a complaint or concern relating to breach of the Code should report it immediately to the CEO. If the person does not feel comfortable reporting to the CEO (for example if they feel that the report will not be taken seriously, or if that person is implicated in the concern) they may report to any of the charity’s trustees. .
Personnel receiving reports or concerns are obliged to action or refer the report immediately as per The Forster Charity Complaints Policy and procedures
Related policies
Code of Conduct Policy
Anti Bullying and Harassment Policy
Disclosure of Malpractice in the Workplace Policy
Safeguarding Policy
Complaints Policy