United Darfur Committees (UDC) Safeguarding
Code of Conduct
Introduction
In keeping with
its vision and values, [UDC ] is committed to maintaining the highest degree of
ethical conduct amongst all its staff and associated personnel. To help increase understanding, this Code of
Conduct details [UDC]’s expectations of employees in key areas.
Scope and purpose
This Code of
Conduct applies to all contracted staff, national and local, employed by [UDC]. Adapted Codes of Conduct are applicable to
volunteers, partners, contractors and suppliers.
The purpose of
this Code of Conduct is to set out the conduct expected of [UDC] staff whilst
under contract to the organisation, and 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 dismissal.
Whilst
recognising that local laws and cultures differ considerably from one country
to another, [UDC] is a national Non-Governmental Organisation, and therefore
the Code of Conduct is developed from international and UN standards. [UDC] staff 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
[Insert UDC’s
Mission Statement or Organisational Values here]
Code of Conduct Standards
As an [UDC]
employee I will:
Uphold the integrity and reputation of [UDC] by ensuring that my professional and personal conduct is consistent with [UDC]’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 [UDC], 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 [UDC] into
disrepute and does not impact on or undermine my ability to undertake the role
for which I am employed
·
I will not work
under the influence of alcohol or use, or be in possession of, illegal
substances on [UDC] 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 [UDC] staff members 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 [UDC]
·
I will ensure
that I use [UDC] assets and
resources entrusted to me in a responsible manner and will account for all
money and property
·
I will not use [UDC] 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 [UDC] 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 [UDC]
·
I will not be
involved in awarding benefits, contracts for goods or services, employment or
promotion within [UDC], 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 [UDC]
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
[NGO] staff are
obligated to bring to the attention of the relevant manager 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. [UDC] staff reporting concerns are protected
by the Disclosure of Malpractice in the Workplace policy.
Staff members
who have a complaint or concern relating to breach of the Code should report it
immediately to their line manager. If
the staff member does not feel comfortable reporting to their line manager (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 other appropriate
staff member. For example, this could be
a senior manager or a member of the HR Team.
Staff members receiving
reports or concerns are obliged to action or refer the report immediately as
per the [UDC] Complaints Policy and procedures
Related policies
Complaints
policy and procedures
Health and
Safety in the Workplace policy
Disclosure of Malpractice
in the Workplace policy
Anti Fraud and
Corruption policy
Safeguarding
policy
Anti Bullying
and Harassment policy
Security policy
Use of IT policy
___________________________________________________________
In accepting my
appointment I undertake to discharge my duties and to regulate my conduct in
accordance with the requirements of this Code
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Safeguarding Code of Conduct
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Oleh
United Darfur Committees
