Introduction
This document presents FBDS’s Ethical Guidelines and Code of Conduct (the “Guidelines”). It was prepared based on several similar documents publicly available1 combined with our own values. The Guidelines are not meant to be comprehensive but rather to set minimum standards that we expect the organisation, its executives, employees, collaborators, and subcontractors to be bound to.
To achieve its mission FBDS is supported by several grantors from around the world. These Guidelines also contains the rules of conduct for the persons involved in implementing and managing all aspects of the grants as they perform their work for, or on behalf of, the grantor.
Principles
FBDS’s Ethical Principles derive from universal values such as respect, justice, loyalty, reliability, truthfulness, and the notion that one should treat others as oneself would like to be treated.
Integrity
FBDS is not-for-profit, nongovernmental, organized, independent, self-governing, and voluntary organization.
Mission and Activities
FBDS’s mission (“To promote the use of market mechanism to facilitate compliance with social and environmental laws”) is what it hopes to accomplish and is the purpose for which the organisation exists. It is the foundation and the frame of reference for all our activities and organisational planning. We utilise the resources made available to the organisation in an effective and efficient manner towards the accomplishment of its stated purpose and counteract any abuse in the use of these resources towards people in vulnerable situations.
Transparency and Accountability
FBDS strives for openness and honesty internally and towards its staff, donors, partners, suppliers, collaborators, and the public.
Truthfulness, Legality, Anti-bribery and Fraud
FBDS will be honest and truthful in its dealings with its donors, project beneficiaries, staff, membership, partner organizations, subcontractors, government, and the public in general, and will respect and encourage respect to the laws of any jurisdiction in which it is active. FBDS repudiates corruption and bribery at all levels as well as fraud and the misuse of aid funds - refer to FBDS’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy.
Human Rights and Dignity
FBDS supports the Universal Declaration of Human Rights2 and believes that its activity should be carried out without discrimination based on race, gender, social status, sexual orientation, disability, religious or political affiliation, etc., see Equality Policy. Furthermore, FBDS believes that children and vulnerable adults should be protected from physical or sexual or emotional abuse and neglect, refer to FBDS’sSafeguarding Policy.
Environment
Please refer to FBDS’s Environmental Policy.
Employee Relations
FBDS also supports the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and repudiates any form of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and harassment.
Duty to Act
FBDS’s executives, employees, and collaborators are bound to this Guidelines while acting on behalf of the organisation and are encouraged to promote the Guidelines in their day-to-day activities as well as to inform the appropriate channel (refer to FBDS’s Whistle-Blowing Policy) any apparent or actual deviation from it within the organisation or with our suppliers, collaborators, partners, etc. FBDS will ensure the appropriate follow-up procedures if deviations occur.
These Guidelines are part of the FBDS’s employees’ conditions for employment as well as an integral part of consultants and collaborators contracts. Violations of these guidelines may result in warning, consideration of dismissal/termination/exclusion, or to handing over of the case to the relevant authorities.
Follow-up
FBDS understands that the development of ethical guidelines are an inclusive and ongoing process and will provide periodic training to develop and strengthen its ethical competence and awareness at all levels.