Ethical Policy
Introduction
Shropshire Community Foundation (SCF) is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in all aspects of its work.
This Ethical Policy sets out the principles and standards that guide our Trustees, staff, volunteers and partners in ensuring our work remains aligned with our charitable purposes and values.
Scope
The policy applies to;
- Trustees
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Contractors and suppliers
- Partner organisations.
Mission
SCF’s mission is ‘Through philanthropy, to build a long-term source of sustainable strategic grant funding for the good of communities and people most in need across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin’.
Our Ethical Principles
SCF is committed to the following core ethical principles;
– Integrity: we act with honesty, openness, impartiality and integrity in everything we do.
– Accountability: we are accountable to our funders, beneficiaries, supporters, regulators and the public.
– Fairness: we treat everyone fairly and with respect, and do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or abuse.
– Openness: we take decisions in an open and transparent manner.
– Sustainability: we seek to minimise harm to the environment and promote sustainable practices.
Ethical Areas of Practice
1. Fundraising and Donations:
– We will only accept donations that are consistent with our mission and ethical principles.
– We will not accept donations where the source is known to be unethical or illegal.
– We will ensure transparency in how donations are used.
2. Investments – we are committed to ethical investment as set out in our Investment Policy.
3. Employment and Volunteering – we have Codes of Conduct for employees and volunteers, which emphasise that we offer fair recruitment and treatment to all employees and volunteers.
4. Partnerships – we will only partner with organisations whose values and practices align with our own.
Conflicts of Interest
Trustees employees and volunteers must;
– Declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
– Recuse themselves from decisions where a conflict of interest exists.
Whistleblowing and Reporting Concerns
Anyone connected to SCF can raise concerns about unethical behaviour and practices. SCF will:
– Treat all reports seriously.
– Protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
– Investigate and respond appropriately.
More details are set out in our Whistleblowing Policy.
