Hope Inspired CIC

Code of Conduct

Policy Statement

At Hope Inspired, we require all directors, employees, volunteers and contractors to demonstrate the highest standards of conduct.  

Our Code of Conduct sets out the rules and expectations we must all follow when engaging with both internal and external customers. 

This code of conduct is important because it:

- demonstrates our values and principles
- informs our stakeholders what we stand for
- clarifies the expectations for those who represent us, deliver our services and engage with our customers
- removes any doubts about behaviours that are not acceptable
- provides a valuable framework for decision-making
- helps foster good working relationships within and outside the organisation.  

All directors, employees, volunteers and contractors must adhere to the expected standards of conduct and the underlying principles. Failure to observe these principles and/or standards may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Principles

We receive public funds to carry out our activities; it is imperative, therefore, that the public trusts we will always act with integrity and be accountable for our actions. 

We expect all directors, employees, volunteers and contractors to uphold the “Seven principles of Public Life” (the Nolan Principles) as identified by the Nolan Committee in 1995:

1 – Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. 
2 – Integrity – Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
3 – Objectivity – Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
4 – Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
5 – Openness – Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for doing so.
6 – Honesty – Holders of public office should be truthful.
7 – Leadership – Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.  

General conduct

We want to create a welcoming, safe and nurturing environment for everyone, regardless of age, body size, personal appearance, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nationality, race, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, physical/mental ability and level of education.

To achieve this, we:

- use welcoming and inclusive language, addressing people how they want to be addressed
- do not tolerate offensive language, derogatory comments, gestures or jokes
- treat others fairly and with respect
- act with integrity and are honest in our dealings with others
- do not engage in any activity that may cause physical or mental harm/distress to anyone (for example: bullying, discrimination, verbal abuse, physical assault, harassment)
- respect different viewpoints and choices, even if we don’t personally agree with them
- show empathy towards our internal and external customers
- maintain confidentiality and do not share or discuss information we have about one another
- follow all policies and procedures at Hope Inspired, as well as any reasonable instructions and directions given to us
- accept we get things wrong sometimes and be willing to learn.    

Conflicts of interest

A conflict of interest would arise if our personal interests conflicted with our professional interests. Competing interests can interfere with our ability to carry out our duties and to make objective decisions in respect of our role. Conflicts of interests can sometimes influence us without us even realising this.  

A conflict might arise if:

- You own or work for a company that is our competitor
- You supervise someone at Hope Inspired with whom you have a personal relationship
- A family member (spouse, child, parent or sibling) or someone living in your household makes an investment in a company that is our supplier, partner or competitor.

We are required to avoid situations that may lead to even the appearance of a conflict of interest. If you suspect that a conflict exists, or may arise, discuss this with the person managing/supervising you. Some conflicts can be resolved through discussion. Always disclose an activity if there is any doubt that it might amount to a conflict of interest.

Gifts and Hospitality

We accept that people we work with may occasionally want to give us a small gift (eg – chocolates, plants, flowers). Such gifts are acceptable as long as they do not exceed £10 in value; they must be declared in the Gifts Register so there is transparency. If the gift is of a larger monetary value, they must be politely declined and reference made to this policy so the person giving the gift is not offended.

Under no circumstances are monetary gifts acceptable. They must be politely declined and a record made in the Gifts Register about the person making the gift, the date/time and the amount offered.    

Drugs and Alcohol

Whilst carrying out any activities for Hope Inspired, you are strictly prohibited from using or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. Such conduct will most likely lead to dismissal.

Anyone taking prescription medication should ensure they are aware of any side effects. If they experience any side effects that may impact on their ability to safely carry out their duties, they must report these immediately to a member of the management team.

Review

This policy will next be reviewed and, if necessary, updated in December 2024.