Introduction

In keeping with its vision and values, MAITS 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 MAITS’ expectations of employees, contractors and professional volunteers in key areas.

Scope and purpose

This Code of Conduct applies to all contracted staff, international and local, working with/for MAITS.  Adapted Codes of Conduct are applicable to volunteers, partners, contractors, interns and suppliers.

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out the conduct expected of MAITS staff whilst under contract to the organisation, and forms part of all contracts of employment and volunteering.  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, MAITS is an International Non-Governmental Organisation, and therefore the Code of Conduct is developed from international and UN standards. MAITS 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

MAITS is an international disability charity whose mission is to improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest people living with disabilities, through better access to and quality of health and education services and support. MAITS specifically supports people with developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism and learning disabilities in low-resource countries.

Code of Conduct Standards

As a MAITS employee/contractor/associate I will:

Uphold the integrity and reputation of MAITS by ensuring that my professional and personal conduct is consistent with MAITS’s values and standards

• I will comply with MAITS’ safeguarding policy and procedures
• I will treat all people fairly with respect and dignity
• When working in an international context or travelling internationally on behalf of MAITS, 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 MAITS 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 MAITS’ partners’ premises or accommodation
• I will respect all peoples’ rights, including personal protected characteristics,[1] including children’s rights, and I will contribute to a working environment characterised by mutual respect, integrity, dignity and non-discrimination

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 money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour.  This is strictly 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 anyone
• I will not emotionally or psychologically abuse anyone

Ensure the safety, health and welfare of all MAITS 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 proactive 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 MAITS

• I will ensure that I use MAITS assets and resources entrusted to me in a responsible manner and will account for all money and property
• I will not use MAITS 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 MAITS IT equipment to view, download, create, distribute or save in any format inappropriate or abusive material including but not limited to violence, 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 MAITS
• I will not be involved in awarding benefits, contracts for goods or services, employment or promotion within MAITS, 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 candidate 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 to me as a result of my employment with MAITS
• If there is any possibility of perception of a conflict of interest, I will declare this to my line manager in writing

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

MAITS staff are obliged 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.  MAITS 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.  That staff member would then need to bring the issue to the attention of the safeguarding lead, in this case the Operations Manager.

Staff members receiving reports or concerns are obliged to action or refer the report immediately as per the MAITS Complaints Policy and procedures.

Related policies

I agree to adhere to the following policies and procedures that support the Standards above:

Complaints policy and procedures

Health and Safety in the Workplace policy

Disclosure of Malpractice – Whistleblowing policy

Anti Bribery and Corruption policy

Safeguarding policy

In accepting my engagement, I undertake to discharge my duties and to regulate my conduct in accordance with the requirements of this Code. I will report any matter that breaks the standards contained in this Code of Conduct. I will inform MAITS of any relevant criminal convictions or charges I have had prior to my employment/association in which MAITS may have a legitimate interest.