This Code of Conduct (“Code”) sets out the standards and expectations of individuals/organisations connected to AzuKo, in terms of ethics, integrity, acting as a representative and safeguarding. The Code supports AzuKo’s vision, mission and values. It applies to visitors, project/course participants, and all other external persons.
Failure to comply with the Code, AzuKo policies, or Terms and Conditions may result in action under AzuKo’s disciplinary procedure and/or affect your visit or place on a course.
1.0 ETHICS & INTEGRITY
You will:
Establish, maintain and develop relationships based on trust and respect.
Exhibit and defend professional and personal integrity and honesty at all times.
Demonstrate sensitivity for the customs, practices, culture and personal beliefs of others.
Promote and adhere to AzuKo policies and practices that promote equality of opportunity, diversity and social inclusion and support human rights and dignity.
Comply with AzuKo’s data protection and confidentiality requirements. Any breach is considered a disciplinary offence and appropriate action will be taken.
Support others if they suspect unlawful or unethical conduct or behaviour.
Promptly report any concerns about bribery or corruption.
Promptly report security or safety concerns.
Dress appropriately at all times when visiting AzuKo sites, communities, or taking part in activities.
2.0 ACTING AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF AZUKO
You will:
Always act in a way which supports and upholds the reputation of AzuKo and behave as a role model to others.
Be mindful of your responsibilities as a professional person towards the wider community.
Comply with prevailing laws and not encourage, assist or collude with others who may be engaged in unlawful conduct.
When involved in local political, religious, or community leadership activities, commit to ensure that AzuKo’s mission and objectives in the country are not compromised.
Display a neutral, non-partisan attitude and approach towards political matters during a vist/on a course.
Ensure you hold the correct visa and/or right to visit/volunteer/work in Bangladesh in compliance with country law.
Not to harm, children, young people, vulnerable adults or anyone you come into contact with during the visit/course, through action or omission
Not to expose others to the risk of discrimination, neglect, harm or abuse.
Not purchase, or coerce, sex acts.
Work in accordance with health, safety and security guidelines and avoid behaviour that creates unnecessary risk to yourself or others.
3.2 You will:
Read, understand and adhere to this Code.
Strive to promote a zero tolerance approach to discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse in all working environments.
Strive to develop relationships with all stakeholders which are based on equality, trust, respect and honesty.
Place the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults above all other considerations.
Report any concerns you may have about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.
Report any concerns you may have about the behaviour of an AzuKo or associated partner(s) representative in relation to safeguarding.
In a one-to-one situation with a child or young person, where privacy and confidentiality are important, ensure that another adult knows the contact is taking place and why. Ensure another adult is in sight and that the child or young person knows another adult is around.
3.3 You will not:
Sexually harass, assault or abuse another person.
Physically harass, assault or abuse another person.
Emotionally abuse another person, such as engaging in behaviour intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade.
Condone, or participate in behaviour which is abusive, discriminatory, illegal, or unsafe.
Develop, encourage or fail to take action of relationships with children or other vulnerable adults which could in any way be deemed sexual, exploitative or abusive.
Act in ways that may be violent, inappropriate or sexually provocative.
Agree with a child to keep a secret which has implications for their safety or the safety of other young people.
4.0 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
It is essential that you avoid any suggestion of bias or favouritism in any of your dealings with partners, primary actors, service providers, suppliers, or other employees, volunteers and stakeholders. Any potential conflicts (direct or indirect) must be declared in line with AzuKo’s policy. Conflicts could include, but are not limited to:
Interests of immediate relatives and extended relatives, friends and acquaintances.
Any work, paid or unpaid, outside AzuKo.
Being a member of an elected body.
Shareholdings (if this could have an influence on the decision making of a company).
Relationships with service providers and suppliers, other employees or candidates for employment with AzuKo.
5.0 OFFERS OF GIFTS, INDUCEMENTS AND HOSPITALITY
Any money, gift or favour received by you from a person or organisation holding or seeking to obtain a contract from AzuKo will be deemed by AzuKo to have been received corruptly unless you prove the contrary. AzuKo expects all visitors/course participants to abide by AzuKo’s Anti-Fraud and related policies, and where necessary to abide by local legislation to ensure transparency and ethical practice. Any breach of this will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter and/or a criminal offence.
6.0 DUTY TO REPORT
Report immediately any breaches of this Code to AzuKo’s CEO.
All suspected breaches of the Code will be investigated in line with the appropriate policy. Where it is found that there has been a breach of the Code there will be a disciplinary or status review process.
We are committed to reviewing our Code and good practice annually, or as material circumstances change.
