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Our Code of Conduct: doing what’s right at Tearfund
A Message from our CEO
Tearfund plays an ever-increasing role in shouting out for justice, hope and dignity to transform people and
their communities in the world’s toughest places. It’s a big responsibility and we take it seriously. We can
only do this with the trust of our colleagues, supporters, partners and other stakeholders because fundraising
and advocacy to achieve this role is challenging in today’s world.
Our Code of Conduct reflects the way we do things here at Tearfund, setting out the standards expected of
everyone who works with us both in New Zealand and across the world.
Our goal is to model what a truly great New Zealand INGO looks like, so we’re working hard to drive a
high-performance culture – a culture where people go above and beyond to deliver their very best. Part of this
means thinking, acting and working as ONE Tearfund so there’s consistency right across our organisation.
To help unify us all, our values , behaviors and functions are integrated into every aspect of our culture and
delivery of our work and guide us as to what we look like ‘at our best’.
Please take time to read through the following pages and apply these five principles to your work as an
advocate for Tearfund.
In a world that is often cynical, fragmented and hostile, we are followers of Jesus who believe that poverty
and injustice are not the end of the story. I’m proud to work for an organisation that is committed to Faith in
Action: that’s doing what’s right and building a culture based on dignity, honesty, integrity, transparency,
mutual respect and the freedom to speak up.
Ian McInnes
Chief Executive Officer
Our Five Operating Principles:
Our Operating Principles are the foundation of how we do business everywhere we operate, and reflect
the commitments we make to our colleagues, supporters, partners and their beneficiaries, and other
stakeholders. They are at the heart of our Code:
1. Treat People Fairly and with Respect
2. Protect our People, Property and Information
3. Act with Integrity, Honesty and Transparency
4. Operate safely, responsibility and reliably
5. Comply with the Law
1. Treat People Fairly and with Respect
- We will treat people fairly, with dignity. We value diversity of people and thought.
- We will not tolerate exploitation and abuse of children and vulnerable adults and are committed to uphold
respect, dignity and protection of all with whom we come into contact. We will always be visible to others
when working with children and vulnerable adults, and limit situations when we might be alone with children
- We will not accept any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying.
- We will recruit, select, develop and partner with people on merit, - irrespective of age, race, colour,
origin, gender, religious beliefs, disability, family or marital status, sexual orientation or other grounds.
- We will perform at our best, demonstrating professionalism, living our values and operating with acute
supporter and partner focus at all times.
- We trust each other to deliver on our commitments and obligations, and value collaboration as the best means
of working together to achieve superior outcomes.
2. Protect our People, Property and Information
- We will respect people’s rights to privacy and the confidentiality of personal information.
- We will take into account social, ethical and environmental considerations in our procurement decisions.
- We will not commit to expenditure without appropriate authorization.
- We will protect and safeguard our brand, property, intellectual property and financial assets.
3. Act with Integrity, Honesty and Transparency
- We will communicate honestly, responsibly and with transparency with all stakeholders within the bounds of
accepted confidentiality.
- We will build trust through integrity, transparency, honesty and objectivity in our relationships.
- We will disclose any activity or contracts that may lead to, or suggest, a conflict of interest between
personal activities and Tearfund.
- We will use resources provided to us in the best interest of Tearfund and not for personal gain.
4. Operate safely, responsibility and reliably
- We will protect the health, wellbeing and security of our colleagues, supporters, partners and communities
in which we operate.
- We will invest in partners and therefore the people in their local communities ensuring cost effective use
of our resources for the greatest impact, in line with our mission.
- We will protect and safeguard the natural environment, responsibly using finite resources.
- We will not tolerate anyone being affected by alcohol or other drugs when advocating for Tearfund
5. Comply with the Law
- We will comply with all applicable domestic and international laws and regulations, appropriate standards
and principles, including charity and employment law and all competition, anti-trust and anti-money laundering
laws.
- We will not tolerate any form of bribery, including improper offers of payments or gifts to or from
employees.
6. Speaking on Behalf of Tearfund
As an INGO and a NZ charity we are bound by strict rules to ensure that publicly released information is
appropriately disclosed and accurately reflects Tearfund’s position . No one should make comments on behalf of
Tearfund unless they are an authorized spokesperson or have prior approval from the Executive Team or CEO . This
includes contributions to professional journals, presenting at industry conferences and speaking to the media.
We will communicate honestly, responsibly and with transparency with all stakeholders within the bounds of
industry confidentiality.
What this means for you:
- Only make comments on behalf of Tearfund if you are authorized to do so. This includes passing on to third
parties information intended for internal use only.
- Direct any media enquiries to the Tearfund Communications Team.
- Gain approval from the Tearfund Advocate manager and have your content reviewed before contributing to
professional journals or speaking engagements.
7. Using Social Media
We recognize the importance and benefit of communicating through social media. We want to empower all advocates
to be good ambassadors for the Tearfund brand but to be mindful of what you post online as it could have
unintended consequences.
You are personally responsible and liable for anything you post online whether speaking personally or in an
official capacity for Tearfund. Follow these general guidelines when using social media, both inside and outside
of Tearfund: The best way to support Tearfund via social media is to on-share approved posts from Tearfunds
social media pages.
Think before you post: remember that whatever you share may be public for an indefinite period of time (even if
you attempt to delete it) and will be associated with you, your profile and Tearfund.
Be truthful, accurate and respectful: Don’t make statements that are false, misleading, or unsubstantiated.
Respect other people’s views, even if you disagree and always be polite and courteous.
Use good judgement and common sense: Don’t post items that could reflect negatively on Tearfund or are legally
protected (eg. confidential or private in nature). Avoid topics that could be inflammatory or inappropriate,
including personal advocate related concerns or issues.
Do no harm: Don’t post material considered to be illegal, abusive, discriminatory, defamatory or offensive.
What this means for you:
- Clearly show when posts or comments are your own views, not those of Tearfund.
- Don’t disclose information about others – including supporters, partners and their beneficiaries - misuse
personal data or post photos without their knowledge and permission. Don’t include any sponsor child’s ID
number or personal location (including geotagged media). Only use their preferred name.
- Be mindful of copyrights, trademarks and intellectual property rights of others. Never post copyrighted
material without the appropriate permissions (including published music, movies or video content).
- Honour any confidentiality and non-disclosure requirements, even on personal sites.
- Never post information about legal matters, including business transactions or investigations.
- For security reasons, never post details (including photos or videos) that may identify someone living in an
area of heightened security and safety risk.
Remember, Tearfund does not permit direct, unmonitored communication (phone calls, emails, contact via
social media and unplanned visits) with children, including sponsored child or family. All visits must be
approved by Tearfund .
8. Exchanging Gifts and Entertainment
We support reasonable and proportionate giving and receiving of gifts and entertainment as part of a normal
business relationship or cultural practice. They’re permitted as long as they’re ethical, related to Tearfund
business, infrequent, low in value, legal and customary in a business relationship. We prohibit the giving or
receiving of significant gifts or benefits. We need to ensure we are never influenced, or seen to be influenced,
by gifts or entertainment and other inducements. These actions can create conflicts of interest or raise
questions about our judgement.
What this means for you:
- Seek approval and record gifts, hospitality and entertainment if valued at NZ$100 or more.
- Avoid giving or accepting anything of inappropriate value.
- Think about the context of the gifts or hospitality – imagine how it might look to someone outside of
Tearfund.
- Never accept any cash or cash equivalent, unless it is a donation to Tearfund.
- Never ask for gifts, or any other inducements.