Code of Ethics and Safeguarding Policy
1. Introduction
Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and safeguarding the well-being of all individuals involved in its activities. This Code of Ethics and Safeguarding Policy outlines the principles and guidelines that govern our organization and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
2. Core Values
a. Respect: We treat all individuals with dignity, fairness, and respect, irrespective of their background, ethnicity, gender, religion, or social status.
b. Integrity: We uphold honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our actions and decision-making processes.
c. Empowerment: We empower individuals and communities to take ownership of their housing needs and actively participate in our programs.
d. Collaboration: We foster collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships to achieve sustainable and inclusive solutions.
e. Compassion: We demonstrate compassion, empathy, and sensitivity towards the needs and challenges faced by the individuals and communities we serve.
3. Ethical Conduct
a. Compliance with Laws and Regulations: We adhere to all applicable laws and regulations governing our operations and ensure full compliance in all aspects of our work.
b. Conflicts of Interest: We avoid conflicts of interest and refrain from engaging in any activities that compromise the organization’s integrity, impartiality, or reputation.
c. Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.
d. Privacy and Confidentiality: We respect the privacy and confidentiality of personal information collected, ensuring it is securely stored and used only for legitimate purposes.
e. Financial Responsibility: We manage our financial resources responsibly, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and accountability in all financial transactions and reporting.
f. Ethical Fundraising: We engage in ethical fundraising practices, maintaining the highest standards of transparency, honesty, and donor stewardship.
4. Safeguarding Policy
a. Protection of Vulnerable Individuals: We are committed to protecting vulnerable individuals, including children, from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm.
b. Safeguarding Training and Awareness: We provide regular training and awareness programs to all staff, volunteers, and partners to ensure they understand and adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.
c. Reporting and Response Mechanisms: We have established clear reporting and response mechanisms to promptly address any safeguarding concerns, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals.
d. Risk Assessments and Mitigation: We conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential safeguarding risks and implement appropriate measures to mitigate them.
e. Partnership and Contractor Standards: We expect our partners, contractors, and suppliers to adhere to the same safeguarding standards and implement appropriate measures within their operations.
f. Confidentiality and Whistleblower Protection: We protect the confidentiality of individuals involved in safeguarding concerns and provide mechanisms to report concerns safely and confidentially, without fear of reprisal.
5. Implementation and Compliance
a. Communication and Training: We communicate the Code of Ethics and Safeguarding Policy to all stakeholders and provide adequate training to ensure understanding and compliance.
b. Monitoring and Evaluation: We regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement.
c. Reporting Violations: Any violations of the Code of Ethics and Safeguarding Policy can be reported through designated channels, ensuring confidentiality and appropriate action.
Adherence to this Code of Ethics and Safeguarding Policy is a shared responsibility of all individuals associated with Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria. By upholding these principles, we strengthen our commitment to our mission and create a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Habitat for Humanity is committed to an organizational culture built on humility, courage and accountability. Habitat Bulgaria is committed to safeguarding all its people from harm. This includes Habitat Bulgaria’s staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We recognise that all our people, regardless of race, age, ability, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, have the right to protection from all types of harm or abuse. We work closely with partner organisations to ensure that we follow safeguarding best practice.
Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have particular responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse; safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children); and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s conduct. Details can be found in our safeguarding policy.
Employees and members of the communities where we work are encouraged to report incidents of exploitation, abuse or harassment, including through our confidential reporting system, the Habitat Ethics and Accountability Line. Any staff member who files a report or is a witness providing information related to such a report is protected against retaliation.