GSF Policies and Procedures

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
====== 18. GSF Code of Ethics ======

GSF Board Members and Volunteers adhere to a set of ethical standards in their behaviour and
engagement with each other and the Board of the GSF.

  - Core Principles Guiding Our Actions
     * Respect for Diversity: We honor cultural differences and ethical norms across our member associations, ensuring inclusivity in all interactions.
     * Integrity: We act with honesty and openness in all dealings with GSF and its members, reflecting the Federation’s values of trust and fairness.
  - Professional Conduct Expectations
     * Conflict of Interest: Board Members and Volunteers must disclose any personal interests that might conflict with their GSF duties and avoid such situations.
     * Confidentiality: We protect sensitive information about member associations, individuals, and GSF operations to maintain trust.
  - Responsibilities to the Federation
    * Compliance with Laws and Bylaws: We follow all local, national, and international laws relevant to GSF’s work, as well as the bylaws and policies of our home associations.
    * Transparency in Leadership: We communicate openly about decisions impacting GSF and its members, ensuring clarity and accountability.
    * Inclusivity in Decision-Making: We create an inclusive environment, valuing diverse perspectives in all governance decisions.

===== 18.1 Responses to Ethics Violations =====

==== 18.1.1 Training and Education ====

**Purpose:** To provide insight into the issues concerned for Board Members and Volunteers.

=== Initial Action: ===
  * Provide adequate onboarding training for existing and new Board Members and Volunteers.
  * Provide tailored ethics training or workshops specific to any specific breach of the GSF Code of Ethics.
  * Emphasise the standards and principles of GSF’s Code of Ethics and to bring it to the attention of Board Members and Volunteers at each Board meeting and AGM.

=== Implementation: ===
  * Promote and share GSF’s Code of Ethics to Board Members and Volunteers when this is adopted and add it to the onboarding programme.
  * Emphasise the standards and principles of GSF’s Code of Ethics and to bring it to the attention of Board Members and Volunteers at each Board meeting and AGM.
  * Discuss it in the Leader 2 Leader calls, post the Code of Ethics to the website and social media channels.

=== Goal: ===
  * Equip Board Members and Volunteers with the knowledge to avoid potential breaches and strengthen overall ethical awareness.

==== 18.1.2 Leadership Intervention ====

**Purpose:** To mediate and resolve any ethical issue while reinforcing GSF’s ethical culture.

=== Initial Action: ===
  * Attempt to defuse the situation with transparent dialogue with the Board Members, Volunteers or leadership of the members association to understand the root cause and address the concern.
  * If necessary, assign a member of the PLT or create an ethics committee to assess the situation.

=== Steps to Consider: ===
  * Issue a formal warning to the Board Members or Volunteers or to the members association itself, where appropriate, if the breach is minor and unintentional.
  * Develop a corrective action plan that might include apologies, restitution, or public acknowledgment if appropriate.

=== Goal: ===
  * Demonstrate accountability and align actions with GSF ethical principles without immediately resorting to punitive measures.

==== 18.1.3 Suspension or Other Disciplinary Actions ====

**Purpose:** To address severe, intentional, or repeated violations where other measures fail.

=== Application: ===
  * Where necessary when other measures have failed, the Board of GSF may consider suspension of a Board Member, Volunteers or a member association.
  * The process will include:
     - A preliminary investigation by an ethics review committee nominated by the President of GSF
     - Notification of findings to all relevant parties.
     - Temporary suspension from specific roles, voting rights, or federation activities while undergoing further investigation for the Board Member, Volunteer or a member association.

=== Possible Extensions: ===
  * For individuals: Sanctions, such as removal from board position or volunteer role.
  * For associations: Sanctions, such as removal from federation membership.

=== Goal: ===
  * Protect the integrity of the GSF and provide a deterrent against ethical breaches.


===== 18.2 Why a Code of Ethics =====

==== 18.2.1 Establishes Standards of Conduct ====

A Code of Ethics provides clear guidelines for acceptable behavior and professional standards. It helps members understand what is expected of them in terms of integrity, respect, and professionalism.

==== 18.2.2 Builds Trust and Credibility ====

Having a formal Code of Ethics enhances the Federation's reputation. It assures stakeholders, clients, and members that the organization prioritizes ethical behavior and accountability.

==== 18.2.3 Protects Members and the Federation ====

A Code of Ethics can act as a safeguard against misconduct. It provides a framework for addressing disputes or grievances, ensuring fairness and consistency in resolving ethical concerns.

==== 18.2.4 Promotes Unity and Shared Values ====

In a global organization a Code of Ethics can unify members from diverse backgrounds by establishing a shared set of principles that transcend cultural differences.

==== 18.2.5 Guides Decision-Making ====

When faced with challenging situations, members can refer to the Code of Ethics to make informed and morally sound decisions.



===== 18.3 Ethics Guidelines =====

The proposed Ethics guidelines are stated under the categories of:

  * Core Ethical Principles 
  * Professional Conduct
  * Member Responsibilities
  * Governance and Leadership

===== 18.4 Responses to Ethical Violations =====

There are 3 levels of response:
  * Education
  * Intervention
  * Suspension

There are two subjects of responses, one for associations violating the guidelines and the other for an
individual violating the guidelines.


===== 18.5 Benefits to GSF association members =====

Increased assurance of the integrity of the actions of GSF as well as the Board Members and Volunteers, to enhance the reputation and value of their membership of GSF.

;;#
[[start|Home]] | [[mission and vision|Prev: Mission and Vision Statements]] | [[sexual harassment|Next: GSF Sexual Harassment Policy]]
;;#