====== 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]] ;;#