Uppförandekod

Common basis of value for the Children´s Best

The Children´s Best is a Non Governmental organization working together with local partner organizations and the local community in Vietnam and Mozambique to promote the human rights, wellbeing and welfare of poor and marginalized children, women and men, with a special focus on children and women. We work for the fulfilment of the right of every child, woman and man to live a life in dignity irrespective of gender, class, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, religious belief, political conviction or sexual identity.

The development cooperation and aid of The Children´s Best takes its point of departure in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the human rights conventions subsequently adopted, such as the Convention of the Rights of the Child and Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The work of The Children´s Best is based on a conviction that all development cooperation must strive for sustainability. FFBB therefore aims to integrate a climate, environmental, gender, child and conflict perspective in its operations. Furthermore, it is the Children´s Best experience and conviction that sustainable development only can be achieved when development work engages and includes the intended local beneficiaries in the planning, implementation and evaluation phase. Inclusion and local ownership are thus central in the operations and programmes of The Children´s Best.

The Children´s Best – Code of conduct

To ensure the highest level of ethical standards and conduct throughout all operations, the Children´s Best and its representatives are subject to a code of conduct outlining key responsibilities in relation to the rights of the people receiving our support, or other people encountered during our work. Accordingly, all representatives of the Children´s Best are expected to show good judgement and behave in a way that fosters respect for and inspires trust in the Children´s Best and its operations and work.

The rules apply to all representatives of the Children´s Best including board members, other elected representatives or persons with an operative responsibility, local partner organizations and their representatives, consultants and other contracted third parties, members taking part in arranged visits to the Children´s Best countries of operation and volunteers. The rules apply to every situation and activity related to the Children´s Best operations in Sweden, Vietnam and Mozambique, including during the travel between the said countries. The rules further apply during off duty and leisure time, as well as during holiday trips undertaken in connection with project site visits.

It is the responsibility of every representative of the Children´s Best to keep informed of and follow the code of conduct, and further, to prevent and report misconduct or suspected misconduct.

If you face a situation where you are uncertain of the proper cause of action or behaviour, please consult the director of the Children´s Best.

Policy against harassment

It is not allowed to harass, discriminate, threat or use violence against other representatives of the Children´s Best or any other person.

Policy against sexual exploitation and abuse:

Sexual exploitation and abuse are prohibited by Swedish law and by the Convention of the Rights of the Child and Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Children´s Best has a strict zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse. It is also one of the prioritized areas to protect the beneficiaries of our work from such exploitation and abuse.  Representatives of the Children´s Best must therefore never:

  • Sexually exploit or abuse any person
  • Use their position of power to solicit sexual services or favours
  • Exchange money, favours, services or material goods for sexual services or favours regardless of the legal status of prostitution in the country in question
  • Engage in sexual activities with children under the age of 18
  • Consume and/or distribute pornography

Policy for the protection of children

The Children´s Best specifically addresses the needs of vulnerable and marginalised children and young adults. Protecting children from harm and abuse is our first priority. Representatives of the Children´s Best must therefore always work preventively and take measures to:

  • Use social media with respect and care.
  • Secure the consent of the children and their guardians before taking photos or filming
  • Avoid taking photos or filming children and young adults in ways that may be sexually suggestive
  • Avoid publishing or passing on information electronically that can identify and put children at risk
  • Never put a child or a young adult in a situation where she/he risks being abused or exploited in any way

Policy regarding the use of alcohol and narcotic substances

The Children´s Best works in environments and contexts where alcohol and narcotic substances may be easily accessible. The Children´s Best therefore has a policy against the use/consumption of alcohol and narcotic substances:

  • Alcohol may not be offered during events organized and arranged by the Children´s Best and their representatives.
  • During off duty and leisure time alcohol may only be consumed in a limited and moderate way.
  • The Children´s Best has a strict zero-tolerance policy against driving under influence of alcohol or narcotic substances.

Anti-corruption policy            

The Children´s Best operates in countries where corruption may take place. Corruption in all its forms harms individuals and the society.

The Children´s Best and its representatives may never use nor accept bribes or gifts of a bigger value. The Children´s Best and its representative may however give and accept minor gifts in accordance with local traditions. In cases of doubt, the receiver is encouraged to consult the director of the Children´s Best.

Disqualification policy

The development work and aid of the Children´s Best intended for those in most need.  The decision-making of the Children´s Best must be based on impartiality and objectivity. In order to ensure members, donors, partner organisations and individual beneficiaries such impartiality and objectivity, the board members and/or affiliated operative staff of the Children´s Best are subject to a disqualification policy stating that:

  • Partiality or risk of partiality disqualifies a board member and/or a member of the operative staff from taking part in decision-making, including budget allocation and review.
  • Board members and/or affiliated operative staff have an individual and personal responsibility to report if partiality or risk of partiality exists.

Reporting unacceptable behaviour and disciplinary measures

It is the responsibility of every representative of the Children´s Best to keep informed of and follow the code of conduct, and further, to prevent and report misconduct or suspected misconduct.

Incidents of misconduct or suspected misconduct should be reported to the director of the Children´s Best. The Children´s Best and its director handle every matter with confidentiality and anyone reporting misconduct or suspected misconduct may if she/he wishes to be anonymous.

Violations of the Children´s Best code of conduct may lead to disciplinary actions, including dismissal. Furthermore, if the violation constitutes a criminal act, the case can be handed over to the legal authority.

På uppdrag av styrelsen FFBB

Daniel Gustafsson

Sekreterare

www.ffbb.se