Oxfam Employee Code of Conduct

Oxfam’s Joint Code of Conduct Code of Conduct: Standards and Values

As one ‘Oxfam’* we are a strategic network of As an Oxfam employee I will:
organizations working together internationally to find 1. Uphold the integrity and reputation of Oxfam by
lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. We share a ensuring that my professional and personal conduct
common vision, common philosophies and, to a large is demonstrably consistent with Oxfam’s values and
extent, common working practices. We all have the same standards.
brand values, the same passion and commitment. We
have joined forces as an international confederation I will seek to maintain and enhance public confidence in
because we believe we will achieve greater impact by Oxfam by being accountable for the professional and
working together in collaboration with others. personal actions I take and ensuring that I manage the
Together we are working towards a world in which people power that comes with my Oxfam position with
can live with dignity, have their basic needs met and their appropriate restraint.
basic rights respected, and have the ability to control their
Whilst observing the requirements of the Code of
own lives.
Conduct, I will also be sensitive to, and respectful of, local
As we work to achieve our ambition and vision of ‘a just customs and culture, even if the norms and values in that
world without poverty’ we should always remain true to cultural context differ from the Code of Conduct. I will if
our core mission, aims and values. This Code of Conduct necessary seek (and will receive) support and advice from
will help you live by them by providing guidance in the Oxfam.
face of ethical dilemmas you may experience. It shows
I will not work under the influence of alcohol or use, or be
you what to do when a situation is complex by providing
in possession of, illegal substances on Oxfam premises,
standards and values for you to follow and how to protect
vehicles or accommodation.
against situations that may damage you or Oxfam. It also
seeks to ensure that employees avoid using possible
unequal power relationships for their own benefit.
2. Treat all people with respect and dignity and
challenge any form of harassment, discrimination,
The rules and guidelines contained in this Code of
intimidation, exploitation or abuse
Conduct, together with your employing affiliate’s policies
and procedures and the terms and conditions of your Oxfam staff hold a privileged position of power and trust in
employment (as outlined in your employment contract or relation to our partners and the communities that we come
your collective agreement if applicable), provides a from and serve. When carrying out Oxfam’s mission I
framework within which all Oxfam employees, regardless understand that it is important not to abuse my own
of location, undertake to discharge their duties and to position of power/unequal power relationships in any way.
regulate their conduct. They also support Oxfam in our
role in implementing, monitoring and enforcing these Recognising my role in Oxfam’s mission to challenge
standards. injustice and poverty, I will respect all peoples’ rights,
including children’s rights, and I will contribute to a
The Code does not exempt anyone and in accordance working environment characterised by mutual respect,
with relevant employing affiliate’s policies and procedures, integrity, dignity and non-discrimination.
any breach may result in disciplinary action (including
dismissal in some instances), and in some cases could I will ensure that my relationships and behaviour are not
lead to criminal prosecution. exploitative, abusive or corrupt in any way, and I will not
engage in any form of sexual abuse or exploitation of any
In accepting your appointment you undertake to discharge persons of any age.
your duties and to regulate your conduct in accordance
with the requirements of this Code, thereby contributing to In line with international standards I will not have sexual
Oxfam’s quality of performance and reputation. The code relations with children (defined as under 18 years old) or
describes what Oxfam expects from its employees and with beneficiaries (in exchange for assistance or any other
what the employees can expect from Oxfam. reason) recognising the inherent unequal power dynamics
involved, and that such behaviours can undermine the
Whilst recognising that local laws and cultures differ
integrity and credibility of Oxfam's work;
considerably from one country to another, Oxfam is an
International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) and
I will also not exchange money, offers of employment,
therefore the Code of
employment, goods or services for sex or sexual favours,
Conduct is developed from International and UN nor any other forms of humiliating, degrading or
standards. exploitative behaviour, understanding that these
standards exist to challenge sexually exploitative and
This Code is subject to relevant international human rights
abusive behaviour.
law, wherever the employee is employed and shall be
read in a manner that is compliant with that law
‘Oxfam’* means any Oxfam Affiliate and/or Oxfam I will use my best endeavours to report any such
International throughout the world. behaviours or malpractice in the workplace by others to

Oxfam Employee Code of Conduct October 2017 1

(Reviewed December 2018. Next review December 2019)
 Oxfam Employee Code of Conduct

my line management or through recognised confidential 6. Promote human rights, protect the environment and
reporting systems. oppose criminal or unethical activities.
I will ensure that my conduct is consistent with the human
rights framework to which Oxfam subscribes.
3. Perform my duties and conduct my private life in a
manner that avoids possible conflicts of interest with I will use my best endeavours to protect the natural
the work of Oxfam. environment and work in a sustainable way.
I will declare any financial, personal, family (or close I will contribute to preventing all forms of criminal or
intimate relationship) interest in matters of official unethical activities.
business which may impact on the work of Oxfam (e.g.
contract for goods/services, employment or promotion I will inform Oxfam of any relevant criminal convictions or
within Oxfam, partner organizations, beneficiary groups). charges I have had prior to my employment in which
Oxfam may have a legitimate interest.
I will advise Oxfam of any intention to seek a nomination
as a prospective candidate or another official role for any I will also notify Oxfam if I face any criminal charges
political party or public office to clarify whether any during my employment that may impede my ability to
conflict, or perceived conflicts, with my duties with Oxfam perform the duties of my position subject to national
may arise. legislation.

Even when the giving and acceptance of gifts is normal

cultural practice I will reject monetary gifts or inappropriate I will adhere to following policies and procedures (see list
gifts from governments, beneficiaries, donors, suppliers below) that support the above Standards:
and other persons, which have been offered to me as a
result of my employment with Oxfam. Where the giving Safeguarding Children Policy
and acceptance of gifts is normal cultural practice, I will Safeguarding Adults Policy
ensure that such gifts are within the limits of reasonable Dealing with Problems at Work Policy
judgements and in accordance with procurement policies Gender Equality Policy
and I will report gifts to the line management and where Security Policy and Local Security Guidelines
appropriate hand them onto Oxfam. Acceptable Use Policy (incorporating Email Policy &
I will assure that assistance by Oxfam is not provided in Internet Policy)
return of any service or favour from others. Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
Information Security Policy
I will act against any form of corruption and not offer,
Expenses Policy
promise, give or accept any bribes.
Health and Safety Policy
Risk Assessment Policy
4. Be responsible for the use of information, Travel Policy
equipment, money and resources to which I have Disclosure of Malpractice in the Workplace Policy
access by reason of my employment with Oxfam. Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy
I will use my discretion when handling sensitive or Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy
confidential information. Conflict of Interest Policy

I will seek authorization before communicating externally In accepting my appointment I undertake to discharge my
in Oxfam’s name and will avoid any unintended duties and to regulate my conduct in accordance with the
detrimental repercussions for me or Oxfam. requirements of this Code thereby contributing to Oxfam’s
I will appropriately account for all Oxfam money and quality of performance and reputation.
property, (e.g. vehicles, office equipment, Oxfam-provided
accommodation, computers including the use of internet,
email and intranet). Name………………………………………............

5. Protect the health, safety, security and welfare of all Signature…………………………………………...

Oxfam employees, volunteers and contractors.
I will undertake and act on appropriate risk assessments. Date…………………………………………………
I will comply with local security management guidelines
and be pro-active in informing management of any
necessary changes to such guidelines.
I will behave in such a way as to avoid any unnecessary
risk to the safety, health and welfare of myself and others,
including partner organizations and beneficiaries.

Oxfam Employee Code of Conduct October 2017 2

(Reviewed December 2018. Next review December 2019)