Oxfam Non-Staff Code of Conduct

Oxfam’s Joint Code of Conduct actions I take and manage the power that comes with
my position with appropriate restraint.
It is important for us to ensure that the conduct of all
people connected to our work is in keeping with the I will also be sensitive to, and respectful of, local
organisation’s beliefs, values and aims. customs and culture, even if the norms and values in
that cultural context differ from the Code of Conduct. I
The aim of this Code of Conduct is to give you guidance will if necessary seek (and will receive) support and
regarding the key issues that you need to be aware of, advice from Oxfam.
and the standards by which you would be expected to
behave in certain circumstances. The Code applies to I will not work under the influence of alcohol or use, or
everyone associated with Oxfam GB, regardless of be in possession of, illegal substances on Oxfam
location, and in accepting your contract/agreement with premises vehicles or accommodation, nor where
Oxfam GB, you undertake to discharge your duties and relevant, those of my organisation.
to regulate your conduct in line with the requirements of
this Code. The Code is designed for your guidance and 2. Treat all people with respect and dignity and
protection, although a breach may result in the challenge any form of harassment, discrimination,
termination of our contract/agreement with you/your intimidation, exploitation or abuse
organisation and, in some cases, may lead to criminal
prosecution. Working with Oxfam, I hold a privileged position of
power and trust in relation to the partners and the
Whilst recognising that local laws and cultures differ communities that Oxfam serves. When carrying out
considerably from one country to another, Oxfam is an activities/services for Oxfam I understand that it is
International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO), important not to abuse my own position of
and therefore the Code of Conduct is based on power/unequal power relationships in any way.
International and UN standards. The Code reflects
Oxfam's fundamental mission and values and seeks to Recognising my role in Oxfam’s mission to challenge
ensure that those representing the work of Oxfam avoid injustice and poverty, I will respect all peoples’ rights,
using possible unequal power relationships for their own including children’s rights, and I will contribute to a
benefit. working environment characterised by mutual respect,
integrity, dignity and non-discrimination.
Oxfam International
I will ensure that my relationships and behaviour in (or
Oxfam is a group of organisations working together related to) the execution of the activities/services under
internationally to find lasting solutions to poverty and the contract/agreement/period of volunteering with
injustice. Oxfam are not exploitative, abusive or corrupt in any
way.
Aim:
That all human beings have the basic right to: I will respect all peoples’ rights, including children’s
rights, and will not engage in any form of sexual abuse
• earn a decent living to support themselves or exploitation of any persons of any age.
and their families
In line with international standards, I will not have sexual
• enjoy basic education and health care relations with children (defined as under 18 years old)
or with beneficiaries in exchange for assistance or any
• get help in life-threatening disasters other reason recognising in both cases the inherent
• speak out for their rights unequal power dynamics and that such behaviours can
undermine the integrity and credibility of the work of
• be treated as equal. Oxfam and/or my organisation (if relevant).

Code of Conduct: Standards and Values I will not exchange money, offers of employment,
employment, goods or services for sex or sexual
I will: favours, nor any forms of humiliating, degrading or
1. Uphold the integrity and reputation of Oxfam by exploitative behaviour during the
ensuring that my professional and personal contract/agreement/period of volunteering with Oxfam,
conduct is demonstrably consistent with Oxfam’s understanding that these standards exist to challenge
values and standards. sexually exploitative and abusive behaviour.

I will seek to maintain and enhance public confidence in I will use my best endeavours to report any such
Oxfam and, where appropriate, my organisation by behaviours or malpractice in the workplace by others
being accountable for the professional and personal through recognised confidential reporting systems. (Note
1).
Note 1: [email protected]; www.oxfam.ethicspoint.com –
Reviewed November 2019. Next review November 2020
Oxfam Non-Staff Code of Conduct

3. Perform my duties and conduct my private life in 5. Protect the health, safety, security and welfare of
a manner that avoids possible conflicts of interest all Oxfam employees, volunteers and contractors.
with the work of Oxfam.
I will undertake and act on appropriate risk
I will declare any financial, personal, family (or close assessments.
intimate relationship) interest in matters of official
business which may impact on the work of Oxfam I will comply with local security management guidelines
and/or my organisation (e.g. contract for and be pro-active in informing management of any
goods/services, employment or promotion within necessary changes to such guidelines.
Oxfam, partner organisations, beneficiary groups).
I will behave in such a way as to avoid any unnecessary
I will advise Oxfam of any intention to seek a nomination risk to the safety, health and welfare of myself and
as a prospective candidate or another official role for others, including partner organisations and
any political party or public office to clarify whether any beneficiaries.
conflict, or perceived conflicts, with my duties with
Oxfam and/or my organisation (if relevant) may arise. 6. Promote human rights, protect the environment
and oppose criminal or unethical activities.
Even when the giving and acceptance of gifts is normal I will ensure that my conduct is consistent with the
cultural practice I will reject monetary gifts or human rights framework to which Oxfam subscribes.
inappropriate gifts from governments, beneficiaries,
donors, suppliers and other persons, which have been I will use my best endeavours to protect the natural
offered to me as a result of my association with Oxfam environment and work in a sustainable way.
and/or the role I have in my organisation. Where the
giving and acceptance of gifts is normal cultural I will contribute to preventing all forms of criminal or
practice, I will ensure that such gifts are within the limits unethical activities.
of reasonable judgements and in accordance with
procurement policies and I will report gifts to Oxfam and I will inform Oxfam of any relevant criminal convictions
where appropriate hand them onto Oxfam. or charges I have had prior to my association in which
Oxfam may have a legitimate interest.
I will assure that assistance by Oxfam and/or my
organisation, where appropriate, is not provided in I will also notify Oxfam if I face any criminal charges
return of any service or favour from others. during my association with Oxfam that may impede my
ability to perform the duties of my position subject to
I will act against any form of corruption and not offer, national legislation. (NB: Partner organisations this
promise, give or accept any bribes. will include any other Board member also)
4. Be responsible for the use of information, I have read carefully and understand the Oxfam Non-
equipment, money and resources to which I have Staff Code of Conduct and hereby agree to abide by its
access by reason of my association with Oxfam. requirements and commit to upholding the standards of
conduct required to support Oxfam’s quality of
I will use my discretion when handling sensitive or performance and reputation.
confidential information during the execution of my
contract/agreement/period of volunteering with Oxfam. NB: Partner organisations: I also agree to ensure
that every person in my organisation as well as any
I will seek authorisation before communicating partners, volunteers or contractors involved in any way
externally in Oxfam’s name and will avoid any in Oxfam activities under our contract/agreement read,
unintended detrimental repercussions for me or for understand and abide by these requirements and
Oxfam and/or my organisation (if relevant). commit to upholding the standards presented in this
I will appropriately account for all Oxfam money and code of Conduct.
property, (e.g. vehicles, office equipment, Oxfam- Name………………………………………............
provided accommodation, computers including the use
of internet, email and intranet). Signature…………………………………………...

Date………………………………………

Note 1: [email protected]; www.oxfam.ethicspoint.com –