Code of Conduct

Introduction

It is the policy of the GO FAIR Foundation (referred to as GFF) to conduct all of its activities in accordance with the highest principles of ethics, integrity, professionalism, and behaviour when dealing with our clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. This includes but is not necessarily limited to, full compliance with all legal obligations imposed by statute or any other source of law.

Although our organisation requires Associates, including employees, freelancers and secondees, regardless of employment agreement or rank (for simplicity referred to as Associates) to serve numerous functions, we believe we should follow certain business practices and principles of behaviour throughout our operations. This Code of Conduct is intended to serve as a guide to help us maintain the highest ethical and professional standards in each of the GFF’s relationships.

Our Code of Conduct is not exhaustive, it addresses certain behaviours that are particularly important, but these are only part of our overall commitment to the proper treatment of, and dealings with, our coworkers, clients, contractors, vendors, competitors, federal, state, local and foreign governments, and members of the community. Since the Code of Conduct depends on the honesty, fairness and integrity brought to the job by every person in the organisation, each of us has a critical role to play.

The GO FAIR Foundation

The GFF acts on a non-for-profit basis under Dutch law and actively promotes (gender)equality, diversity, and inclusion as a policy in hiring and in working with contractors. This policy ensures fair treatment and opportunity for all. The policy aims to eradicate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of an individual or group of individual's protected characteristics.

The GFF’s gender-equality means fairness: we must ensure that individuals, or groups of individuals, are not treated less favourably because of their protected characteristics. Equality also means equality of opportunity: we must also ensure that those who may be disadvantaged can get the tools they need to access the same, fair opportunities as their peers.

The GFF’s diversity policy is recognising, respecting and celebrating each other's differences. A diverse environment is one with a wide range of backgrounds and mindsets, which allows for an empowered culture of creativity and innovation.

The GFF’s inclusion policy means creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. An inclusive environment can only be created once we are more aware of our unconscious biases, and have learned how to manage them.

The GFF’s core operating principles are set forth in the GFF Criteria listed in its web pages https://www.gofair.foundation/criteria. As this approach to FAIR serves as the foundation of GFF’s many activities, all Associates are expected to adhere to these criteria when operating under GFF auspices.

At the GFF we require that all our Associates conduct themselves according to the highest standards of ethics, Our Code of Conduct outlines our expectations regarding Associates’ behaviour towards their colleagues, supervisors and overall organisation.

We promote freedom of expression and open communication. But we expect all Associates of the GFF and its subsidiaries, regardless of employment agreement, freelance contracts or rank, to follow our Code of Conduct. They should avoid offending, participating in serious disputes and disrupting our workplace. We also expect them to foster a well-organised, respectful and collaborative environment and behave in a way that upholds the GFF’s core values and good reputation.

Purpose

Policy elements

All Associates are bound to follow this Code of Conduct while performing their duties. The components of the Code of Conduct are outlined below:

Compliance with law

All Associates must protect our organisation’s legality. They should comply with all environmental, safety and fair dealing laws. We expect Associates to be ethical and responsible when dealing with the GFF’s finances, services, products, partnerships and public image.

Respect in the workplace

All Associates should respect their colleagues, avoiding any kind of discriminatory behaviour, harassment or victimisation.
All Associates should conform with our equal opportunity policy in all aspects of their work, from recruitment and performance evaluation to interpersonal relations.
All Associates are encouraged to foster an inclusive culture that promotes transparent communication.

Protection of Foundation Property

All Associates should treat the GFF’s property, whether material or intangible, with respect and care.
All Associates should respect all the GFF’s Intellectual Property. This includes trademarks, copyright and other property (information, reports etc.). Associates should use them only to complete their job duties.
All Associates should use the GFF’s facilities, equipment and other material property with care.
All Associates should exercise the utmost care when dealing with confidential information. E-mails, voicemails and other communications are presumed confidential and should not be forwarded or otherwise disseminated to individuals outside of the GFF’s, except where required for GFF’s related business reasons.

Professionalism

All Associates must show integrity and professionalism in the workplace and should fulfil their job duties with integrity and respect toward clients, stakeholders and the community.
All Associates are expected to take into account other Associates competences and workload when delegating duties to their team members.
All Associates are discouraged from accepting gifts from clients or partners to prohibit bribery for the benefit of any external or internal party.
All Associates should respect the Intellectual Property and confidential information from all GFF’s stakeholders. Ownership remains with the provider of the information. This includes trademarks, copyright, and other property (information, reports etc.).
All Associates should refrain from making any statements to the media unless you are a designated spokesperson or are otherwise authorised to speak on behalf of the GFF.
All Associates should not make any statements on social media or any other public platform that may harm the GFF’s reputation.

Conflict of interest

We expect Associates to proactively declare to the GFF any personal, financial or other interests that might hinder their capability or willingness to perform their job duties. Potential conflicts of interest should be discussed with your manager.

This code sets forth the criteria for accepted personal conduct within the GFF. Every Associate is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to this Code of Conduct. Any inquiries should be directed to the GFF’s managing director or one of its board members. Failure to meet the Code of Conduct will result in consultation with GFF management, with the aim to remedy and rectify the lapse of conduct. The GFF reserves the right to terminate professional engagement with the Associate who does not comply with the GFF Code of Conduct.

Last updated: 26 October 2023