Policies and Safeguards
A commitment to safe, ethical, and responsible practice in every context.
We hold ourselves to standards that express what we believe, and guide how we operate across the regions where we work. They shape our conduct, our culture, and our relationships with clients, communities, and partners. We place safety, dignity, and ethical practice at the centre of everything we do because our work reaches across borders and influences the lives of many.
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Bribery and corruption undermine fairness, distort decision making and weaken the systems that communities and institutions rely on. As an organisation that works across diverse regions and contexts, we recognise the responsibility we carry to maintain the highest levels of integrity in every interaction.
We have a zero tolerance approach to any form of bribery, corruption or improper influence, and we are committed to conducting our work in ways that are transparent, honest and accountable. Our teams are expected to uphold these standards at all times, contribute to a culture where ethical behaviour is the norm, and comply with all relevant laws and obligations across the countries where we operate. These expectations help us protect the trust placed in us and support the integrity of the work we deliver.
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We recognise that modern slavery can occur in many forms and can be hidden within global supply chains, recruitment pathways and complex operational contexts. As an organisation that works across diverse regions, we understand the responsibility we carry to identify, prevent and address these risks wherever they may arise.
We are committed to upholding anti trafficking and anti slavery principles in all aspects of our work, and to ensuring that our business practices protect the rights, dignity and freedom of every person connected to our operations. This commitment extends to how we source goods and services, how we engage partners and suppliers, and how we support our teams to remain alert to indicators of exploitation and act when concerns arise.
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We recognise that protecting children from harm is a fundamental responsibility, especially in the diverse environments and communities where we work. Children can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and neglect, and it is essential that every aspect of our work prioritises their safety, dignity and wellbeing.
We are committed to creating safe spaces for children across all programs, activities and locations in our operational footprint. This means ensuring that our people understand their responsibilities, uphold the highest standards of conduct and respond appropriately to any concerns. By maintaining strong safeguards and a clear expectation of accountability, we work to ensure that children are protected, respected and supported wherever our work takes us.
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We recognise the importance of monitoring, evaluation and learning as essential practices that strengthen the quality, accountability and impact of our work. Across the regions where we operate, our projects often involve complex environments, diverse partners and varied community contexts, which makes it vital that we track progress carefully and learn continuously from our experience.
We are committed to integrating MEL into every stage of our work so that our decisions are informed by evidence, our approaches remain adaptive and our results are meaningful to the people and organisations we serve. By promoting reflection, supporting rigorous data practices and fostering a culture of learning, we ensure that our work is both responsible and continually improving.
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We are committed to creating workplaces and environments where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. Discrimination in any form undermines safety, inclusion and professional integrity, and we recognise the responsibility we have to ensure that all people connected to our work feel valued and protected.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that every person deserves equal opportunity and equitable treatment, regardless of their identity, background or circumstances. We work to maintain environments that are free from bias and discriminatory behaviour, support individuals to raise concerns without fear, and uphold clear processes that ensure issues are addressed promptly and respectfully. Through these expectations, we aim to build a culture where people can contribute fully and confidently across all areas of our work.
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Sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment cause deep and lasting harm, undermine safety and trust, and violate the dignity and rights of individuals and communities. Because our work spans diverse regions and involves engagement with partners, communities and vulnerable groups, we recognise the critical responsibility we have to prevent these behaviours and respond to them with urgency and care when they occur.
We maintain a zero tolerance approach to any form of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment, and we are committed to creating environments that are safe, respectful and free from power-based harm. This requires clear expectations, strong safeguards and a shared responsibility across all personnel to speak up and act when concerns arise. By upholding these standards and aligning with international requirements, we work to protect survivors, support safe participation and maintain the integrity of our work.
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We are committed to protecting the privacy, security, and rights of everyone who uses our website. When individuals share information with us online, they place their trust in our ability to handle that information with care. We recognise this responsibility and work to ensure that all personal data collected through our website is managed lawfully, transparently, and respectfully.
We collect only the information that is necessary to provide a reliable, user-friendly experience, and we take steps to keep that information secure through responsible data practices. This includes managing cookies appropriately, safeguarding personal details, and giving users clear choices about how their information is used. By upholding strong digital privacy standards and complying with relevant legislation, we aim to maintain a secure and trustworthy online environment for all website visitors.
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We are committed to protecting the privacy, security, and rights of individuals who interact with us across all regions where we work. Personal information must be handled with care, and we recognise our responsibility to collect, use, and store data in ways that are lawful, transparent, and aligned with both the Australian Privacy Principles and the General Data Protection Regulation. Because our operations involve digital interactions, international data transfers, and partnerships across multiple contexts, safeguarding personal information is essential to maintaining trust and upholding our legal obligations.
Our approach focuses on collecting only what is necessary, keeping information secure, and ensuring that individuals understand how their data is used. This includes respecting the rights of individuals under the GDPR, maintaining clear and accessible processes for enquiries or corrections, and implementing safeguards that protect against unauthorised access, misuse, or disclosure. By following these principles and maintaining strong data governance practices, we work to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and security of the personal information entrusted to us.
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We are committed to fostering a workplace culture built on respect, accountability, and professionalism. The way we conduct ourselves influences the quality of our work, the strength of our relationships, and the trust placed in us by colleagues, partners, and the communities we engage with. Because of this, every person representing our organisation has a responsibility to uphold behaviour that reflects our values and supports a safe, fair, and collaborative environment.
Our Code of Conduct outlines the standards expected of all employees, contractors, and representatives, and provides guidance on acting with integrity, maintaining confidentiality, prioritising safety, and managing conflicts of interest. By following these expectations, and by speaking up when concerns arise, we help create workplaces where people feel respected, supported, and confident in the professionalism of those around them.
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We are committed to ensuring that our work is carried out with integrity, fairness, and transparency. Conflicts of interest can compromise decision making, undermine trust, and expose our organisation to risk. Because of this, everyone representing our organisation has a responsibility to identify, disclose, and manage situations where personal interests, or the interests of others connected to them, could influence their professional responsibilities.
Our approach focuses on promoting openness, encouraging early disclosure, and supporting people to seek guidance when they are unsure. By maintaining clear expectations and fostering a culture of accountability, we work to ensure that decisions are made impartially and that our conduct remains aligned with the values, obligations, and standards that guide our work across all roles and contexts.
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We are committed to fostering a culture where concerns can be raised safely, openly, and without fear of retaliation. Speaking up about misconduct, unethical behaviour, or breaches of policy is essential to maintaining integrity, protecting our organisation, and supporting an environment where accountability is shared at every level. We recognise the importance of ensuring that people feel confident to come forward, and that they are treated with fairness, confidentiality, and respect when they do.
Our Whistleblower Policy provides clear guidance on how concerns can be reported, how disclosures are protected, and how investigations are managed. We aim to ensure that all eligible people have access to secure reporting channels, strong protections, and transparent processes that prioritise safety, impartiality, and timely action. Through these commitments, we uphold the standards that support ethical conduct, responsible decision making, and trust across all areas of our work.
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We are committed to supporting a workplace where performance is approached with fairness, clarity, and respect. Effective performance management helps ensure that individuals understand expectations, receive constructive feedback, and have the support they need to carry out their roles confidently and competently. We recognise that challenges can arise in any workplace, and we are committed to addressing them with processes that are transparent, equitable, and aligned with the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.
Our approach encourages early communication, open dialogue, and timely intervention when concerns emerge. Supervisors are responsible for providing clear guidance, monitoring progress, and ensuring that employees have the tools, resources, and opportunities required to meet performance standards. Through consistent processes, thoughtful engagement, and a commitment to accountability, we work to maintain a workplace where people can improve, grow, and contribute effectively to our shared work.
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We are committed to creating workplaces where people feel safe, respected, and able to contribute without fear of harassment or bullying. These behaviours cause harm, undermine dignity, and erode trust, and we recognise the responsibility we have to prevent them in every environment connected to our work.
Our approach is grounded in clear expectations, strong protections, and a commitment to addressing concerns promptly and fairly. We encourage people to speak up, support them when they do, and ensure that all complaints are handled with care, confidentiality, and respect. By fostering a culture built on dignity, inclusion, and accountability, we work to maintain environments where everyone can participate confidently and without harm.
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We are committed to providing workplaces that are safe, healthy, and supportive for everyone connected to our work. A strong approach to health and safety protects people, strengthens our culture, and enables us to operate responsibly across all environments where we work. We recognise that safety is a shared responsibility, and that every person has a role in preventing harm and promoting wellbeing.
Our commitment includes maintaining safe work environments, encouraging open communication about risks, and ensuring that all workers, contractors, and visitors understand their responsibilities. Through clear expectations, regular consultation, and continuous improvement, we work to eliminate or reduce risks, support physical and psychological safety, and uphold the standards required to protect the health, dignity, and welfare of all individuals involved in our operations.
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We are committed to providing fair, inclusive, and respectful workplaces where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Equal employment opportunity is central to maintaining a culture that values diversity, upholds dignity, and ensures that employment decisions are based on merit, capability, and professional conduct. We recognise that discrimination, harassment, bullying, and vilification undermine safety and equality, and we take seriously our responsibility to prevent these behaviours across all areas of our work.
Our approach includes treating all workers with respect, providing reasonable accommodations where required, and ensuring that concerns can be raised without fear of disadvantage or retaliation. By promoting equal opportunity, supporting transparent and fair processes, and fostering environments where people feel valued and protected, we work to maintain workplaces that reflect our organisational values and support the success of everyone involved.
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