Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy

Supansha® Development Foundation (SDF)

Effective Date: 01 September 2023 | Updated on: 01 September 2025

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy establishes the standards of behavior, professionalism, and ethical responsibility expected of all individuals associated with Supansha® Development Foundation (SDF), including staff, volunteers, interns, directors, consultants, and, where applicable, stakeholders.

2. Applicability

  • All employees (permanent, contractual, project-based)
  • Volunteers and interns
  • Board of Directors and Independent Directors
  • Consultants, advisors, and external collaborators
  • Stakeholders as may be relevant for specific projects or engagements

3. Core Principles: CREATE Values

  • (C) Choices for All: Ensure fairness and inclusivity in decision-making and interactions.
  • (R) Respect with Inclusion: Treat all individuals with dignity, promoting equality and diversity.
  • (E) Empathy in Action: Consider the needs and perspectives of beneficiaries, colleagues, and stakeholders in all actions.
  • (A) Accountability: Be responsible for one’s actions, ensuring transparency in reporting and adherence to rules.
  • (T) Transformation: Strive to create positive and sustainable impact in all organizational engagements.
  • (E) Efficacy: Commit to delivering measurable, evidence-based results with efficiency and professionalism.

4. Code of Conduct (Behavioral Expectations)

  • Professionalism: Maintain punctuality, responsibility, and quality in all work.
  • Integrity: Avoid conflicts of interest, misrepresentation, or dishonesty in any organizational engagement.
  • Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information about SDF, beneficiaries, and stakeholders.
  • Respectful Interaction: No harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior.
  • Use of Resources: Use organizational resources responsibly; no misuse of funds, materials, or intellectual property.

5. Ethics Guidelines (Decision-Making Principles)

  • Transparency: Actions and decisions must be clear, documented, and accountable.
  • Fairness & Equity: Treat all beneficiaries, colleagues, and stakeholders fairly.
  • Social Responsibility: Ensure decisions benefit the community and environment.
  • Compliance: Follow laws, statutory obligations (PoSH, POCSO, labor laws), and SDF policies.
  • Conflict Resolution: Address disagreements constructively; avoid favoritism or bias.

6. Dos and Don’ts

  • Do: Report any misconduct immediately, suggest improvements, maintain ethical fundraising, respect team and community members.
  • Don’t: Accept gifts that could influence decisions, falsify reports, misuse organizational resources, engage in harassment, or violate confidentiality.

7. Responsibilities

  • Staff, volunteers, and interns must follow this Code in day-to-day work and reporting.
  • Directors and consultants must ensure ethical oversight and compliance in their respective areas.
  • All participants are responsible for raising concerns, reporting violations, and cooperating in investigations.

8. Reporting and Grievance Mechanism

  • Any concerns about unethical behavior, harassment, or compliance breaches must be reported promptly.
  • Complaints can be submitted confidentially via Complaint Form.
  • SDF ensures no retaliation against individuals reporting in good faith.

9. Training & Awareness

  • Mandatory induction on Code of Conduct for new staff, volunteers, and interns.
  • Periodic refresher sessions, workshops, and communications for all stakeholders.

10. Review & Compliance

  • This policy is reviewed annually by HR & Admin and approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action, including termination or disassociation.

11. Conclusion & Contact

The Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy reinforces SDF’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards. Every member of the SDF community is expected to uphold these values in all engagements.

Supansha® Development Foundation (SDF)
Registered Office: 13/50, Sethinagar, Gupteshwar Road, Jabalpur – 482008, Madhya Pradesh, India
Email: supansha@supansha.org
Website: www.supansha.org