Code of Conduct
Sarthaq Future Federation (Sarthaq.org) is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and ethical environment for everyone associated with the organization. This Code of Conduct is based on the principles outlined in the Universal Code of Conduct (uCC) and applies to all stakeholders, including employees, volunteers, partners, and donors. It ensures that our collective efforts align with our mission to empower communities and foster sustainable social development.
1. Commitment to Respect and Human Dignity
All individuals must treat one another with dignity and respect. This includes:
- Maintaining a welcoming, harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, caste, race, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, or socio-economic background.
- Listening actively, engaging respectfully in disagreements, and avoiding personal attacks or demeaning language.
- Upholding zero tolerance for discrimination, hate speech, intimidation, or any form of abuse or exploitation.
2. Ethical Behavior and Integrity
All actions must reflect honesty, fairness, and accountability. Members must:
- Act transparently in all operations and financial dealings.
- Ensure that no deceptive, fraudulent, or corrupt practices are engaged in.
- Take ownership of mistakes and make timely corrections where necessary.
3. Inclusive Participation and Collaboration
Sarthaq encourages inclusive decision-making and collective growth. All stakeholders must:
- Foster inclusive dialogue and share knowledge openly.
- Avoid gatekeeping and exclusionary practices.
- Support equitable participation of individuals from marginalized and underrepresented communities.
4. Responsible Communication
All communication—written, verbal, or digital—must be responsible and respectful. Members must:
- Avoid misinformation, rumors, or any content that may harm reputations or public trust.
- Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information and respect the privacy of individuals.
- Speak up constructively about concerns without fear of retaliation.
5. Conflict of Interest
Transparency in decision-making and relationships is essential. All must:
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest proactively.
- Refrain from participating in decisions where impartiality could be compromised.
- Report perceived or actual conflicts promptly to leadership.
6. Child and Vulnerable Persons Protection
Sarthaq Future Federation places a high priority on safeguarding vulnerable groups. All members must:
- Comply with child protection and safeguarding policies and report any concerns immediately.
- Avoid any actions that may exploit, endanger, or harm children or vulnerable individuals.
7. Environmental and Social Responsibility
We are committed to sustainable development. Members must:
- Engage in environmentally sustainable practices.
- Promote and participate in programs that address climate change and social equity.
8. Compliance with Laws and Standards
All activities must conform to applicable laws and internal policies. Members are expected to:
- Adhere to relevant laws including the Companies Act, 2013, Income Tax Act (80G & 12A), and FCRA if applicable.
- Follow ethical fundraising practices, maintaining transparency and donor intent.
- Comply with labor laws, anti-corruption frameworks, and international human rights norms.
9. Data Privacy and Digital Security
All personal and organizational data must be protected. Members must:
- Handle data in accordance with applicable data protection laws (e.g., India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023).
- Ensure informed consent before collecting, sharing, or using personal data.
- Report data breaches or unauthorized access promptly.
10. Reporting Misconduct
Sarthaq encourages a speak-up culture. Members should:
- Report violations of this Code of Conduct to the designated Ethics or Compliance Committee.
- Submit reports in good faith without fear of retaliation.
- Cooperate fully in investigations and respect confidentiality throughout the process.
11. Continuous Learning and Improvement
To stay aligned with our mission and values, Sarthaq is committed to:
- Regularly reviewing and updating this Code of Conduct based on community feedback and global standards like the uCC.
- Providing awareness and training programs for all members.
- Encouraging participation in organizational audits, feedback sessions, and evaluations.
By being part of Sarthaq Future Federation, you agree to embody the principles outlined above. Let us build a culture of respect, integrity, and mutual empowerment, ensuring that our work brings meaningful and inclusive change to society.