Code of Ethics

Purpose

As volunteers, employees, board members and representatives of United Way Australia, we have a responsibility to uphold high ethical standards – both for ourselves and for the benefit of our communities.

We believe these standards go beyond compliance with laws and regulations – calling us to fulfil higher obligations as stewards of public trust.

Conducting our activities with honesty, integrity and in the best interests of United Way Australia (UWA) is essential to preserving the work that United Way Australia does, its reputation and its brand.

Code of Ethics

1. Personal and professional integrity
   • We strive to meet the highest standards of performance, quality and service
   • We communicate honestly and openly and avoid misrepresentation
   • We promote a working environment where honesty, open communication and all opinions are valued
   • We show respect and fairness to everyone
2. Accountability
   • We observe and comply with all applicable laws and regulations
   • We comply with the UWA Policies
   • We do not use United Way resources for non-UWA purposes
   • We manage United Way resources in a prudent manner
3. Giving and donating
   • We do not use coercion in fundraising activities
   • We deal with donors and volunteers in an honest and constructive way
4. Inclusion
   • We value and champion inclusion
   • We support affirmative action and equal employment opportunity in the workplace
   • We will not engage in any form of discrimination or harassment
5. Conflicts of interest
   • We avoid any activity or outside interest that conflicts or appears to conflict with the interests of UWA
   • We decline any gifts, gratuities or favours offered in the performance of UWA duties
   • We do not influence the selection of staff, consultants or vendors who are relatives, personal friends or affiliated with us in any way
   • We do not make payments that may improperly influence government officials, business partners or individuals.
6. Volunteers
   • Volunteers must not do anything that will influence the conduct of UWA to confer financial benefits on themselves or their immediate family or businesses
   • Volunteers must disclose all known conflicts or potential conflicts and exclude themselves from voting on any such matter.
   • Board members will annually file a disclosure of all known potential conflicts of interest.
7. Confidentiality and privacy
   • We ensure that all information that is confidential, personal or privileged is managed appropriately.
   • We do not use information acquired in the course of work for personal gain.
   • We respect the privacy rights of all individuals in the performance of their work for UWA.
8. Political contributions
   • UWA does not make contributions to any candidate for public office.
   • We refrain from engaging in political activities that may appear to be on behalf of UWA.
9. Guidance and disclosures
   • We will comply with the UWA Whistleblower Policy in reporting possible breaches of these ethical standards.