Social and Ethical Positioning

Understanding Your Group's Stance

Why it's important:

Knowing your group's stance on topics helps support service users better and gives an advantage over competitors.

Social Problems:

Trends in society can harm services but also inspire positive change.
Example: Funding issues lead to fewer staff and volunteers, making it harder to offer services. Funders now demand more evidence of need and impact.

Principles:

Beneficiaries First: Focus on the public benefit and the interests of service users.
Integrity: Maintain high ethical standards and manage resources responsibly.
Openness: Be transparent with donors, supporters, and the public.
Right to be Safe: Ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved.

Applying the Principles:

These principles guide ethical decision-making and conduct. They help groups develop policies and procedures. Groups should champion ethical behavior and reflect their values in all activities.

Beneficiaries First: Be clear about your purpose and beneficiaries. Ensure policies and procedures prioritize beneficiaries' interests.
Integrity: Have systems to ensure decisions are free from conflicts of interest. Manage resources responsibly and ethically. Promote environmental responsibility.
Openness: Share information about how the group works and handles problems. Make reports and policies accessible.
Right to be Safe: Create an inclusive culture that prevents abuse and promotes wellbeing. Support and train volunteers and staff to meet their responsibilities. Provide access to support and advice for those experiencing or witnessing unacceptable behavior.