Purpose

This Ethics and Governance Policy is designed to uphold the core values and ethical standards of the Fire Sector Confederation (the CONFEDERATION), ensuring that all individuals and organisations affiliated with the charity (including trustees, contractors, advisory members, partners, and stakeholders) act in a manner that is consistent with the charity’s mission to promote fire safety and prevent harm.

This policy also establishes the process for excluding or expelling individuals or organisations that breach the charity’s values, are found guilty of unethical conduct, or fail to comply with relevant legal standards.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Trustees
• Contractors and consultants
• Advisory Council members
• External partners, stakeholders, and affiliated organisations
• Volunteers engaged in decision-making roles

Core Values

The CONFEDERATION is committed to:

• Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and fairness in all interactions.
• Accountability: Ensuring that all actions align with fire safety standards and legal frameworks.
• Collaboration: Working in partnership with stakeholders, government bodies, and the public to enhance fire safety.
• Respect: Promoting a culture of inclusivity, dignity, and professionalism in all activities.
• Responsibility: Acting in the best interests of the public and vulnerable communities by championing robust fire safety practices.

Code of Conduct

All individuals and organisations involved with the CONFEDERATION must adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

• Promote Fire Safety: Actively engage in efforts to improve fire safety and prevent harm, following established best practices and legal standards.
• Compliance with Legal Standards: Abide by the laws and regulations governing fire safety and charitable operations in the UK, including compliance with the Fire Safety Order 2005, Equality Act 2010, and any applicable public inquiries such as the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
• Public Safety Focus: Prioritise public safety and the welfare of vulnerable groups in all decision-making processes.
• No Discriminatory Practices: Avoid discriminatory practices on the grounds of race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
• Respectful Behaviour: Maintain respectful behaviour towards all stakeholders, including other partners, staff, and the public.
• Accountability: Be willing to be held accountable for actions and decisions, particularly in relation to fire safety risks and outcomes.

Code of Behaviour

All individuals and organisations involved with the CONFEDERATION must adhere to the following Code of Behaviour:

1. Professional Conduct
   • Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency in all activities conducted on behalf of the charity.
   • Deliver services responsibly, always maintaining professional standards.
   • Communicate clearly, respectfully, and promptly with clients, colleagues, partners, and the public.
2. Respect and Inclusion
   • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect regardless of background, beliefs, or abilities.
   • Foster an inclusive and collaborative working environment.
   • Avoid any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
3. Accountability and Responsibility
   • Take responsibility for actions and decisions in the course of work.
   • Follow all agreed timelines, budgets, and quality expectations, and promptly raise any concerns or risks.
   • Use charity resources and information responsibly, ensuring they are not misused for personal gain.
4. Confidentiality and Data Protection
   • Respect confidentiality and handle sensitive data in accordance with applicable laws and CONFEDERATION policies.
   • Do not share internal information with third parties without prior authorisation.
5. Health and Safety
   • Prioritise safety in all fire-related communications, activities, and training.
   • Ensure all advice or services provided align with current fire safety regulations and best practices.
   • Report any safety concerns or incidents promptly to the designated charity contact.
6. Conflict of Interest
   • Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest as soon as they arise.
   • Refrain from decisions or actions that could improperly benefit personal or third-party interests.
7. Representation of the Charity
   • Do not speak on behalf of the charity without permission.
   • When representing the charity (online or in person), uphold its values and reputation.
   • Avoid posting content on social media or other platforms that could damage the charity’s image.
8. Compliance and Review
   • Adhere to this Code of Behaviour and all relevant charity policies and procedures.
   • Cooperate fully with any reviews or investigations into conduct or performance.
   • Understand that breaches of this Code may result in termination of your contract or relationship with the charity.

Grounds for Exclusion or Expulsion

Organisations or individuals may be subject to exclusion or expulsion from the CONFEDERATION if they:

• Breach the Code of Conduct: Including but not limited to promoting unsafe fire safety practices, spreading misinformation, or failing to uphold the charity’s core values.
• Engage in Discriminatory Practices: Any form of discrimination or conduct that violates the Equality Act 2010.
• Legal Violations: If an individual or organisation is involved in legal proceedings, inquiries, or findings (such as those from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry) that reveal actions harmful to public fire safety or the values of the charity.
• Public Inquiry Findings: Organisations or individuals found culpable in public inquiries or proceedings related to fire safety that are deemed inconsistent with the charity’s ethical standards and objectives.
• Failure to Act Transparently or Accountably: Non-disclosure of conflicts of interest, failure to provide necessary information, or lack of cooperation in transparency audits.

Process for Exclusion or Expulsion

In cases where exclusion or expulsion is considered, the following process will be followed to ensure fairness and transparency:

1. Investigation: An investigation will be conducted by the Chair or Executive Director r to determine the facts of the case. The individual or organisation subject to investigation will be given a reasonable opportunity to present their case, including any mitigating factors.
2. Review and Decision: The Board of Trustees will review the findings of the investigation. A decision will be made, based on the evidence, to either:
3. Expel the individual/organisation from the charity
4. Suspend their involvement pending further action
5. Issue a formal warning with corrective actions

The decision will be documented and communicated to the affected party.

• Appeal: An individual or organisation may appeal the decision of exclusion or expulsion. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Board within 30 days of the decision. A special meeting of the Board of Trustees will be convened to consider the appeal, and the final decision will be binding.

Legal Safeguards

The CONFEDERATION will ensure that:

• Exclusion or expulsion does not contravene UK equality laws (e.g., the Equality Act 2010) or other relevant legislation.
• Any action taken is proportionate, and the charity’s decision-making process is transparent, documented, and fair.
• Individuals and organisations are not unfairly excluded on grounds of protected characteristics.

Monitoring and Reporting

• The charity will monitor the conduct of all members and stakeholders regularly and ensure compliance with the ethical standards outlined in this policy.
• Any breaches will be documented and included in Board meeting minutes.
• The charity will report any significant breaches to the relevant regulatory bodies, such as the Charity Commission.

Review and Approval

This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if there are legal or procedural changes. The policy is approved by the Board of Trustees and must be adhered to by all members, partners, and stakeholders.