Policy Aim

This Policy sets out the principles and key ethical considerations for Transaid when working with
third parties and particularly when considering accepting funding.

Overview

Transaid’s principles and standards govern all Transaid’s work and interactions with third parties.
Transaid has a Code of Conduct and Anti-Bribery and corruption Policy both of which apply to
staff, volunteers, consultants and anyone representing Transaid. In addition, Transaid also has a
comprehensive staff handbook.

Transaid is responsible for ensuring that all programmes abide by the organisational ethical
standards and that a consistent approach is applied to the way Transaid and people representing
Transaid, operate.

Transaid’s ethical standards play an integral part in the internal decision-making process when
considering new relationships with third parties; this could include donors, implementing partners
or grantees. When working with partners or grantees, Transaid will conduct the appropriate due
diligence procedures.

1. Principles of accepting funds/Key considerations:

   1. Transaid will carefully consider where funds are sourced. Transaid will not enter into a
      relationship with a potential supporter or third-party organisation which negatively impacts
      Transaid’s mission and poses a substantive risk to Transaid’s reputation which could lead to loss
      of support and credibility.
   2. Transaid will not take funds from an organisation whose prime goal in the relationship is to repair a damaged reputation.
   3. Transaid does not accept donations from supporters who wish to dictate working practices that are inconsistent with our values and policies.
   4. Transaid must have a clear, defensible position for refusing a donation. Donations will only be refused if acceptance would result in damage to reputation and a net loss to Transaid i.e. if the donor’s work or activities contravene the rights of poor communities to gain access to health services or economic opportunity or if other supporters or potential supporters are likely to withdraw their support from Transaid if it accepts the donation. Reasons for refusing a particular donation must be documented.
   5. Where doubt exists about compliance with standards, a formal ethical check is conducted
      and reviewed using the Ethical Investment Research Information Service (EIRIS www.eiris.org).
   6. Where supporters seek a public association with Transaid to enhance their own reputation, Transaid will enter into a partnership if its value brings significant net gain to achieving our mission and does not contravene principles 1.1 and 1.2 above. Transaid welcomes supporters using their connection with Transaid in their own communications work provided Transaid has given prior approval.
   7. It is critical to Transaid’s reputation and image that a consistent approach is applied to managing this across Transaid globally.

2. Influencing and Advocacy

   1. Transaid works with other organisations to influence policy and practice in relation to our
      mission.
   2. Transaid may determine that it is appropriate to work with certain organisations to influence them to change their practices.

3. Images

   1. Transaid will follow best practice when using media images to ensure that dignity of
      individuals is maintained. Transaid also has a Safeguarding Policy which covers the taking
      photographs of children and vulnerable individuals/groups, use and consent.

   2. Finance and Governance

      1. All Transaid staff, volunteers, consultants and representatives of Transaid comply with all
         applicable rules and regulations as presented in the Transaid Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy.
      2. Transaid ensures the security of privileged information (this requirement is stated in
         Transaid’s Security Policy).

   If any staff member, volunteer, consultant or representative of Transaid believes that any action
   may contravene this policy, they must inform their line manager or equivalent in order that the
   senior management team can determine the appropriate course of action.

   Transaid Ethical Policy – Version 5
   Approved by Council – January 2021
   Next review date – December 2023