Code of Ethics
For Board Members, Assessors, Advisers and Volunteers
1. Purpose
This Code of Ethics sets the ethical standards expected of everyone acting for or on behalf of The Space by AZM CIC. It is intended to protect public confidence, support fair distribution of funds, and ensure that decisions are made with integrity, independence and respect for the communities served.
2. Core Principles
• Act solely in the interests of the Company’s purpose and the communities it exists to serve.
• Promote fairness, dignity, inclusion and respect in all dealings.
• Exercise independent judgment and avoid undue influence from personal relationships, political interests, pressure groups or outside parties.
• Treat public funds, confidential information and decision-making authority with the highest level of care.
• Support transparency, accountability and accurate record-keeping.
3. Integrity
• Act honestly and in good faith at all times.
• Do not accept gifts, hospitality, favours or inducements that could influence, or appear to influence, judgment.
• Do not use the Company’s position, information, name or resources for personal gain or personal campaigns.
• Declare conflicts of interest promptly, fully and in writing where required.
4. Fairness in Funding Decision
• Assess applications against the agreed criteria and not on the basis of personal preference, friendship, pressure or reputation.
• Give proper consideration to need, impact, feasibility, safeguarding, risk and public benefit.
• Ensure that applicants are treated consistently and with procedural fairness.
• Withdraw from discussion and decision-making where a conflict of interest or conflict of loyalty arises.
5. Respect and Inclusion
• Treat all applicants, residents, volunteers and colleagues with respect and courtesy.
• Do not engage in bullying, intimidation, harassment, victimisation or discriminatory conduct.
• Recognise the sensitivity of trauma, bereavement, poverty, disability and other lived experience that may affect applicants and residents.
• Promote a culture in which disagreement can be expressed respectfully and safely.
6. Confidentiality and Information Handling
• Protect confidential information and personal data entrusted to The Space by AZM CIC.
• Share information only on a need-to-know basis and for proper The Space by AZM CIC purposes.
• Do not circulate screenshots, copied messages or extracts from internal discussions outside approved channels.
• Correct inaccuracies promptly and avoid misleading statements or selective disclosure.
7. Collective Responsibility and Accountability
• Support properly made decisions once reached, while retaining the right to have dissent recorded appropriately in the minutes.
• Attend meetings prepared, read papers in advance and participate responsibly.
• Respect governance processes, delegated authority and the role of the Chair.
• Co-operate with reviews, audits, investigations and any reasonable governance requirements.
8. Safeguarding Public Trust
• Take all reasonable steps to protect the reputation, legitimacy and independence of The Space by AZM CIC.
• Report suspected fraud, misuse of funds, serious conflicts, safeguarding concerns or unethical conduct through the proper channels.
• Promote stewardship of funds so that awards are made responsibly, transparently and for proper purposes.
9. Acceptance
All board members, The Space by AZM CIC members, volunteers, assessors and advisers should read this Code of Ethics on appointment and are expected to comply with it throughout their involvement with The Space by AZM CIC.