Governance Principles
These principles guide how The Space by AZM CIC makes decisions, manages opportunities, works with creatives and maintains trust with participants, partners, funders and the wider public.
The Space by AZM CIC is committed to operating with integrity, transparency and accountability as a mission-led Community Interest Company.
Our governance principles are designed to support responsible decision-making, fair access to opportunity, ethical creative practice and the delivery of community benefit.
1. Mission-led Decision-making
All decisions should support the objects and purpose of The Space by AZM CIC, including visibility, opportunity and access for UK-based designers, artists and creative practitioners.
2. Community Benefit
The Company exists to deliver benefit beyond private commercial interest. Programmes, partnerships, opportunities and resources should be developed in a way that supports creative and cultural access, especially for emerging, under-resourced or underrepresented practitioners.
3. Integrity and Accountability
People acting for The Space by AZM CIC are expected to act honestly, responsibly and in good faith. Decisions should be capable of being explained, recorded and justified where appropriate.
4. Fairness and Inclusion
The Space by AZM CIC is committed to fair treatment, dignity and equal opportunity. Selection, curation, mentoring, representation and partnership decisions should be made without discrimination, favouritism or improper pressure.
5. Transparency
The Company will aim to communicate clearly about its purpose, activities, opportunities, eligibility criteria, partnerships and use of funds, while respecting confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection obligations.
6. Conflicts of Interest
Any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest should be declared promptly and managed appropriately. Individuals with a conflict may be excluded from discussion, assessment or decision-making where necessary.
7. Responsible Use of Resources
Funds, sponsorship, donations, grants, assets, contacts, opportunities, creative submissions and organisational resources must be used responsibly and in line with the Company’s community-interest purpose.
8. Confidentiality and Trust
The Space by AZM CIC will protect confidential information relating to applicants, artists, designers, partners, staff, volunteers, students, funders and internal decision-making.
9. Safeguarding and Duty of Care
The Company will take reasonable steps to create safe, respectful and professional environments across its programmes, events, placements, collaborations and public-facing activity.
10. Review and Improvement
The Space by AZM CIC will review its governance arrangements periodically and improve policies, procedures and working practices as the organisation develops.