Integrity policy
The SKC/CCC foundation feels a great sense of responsibility towards its aim to structurally improve working conditions and to support the empowerment of manufacturing workers in the global garment and sportswear industries. This Code of Conduct (CoC) sets general standards that will be upheld.
The Code of Conduct (CoC) is elaborated for the SKC/CCC Foundation. It applies to the staff it employs, including consultants, interns, and volunteers, at the two coordinating bodies of the CCC network: the International Office (IO) and the Dutch Coalition (SKC).
At the SKC/CCC Foundation, there is a strong felt need to act with integrity and respect each other, as well as all partners we work with. To illustrate the importance of this, a CoC has been established, a set of rules outlining the responsibilities and proper practices. The CoC is not only an essential source of guiding information, but it is also a reflection of the organisation's nature and what it stands for. It includes regulations on professional conduct and identifies whom to turn to and how to act when facing a question related to compliance with policies and procedures.
Firstly, employees need to know what is expected of them, and they should feel comfortable speaking freely about any issues they may have. Secondly, for external purposes, it is crucial to create a culture of trust with our partners. The SKC/CCC Foundation expects employees to act responsibly and, when in doubt, will not hesitate to raise concerns or ask questions regarding ethics and integrity. Employees who raise concerns in good faith are respected for their honesty.
Respect in the workplace
The SKC/CCC Foundation endeavours to create a welcoming and safe work environment where trust prevails and all people are treated with dignity and respect. It is important that we treat others fairly and respectfully, as we would want to be treated ourselves. We strive to uphold open and honest communication and to protect our employees from discrimination and harassment. This applies to conduct in the workplace and in work-related activities, including any office, premises or location in which work activities are conducted, where the SKC/CCC foundation related business or social activities (including social events such as parties, team events and social outings) take place, or where conduct has an impact on the workplace or workplace relations. Our standards for conduct cover interactions with not only coworkers, but also with our partners, members, associates, and any other party or person with whom the organisation has dealings.
Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Non-Discrimination
The SKC/CCC Foundation values the diversity of its people as an organisational strength and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality. The SKC/CCC Foundation strives to maintain an environment free from discrimination, where employees are treated with dignity and respect, and their capabilities and contributions are valued equally. Discriminatory behaviours and practices undermine people’s skills and potential and are unacceptable.
We recruit, select and train our people solely on the basis of merit, experience, qualifications, achievements, performance and other job-related criteria, without discrimination or concern for race, religious belief or affiliation, nationality, social or ethnic origin, colour, sex, sexual orientation, union membership, gender identity or expression, age, health condition, marital status, political orientation, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.
Harassment-free workplace
The SKC/CCC Foundation considers providing a work environment that is safe, secure and free of danger, harassment, and violence to be one of its core responsibilities as a good employer. All forms of physical, verbal, non-verbal or psychological harassment or other behaviour that may be regarded or perceived as threatening, abusive, degrading or humiliating are prohibited and will not be tolerated. Assistance by the SKC/CCC foundation is not provided in return of any service or favour from others.
The SKC/CCC foundation will act against any form of corruption and against the promise, provision or acceptance of bribes.
We will prevent any relationships and behaviour that are exploitative, abusive, or corrupt, in any way. No sexual relations with children (defined as under 18 years old) or beneficiaries (in exchange for assistance or any other reason) are permitted, recognising the inherent unequal power dynamics involved and that such behaviours can undermine the integrity and credibility of our work.
Sexual harassment also includes verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature or the circulation of sexually oriented pictures, cartoons, jokes, or other materials that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. A person's intention or motive in displaying certain behaviour is not relevant; what matters is whether a person in the given circumstances can reasonably feel offended, humiliated, and/or intimidated by such behaviour.
Safeguarding confidential information
Safeguarding the confidential information of the SKC/CCC Foundation, as well as any confidential information entrusted to us by others including personal data (e.g. employee, partner and supplier data), is important to our success and the preservation of our reputation. The foundation manages our information assets in compliance with applicable privacy laws.
All employees and representatives of the SKC/CCC Foundation have the responsibility to respect and maintain the confidentiality of this information.
While you may use confidential information as needed to perform your job, you are responsible for protecting that information from improper or unauthorised disclosure, misuse, theft, or accidental disclosure.
Reporting misconduct or irregularities
Any suspected or actual violation of the CoC, a policy, procedure, or any applicable law, including any received complaints or concerns regarding such a (potential) violation, must be reported to the Integrity Complaint Committee (ICC) or the External Counsellor (vertrouwenspersoon). Reporting concerns and asking questions are fundamental to adhering to the CoC and enable the foundation to address the issues and rectify the problem.
Investigation
The SKC/CCC Foundation takes all reports of suspected or alleged misconduct seriously and will review, evaluate, and investigate them fairly and impartially, taking appropriate corrective and preventive action. The foundation respects and protects the rights of all employees, including those who are the subject of a complaint. To this end, all reported suspicions or allegations against employees will be duly investigated and verified before any action is taken. When appropriate, feedback on the outcome of the investigation is communicated to the person making the complaint or the reporter. (More information is available under 4.1 The process of lodging a complaint.)
Confidentiality
When you submit a question or report, it will be handled confidentially, with limited disclosure to enable the SKC/CCC foundation to conduct a full investigation of the alleged violation, to carry out appropriate disciplinary or corrective actions, or to meet legal requirements. You may choose to remain anonymous and submit your complaint through the external Whistle-blower reporting point.
However, the Foundation strongly encourages you to identify yourself as otherwise the ability to investigate the matter may be diminished, and we may not be able to fully address your concerns.
Non-retaliation
The SKC/CCC Foundation encourages its employees to come forward with any work-related questions or concerns about specific activities at the workplace. There will be no retaliation against any employee who raises a concern or submits a report in good faith.
