CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS

As a matter of fundamental principle, the John R. McConnell Foundation (herein referred to as “the Foundation”) requires the highest ethical standards because public trust in its performance is the bedrock of its legitimacy. The public trust the Foundation to carry out its mission, to be good steward of endowment funds, and to uphold rigorous standards of conduct.

The Foundation must earn this trust every day. It is therefore essential that the people involved with the Foundation, Board members, staff and volunteers demonstrate their ongoing commitment to the core values of integrity, honesty, impartiality, openness, respect, and responsibility.

The Board of directors understands its role as the governing body of the Foundation and accepts full responsibility for setting direction, mission, strategic direction and Foundation policies. The Board is also responsible for oversight of the finances and operations and for the actions and performance of the Officers and staff in general. The directors will ensure that as a group they have or will acquire the relevant skills and experience along with securing the required resources to complete the Foundation’s mission.

The Board of Directors promotes the highest standards of ethical behaviour. The present Code of conduct and Ethics has been established to provide appropriate guidelines.

The Board of directors, staff and volunteers shall act with competence, integrity and fairness while carrying on their obligations for the Foundation.

In carrying out philanthropic activities, Foundation directors, officers, staff and volunteers act within the letter and the spirit of the law. The Foundation embraces public interest, takes full responsibility for its actions, communicates truthfully, and ensures public records are easily available while maintaining appropriate privacy and confidentiality. The foundation will manage its resources carefully and frugally, actively avoiding excessive expense.

THEREFORE: The Foundation directors, officers, staff and volunteers shall adhere to and sign the following declaration regarding the application of the Code of Conduct and Ethics prior to exercising their functions within the John R. McConnell Foundation.

DECLARATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS REGARDING THE JOHN R. McCONNELL’S CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS:

We, John R. McConnell Foundation directors, staff and volunteers, dedicate ourselves to carrying out the mission of this organization. We will do the following:

  1. Recognize that the chief function of the Foundation at all times is to promote and conduct its philanthropic mission.
  2. Accept as a personal duty the responsibility to keep up to date on emerging issues and to conduct ourselves with professional competence, fairness, impartiality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
  3. Respect the structure and responsibilities of the Board, provide them with facts and advice as a basis for their making policy decisions, and uphold and implement policies adopted by the Board.
  4. Manage funds and resources entrusted to us prudently and serve as a responsible steward of these assets. Our reports, documents and financial statements reflect accurate reporting with clear public disclosure.
  5. Exercise discretion reasonably and in good faith under the law to carry out the mission of the John R. McConnell Foundation.
  6. Conduct ourselves in a manner that complies with applicable laws and regulations.
  7. Serve with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness in carrying out the John R. McConnell Foundation’s mission.
  8. Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all our activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in our activities.
  9. Prevent conflict of interest from creating actual or potential impropriety that could undermine our effectiveness and reputation, as per the Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
  10. Respect and protect privileged information to which we have access in the course of our official duties.
  11. Strive for personal and professional excellence and encourage the professional developments of others.