1. Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish the standards of professional and ethical behaviour expected of everyone representing Black London Advisory Service (BLAS).

BLAS is committed to delivering high-quality, impartial, respectful, and inclusive advice and support. Every individual associated with BLAS has a responsibility to uphold the organisation's values, protect its reputation, and maintain the trust of clients, partners, funders, and the wider community.

This policy promotes consistency, accountability, integrity, and professionalism across all aspects of BLAS's work.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Directors and Trustees

• Employees (permanent, temporary, and fixed-term)

• Volunteers

• Contractors and Consultants

• Freelancers

• Students and Interns

• Agency Workers

• Advisory Panel Members

• Anyone acting on behalf of BLAS

All individuals are expected to comply with this Code while undertaking BLAS business, whether working on-site, remotely, or representing BLAS at external events.

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3. Our Values

Everyone representing BLAS is expected to uphold the following core values:

Integrity

We act honestly, ethically, transparently, and responsibly.

Respect

We treat everyone with dignity, courtesy, and compassion.

Equality

We promote fairness and challenge discrimination.

Accountability

We accept responsibility for our decisions and actions.

Professionalism

We deliver services competently, impartially, and consistently.

Community

We work collaboratively to improve lives and strengthen communities.

Excellence

We strive for continuous improvement and high standards in everything we do.

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4. Expected Standards of Behaviour

Everyone representing BLAS must:

• Act honestly and with integrity at all times.

• Treat clients, colleagues, volunteers, and partners with respect.

• Promote the reputation of BLAS.

• Work in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Comply with all BLAS policies and procedures.

• Behave professionally both in person and online.

• Use organisational resources responsibly.

• Respect diversity and different viewpoints.

• Avoid behaviour that could bring BLAS into disrepute.

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5. Professional Conduct

Individuals must:

• Be punctual and reliable.

• Dress appropriately for their role and the occasion.

• Maintain professional boundaries with clients.

• Communicate clearly and courteously.

• Carry out duties competently and responsibly.

• Seek guidance where uncertain.

• Accept constructive feedback.

• Support colleagues and volunteers.

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6. Respect and Dignity

BLAS is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and safe.

Everyone must:

• Treat others fairly.

• Listen respectfully.

• Use appropriate language.

• Respect cultural differences.

• Value different perspectives.

• Promote inclusion.

The following behaviours are unacceptable:

• Bullying

• Harassment

• Victimisation

• Intimidation

• Discrimination

• Abuse

• Offensive jokes

• Derogatory remarks

• Threatening behaviour

 

7. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Everyone must comply with the BLAS Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy.

Discrimination based on any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 is prohibited, including:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage or civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

BLAS also promotes inclusion regardless of socio-economic background, immigration status, caring responsibilities, or educational attainment.

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8. Client Care

Clients are at the heart of everything BLAS does.

Staff and volunteers must:

• Treat every client with dignity and respect.

• Listen carefully and without judgement.

• Provide impartial advice.

• Explain information clearly.

• Respect confidentiality.

• Recognise the limits of their expertise.

• Signpost or refer clients appropriately when specialist advice is required.

• Avoid making unrealistic promises.

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9. Confidentiality

Everyone must protect confidential information relating to:

• Clients

• Staff

• Volunteers

• Partners

• Funders

• Contractors

• Board members

Confidential information must only be shared:

• Where authorised.

• Where legally required.

• Where safeguarding concerns exist.

• In accordance with GDPR and BLAS policies.

Confidential information must never be discussed in public places or on personal social media.

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10. Conflict of Interest

Individuals must avoid situations where personal interests conflict with those of BLAS.

Examples include:

• Financial interests.

• Family relationships.

• Business relationships.

• Political influence.

• Personal gain.

All actual, potential, or perceived conflicts must be declared immediately to the Chief Executive Officer or Chair of the Board.

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11. Gifts and Hospitality

Individuals must not:

• Accept gifts intended to influence decisions.

• Request gifts or favours.

• Offer inappropriate hospitality.

Small tokens of appreciation may be accepted where they are reasonable, proportionate, and declared in accordance with the Gifts & Hospitality Policy.

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12. Use of BLAS Property and Resources

BLAS resources include:

• Computers

• Mobile phones

• Vehicles

• Office equipment

• Email systems

• Databases

• Client records

• Intellectual property

• Branding

• Social media accounts

These resources must only be used for authorised purposes.

Misuse, theft, or deliberate damage may result in disciplinary action.

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13. Information Security

Everyone must:

• Protect passwords.

• Lock devices when unattended.

• Report cyber incidents immediately.

• Avoid sharing login credentials.

• Follow GDPR requirements.

• Use approved software and systems.

• Dispose of confidential documents securely.

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14. Social Media

When using social media, individuals must:

• Avoid bringing BLAS into disrepute.

• Respect confidentiality.

• Avoid making offensive comments.

• Clearly distinguish personal opinions from organisational views.

• Not publish client information without written consent.

• Seek approval before issuing official statements on behalf of BLAS.

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15. Safeguarding

Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard:

• Children

• Young people

• Vulnerable adults

Concerns must be reported immediately in accordance with the BLAS Safeguarding Policy.

Ignoring safeguarding concerns constitutes a serious breach of this Code.

 

16. Health and Safety

Everyone must:

• Work safely.

• Report hazards.

• Follow emergency procedures.

• Cooperate with risk assessments.

• Report accidents promptly.

• Take reasonable care of themselves and others.

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17. Attendance and Timekeeping

Individuals are expected to:

• Arrive on time.

• Notify managers promptly if delayed or absent.

• Attend meetings punctually.

• Complete agreed responsibilities within reasonable timescales.

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18. Equality in Service Delivery

BLAS services must be delivered fairly to all eligible clients.

No person shall receive preferential treatment because of:

• Personal relationships

• Financial status

• Political beliefs

• Religion

• Ethnicity

• Gender

• Disability

• Sexual orientation

• Immigration status

• Personal opinions

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19. Speaking on Behalf of BLAS

Only authorised individuals may:

• Speak to the media.

• Issue public statements.

• Represent official BLAS positions.

• Commit BLAS to agreements.

Staff and volunteers should refer media enquiries to the Chief Executive Officer or designated spokesperson.

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20. Professional Boundaries

Staff and volunteers must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients.

They must not:

• Enter into inappropriate personal relationships with clients.

• Borrow money from clients.

• Lend money to clients.

• Accept significant gifts.

• Exploit clients for personal benefit.

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21. Reporting Misconduct

Anyone who witnesses misconduct should report it promptly to:

• Their Line Manager

• The Chief Executive Officer

• The Chair of the Board

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (where applicable)

Reports will be handled confidentially and fairly in line with the Whistleblowing Policy.

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22. Breaches of the Code

Breaches of this Code may result in:

• Informal guidance

• Additional training

• Formal warning

• Suspension

• Removal from volunteer duties

• Disciplinary action

• Termination of employment or appointment

• Referral to regulatory or law enforcement authorities where appropriate

Serious misconduct may include:

• Fraud

• Theft

• Corruption

• Harassment

• Violence

• Abuse

• Serious breaches of confidentiality

• Deliberate discrimination

• Gross negligence

• Safeguarding failures

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23. Responsibilities

Board of Directors/Trustees

The Board will:

• Promote ethical leadership.

• Monitor compliance with this policy.

• Lead by example.

• Review the policy regularly.

Chief Executive Officer

The CEO will:

• Implement this policy.

• Ensure appropriate training.

• Investigate alleged breaches.

• Promote a culture of integrity.

Managers

Managers will:

• Model expected behaviours.

• Address concerns promptly.

• Support staff and volunteers.

• Escalate serious issues appropriately.

Employees and Volunteers

All personnel are responsible for:

• Reading and understanding this policy.

• Acting professionally.

• Reporting concerns.

• Maintaining the highest ethical standards.

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24. Monitoring and Review

Compliance with this Code will be monitored through:

• Supervision

• Performance reviews

• Client feedback

• Complaints

• Audits

• Incident reports

• Governance reviews

This policy will be reviewed every 12 months or sooner if legislative or organisational changes require it.

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25. Related Policies

This Code should be read alongside:

• Constitution & Governance Framework

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

• Anti-Racism Policy

• Safeguarding Policy

• Data Protection & GDPR Policy

• Confidentiality Policy

• Conflict of Interest Policy

• Complaints Policy

• Whistleblowing Policy

• Health & Safety Policy

• Social Media Policy

• Financial Management Policy