The Hygiene Bank: Code of Conduct
Overview
The Hygiene Bank is a registered charity whose mission is to end hygiene poverty in the UK. Through our network of volunteers, we collect and redistribute donated personal care and household cleaning items to other not for profit organisations to be given for free to their beneficiaries to alleviate hygiene poverty and enhance wellbeing. As a charity, we also campaign for systemic change.
Scope
We believe that all activities related to the operation of The Hygiene Bank should be conducted honestly, fairly and with integrity. This Code of Conduct sets out the policies that we expect our stakeholders to follow. The Code of Conduct makes clear to all, the actions and behaviour expected of them. The organisation strives to maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethical behaviour at all times
This policy applies to all employees, trustees and partners and governs our operational practices. Responsibility for the organisation’s Code of Conduct lies with the Trustees and Operations team.
General principles
The Hygiene Bank will make its best efforts to ensure that all relationships entered it enters into should comply with this Code of Conduct.
In order to ensure that The Hygiene Bank fulfils its responsibilities to all its stakeholders:
- We will not knowingly enter into a relationship with any individual or organisation that we have any reason to believe may be involved in any unlawful or unethical business practices.
- We expect that all parties with whom we enter into an arrangement are transparent and are conduct themselves with honesty and integrity.
- We expect all partner organisations and service providers to respect the human rights of all employees and provide a safe and healthy working environment.
- We expect all partner organisations to have in place clear policies to prevent any form of harassment or abuse and encourage an inclusive working environment to promote equality and diversity, ensuring that there is a clear and safe reporting structure in place and that all complaints will be properly investigated and actioned.
- All partners receiving donated goods through The Hygiene Bank are required to comply with our Eligibility Criteria in order to belong to The Hygiene Bank network. This criteria ensures that redistributed goods are only used in accordance with our Charity’s objects and are. to be given for free to the beneficiaries. To read our Eligibility Criteria in full, please visit: : www.thehygienebank.com
- All relevant stakeholders comply with our Data Privacy Policy and our Handling Complaints & Whistleblowing Policy, which ensures that any service problems that occur will be dealt with promptly, striving to meet the needs of all stakeholders. All of our Brand and Corporate Partners, along with our suppliers are expected to have appropriate policies in place. To read our Policies in full, please visit: www.thehygienebank.com
The Hygiene Bank aims to achieve high standards of conduct, if we are aware of any negative behaviour by any party, we will seek to carry our further due diligence.
We expect all of our Employees and Trustees to behave in an ethical manner and work within our policies and procedures. If they feel that they are unable to comply with these requirements this should be escalated to their line manager or in the case of Trustees to the Chair or Vice Chair. Should we believe that these standards are not being followed, we reserve the right to take further action.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every two years to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date with any changes in law, regulations or company practices. Any updates or revisions to this policy will be communicated to all affected parties.
Version V.7
Date approved – 14th December 2024
Review date – December 2026