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Code of conduct

VNG International is committed to building better futures by strengthening democratic local government worldwide. With this mission in mind, we have formulated a code of conduct, which is compulsory for all our staff and experts: employees on a temporary or permanent contract, interns, insourced and seconded staff, long term and short term experts. This code of conduct is in line with the values of our organization: belonging, making a difference, reliability and growth.

Our commitment

The code of conduct is part of our broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, encompassing policies on human resources, diversity and inclusion, gender, sustainability, anti-fraud and corruption, and safety. We are aware that statements on paper are not sufficient to avoid condemnable behaviour. Therefore, we actively promote awareness of the code’s values and encourage exchange of experience and views when facing dilemmas in the daily work practice. Reported (allegations of) misconduct will be followed up immediately and the management team will annually review how reported violations were dealt with.

Reporting a violation

If you become aware of a possible violation of the code of conduct by staff or experts working with VNG International, please report it to us. We will take appropriate action, which may include involving an independent third party, informing the relevant authorities, or notifying the project’s client. Reports can be submitted confidentially or with your name attached.

Reports of violation can be sent to our integrity officer at integrity@vng.nl.

Code of conduct VNG International

  1. We are dedicated to the concepts of effective and democratic local government as formulated in the ‘European Charter for Local Self-Government’.
  2. We know that we are the ambassadors of VNG International. Wherever we operate and in everything we do, we aim for the highest standards of performance and behaviour, and respect the ideals of honour, integrity, accountability and trustworthiness in all public and personal relationships.
  3. This means amongst other things that we prohibit the use of illegal drugs, excessive consumption of alcohol, and apply a zero tolerance approach to (sexual) harassment and abuse, child abuse, child labour and human trafficking.
  4. Corruption and bribery are prohibited under all circumstances. In case we have indications of fraud or corruption by a partner organisation, and in case there is a (potential) conflict of interest between our work for VNG International and any other activity or position in our professional or personal life, we will immediately report this to the VNG International project manager or line manager, in order to define the most appropriate response.
  5. We are fair and do not discriminate, as is further detailed in our policy on diversity and inclusion.
  6. We know that we are doing our work on the request of our clients and for the benefit of the partners. We listen carefully to our clients, partners and contracting agents in order to be able to understand and address their real needs. We respect cultural values, sensitivities and national laws of the country in which we work. We stick to contracts, agreements, and assigned responsibilities. We strive to make the most efficient use of the resources made available to us and reach optimal results.
  7. We strive to achieve the highest quality, effectiveness and integrity in both the process and the products of our professional work. We acquire and maintain professional competence, share information with our colleagues, and accept and provide appropriate professional review. We are straight and clear in our accountability for the results and failures of our work. We are open for criticism and see that as a stimulus for improving the quality of work.
  8. We honour property rights including copyrights and patent and give proper credit for intellectual property. We honour confidentiality and we respect the privacy of others, also as required by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the EU.
  9. We are aware that we sometimes work under difficult or dangerous circumstances and we fully comply with the safety and security policy.
  10. We fully comply with, uphold and promote the principles of this code.