UNITED NATIONALS COUNTRYLESS CHILDREN CHARITY (UNCC)

Ethics Policy Framework

Policy Number: GOV-001
Approved by: Board of Directors
Effective Date: 1 January 2025
Version: 1.0
Next Review: 1 January 2028

1. Policy Statement

United Nationals Countryless Children Charity (UNCC) is an Australian registered charity committed to delivering humanitarian assistance, advocacy, community development, and sustainable programs with integrity, accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity.

UNCC is dedicated to the highest standards of ethical conduct across all areas of its work. We believe that ethical leadership is fundamental to building trust with our beneficiaries, donors, volunteers, partners, governments, and the communities we serve.

Our Ethics Policy Framework establishes the principles and governance standards that guide decision-making, organisational behaviour, financial stewardship, safeguarding, and accountability. It reflects our commitment to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Governance Standards, international humanitarian principles, and internationally recognised human rights.

Every person representing UNCC is expected to uphold these principles and contribute to a culture of honesty, professionalism, inclusion, and respect.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this Ethics Policy Framework is to:

• Promote ethical leadership throughout the organisation.

• Protect the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of beneficiaries.

• Ensure responsible stewardship of donor funds and organisational assets.

• Prevent fraud, corruption, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse.

• Support transparent and accountable decision-making.

• Strengthen public confidence in UNCC's governance and operations.

• Ensure compliance with Australian legislation and international humanitarian standards.

3. Scope

This framework applies to:

• Board Directors

• Executive Management

• Employees

• Volunteers

• Consultants

• Contractors

• Interns

• Members

• Implementing partners

• Partner organisations

• Suppliers and service providers

• Any individual representing UNCC in an official capacity.

Compliance with this framework is a condition of engagement with UNCC.

4. UNCC Ethical Principles

UNCC operates under the following core ethical principles:

Integrity

We act honestly, ethically, fairly, and responsibly in every decision and interaction.

Respect

We respect the dignity, culture, diversity, beliefs, and human rights of every individual.

Accountability

We accept responsibility for our actions and remain accountable to beneficiaries, supporters, partners, regulators, and the public.

Transparency

We communicate openly regarding our governance, finances, decision-making, and organisational performance.

Inclusion

We value diversity and promote equal participation regardless of age, gender, disability, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or social background.

Safeguarding

We maintain zero tolerance for abuse, neglect, exploitation, harassment, discrimination, or violence.

Stewardship

We responsibly manage all financial, physical, and intellectual resources entrusted to UNCC.

5. Supporting Ethical Policies

This Ethics Framework is supported by the following organisational policies.

5.1 Code of Conduct Policy

Establishes expected standards of professional behaviour for Board members, staff, volunteers, and representatives, promoting honesty, respect, professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability.

5.2 Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy

UNCC has zero tolerance for abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, harassment, or discrimination.

The organisation is committed to protecting:

• Children

• Older persons

• Persons with disabilities

• Refugees

• Stateless persons

• Women and girls

• Vulnerable adults

Mandatory reporting procedures apply to safeguarding concerns.

5.3 Conflict of Interest Policy

All actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest must be disclosed promptly.

Individuals must not participate in decisions where personal interests could influence organisational decision-making.

5.4 Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy

UNCC representatives must neither solicit nor accept gifts, hospitality, or benefits that could improperly influence—or appear to influence—professional judgement or organisational decisions.

5.5 Financial Integrity and Anti-Corruption Policy

UNCC adopts a zero-tolerance approach to:

• Fraud

• Bribery

• Corruption

• Embezzlement

• Theft

• Money laundering

• Misuse of charitable funds

• False reporting

All suspected financial misconduct must be reported immediately and investigated in accordance with organisational procedures.

5.6 Whistleblower Protection Policy

UNCC encourages the reporting of unethical behaviour in good faith.

Individuals who report misconduct are protected from retaliation, victimisation, intimidation, or discrimination.

Reports may be made confidentially and anonymously where appropriate.

5.7 Complaints and Feedback Policy

UNCC welcomes complaints, concerns, compliments, and suggestions from beneficiaries, donors, volunteers, partners, and members of the public.

Complaints are managed fairly, confidentially, promptly, and without discrimination.

5.8 Disability Inclusion Policy

UNCC is committed to creating accessible, inclusive, and equitable programs, workplaces, and services for persons with disabilities.

Reasonable adjustments will be provided wherever practicable.

5.9 Environmental Responsibility Policy

UNCC recognises the relationship between environmental sustainability and humanitarian wellbeing.

The organisation seeks to minimise environmental impacts by:

• reducing waste,

• promoting recycling,

• conserving natural resources,

• encouraging environmentally responsible procurement,

• supporting climate resilience within communities.

5.10 Transparency and Accountability Policy

UNCC is committed to openness in governance, operations, fundraising, and financial management.

The organisation publishes annual reports and financial information in accordance with ACNC requirements and maintains effective governance systems to ensure public confidence.

5.11 Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy

UNCC rejects all forms of:

• Modern slavery

• Forced labour

• Human trafficking

• Child labour

• Sexual exploitation

• Forced marriage

• Labour exploitation

UNCC promotes ethical procurement practices and human-rights-based programming across all operations.

6. Governance and Compliance

UNCC complies with:

• Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Governance Standards

• Australian laws and regulations

• International humanitarian principles

• Human rights conventions

• Child safeguarding standards

• Anti-corruption legislation

• Privacy legislation

• Workplace health and safety requirements

The Board of Directors oversees governance performance through regular monitoring, policy reviews, financial reporting, and risk management processes.

Independent audits may be commissioned where appropriate.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

Board of Directors

• Approve governance policies.

• Monitor organisational compliance.

• Maintain strategic oversight.

• Ensure effective risk management.

Chief Executive Officer

• Implement Board-approved policies.

• Promote an ethical organisational culture.

• Ensure compliance throughout the organisation.

• Report governance issues to the Board.

Managers

• Provide ethical leadership.

• Support staff compliance.

• Respond appropriately to ethical concerns.

Employees and Volunteers

Every representative of UNCC must:

• Follow organisational policies.

• Act honestly and professionally.

• Protect beneficiaries.

• Report misconduct.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Respect diversity and inclusion.

Partners and Contractors

All partners must comply with UNCC's ethical standards as a condition of partnership and cooperate with monitoring, investigations, audits, and safeguarding requirements.

8. Policy Review

This Ethics Policy Framework will be reviewed every three (3) years, or earlier if required by legislative changes, ACNC requirements, organisational growth, or emerging risks.

Any amendments require approval by the Board of Directors.

9. Policy Approval

This Ethics Policy Framework has been adopted by the Board of Directors of United Nationals Countryless Children Charity (UNCC).

By accepting employment, volunteering, contracting, or partnership with UNCC, individuals agree to uphold the principles and standards contained within this framework.

Approved

Chairperson
Board of Directors

Date: 1 January 2025

Peter Lino Lomoro
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
United Nationals Countryless Children Charity (UNCC)

Date: 2 October 2025

Policy Review Date: 1 January 2028

"Integrity, Accountability, Transparency, Respect, and Compassion guide everything we do as we work together to ensure that no one is left behind."