Code of conduct

(Version February 2022)

4 Smiling Faces works in the Netherlands and in our focus country, Nepal. Nepal has a different culture with different norms, values, laws, rules, and customs. We respect that. But there are limits that, as far as we are concerned, cannot/shouldn’t be crossed and which 4 Smiling Faces will always speak out against. A few examples for clarification:

• In some Nepalese schools, children are beaten or ridiculed in front of the entire school if they don’t follow the rules. As long as that rule applies, 4 Smiling Faces will not discuss any form of cooperation with these schools.
• In Nepal you regularly meet men who are not used to doing business with women. If they don’t want to do that, we don’t do business with them. We will look for partners who don’t have a problem doing business with women.
• In Nepal it is not very common (even with women among themselves) to speak openly about women’s topics such as menstruation and transgressive behaviour. 4 Smiling Faces does and will continue to do so. This is the only way to get these issues out in the open which can really help girls/young women.

General

• We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, origin, sexual preference, gender, nationality, race, tradition, skin color, creed, political preference, sexual orientation, age, etc. No one is the same, but everyone is equal.
• We refrain from discriminating, belittling or intimidating comments and behaviour. We don’t exclude anyone and we are tolerant.
• Any form of intimidation is prohibited.
• We say what we do and do what we say.
• We take responsibility for what and how we do.
• We treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves; ‘leading by example’.
• We regard complaints as an impetus for quality improvement.
• In our work there is no room for alcohol, drugs and nicotine.

Social media/website

• Without prior permission, we never post anything on social media and our website about the children we support.

(Sexual) transgressive behaviour and abuse of power

• (Sexual) transgressive behaviour and abuse of power are not tolerated. There is a zero tolerance policy and a reporting obligation about sexual harassment and abuse.
• We are aware of power inequality and (sometimes also) dependence in all kinds of manifestations. We do not abuse our position to unreasonably or improperly exercise power in any form. We refrain from any form of (power) abuse, emotional abuse, physical and/or verbal abuse, including sexual comments, touching and/or sexual abuse. No sexual act, contact and/or relationship with minors is permitted. There is a zero tolerance policy and a reporting obligation about sexual harassment and abuse.
• We respect the privacy of everyone involved in the foundation. We do not intrude further into their private sphere than is strictly necessary.
• We are open about and alert to warning signs. We are vigilant and alert to signals and do not hesitate to pass them on to the board and/or the confidential contact person and/or we contact other involved parties/experts.

With the children in the homes in Nepal

• We look at the possibilities of the children and homes we support and not at the limitations.
• We listen carefully to the needs of the children and of the homes we support.
• We respect the norms and values ​​of the children, the homes we support, our volunteers and other cooperation partners, in word and demeanour.
• We don’t just talk about the children and the homes we support, but especially with them.
• We respect the privacy of child and family at all times.
• We are guests in the familiar environment of children and always respect the state of affairs on site.
• We never disclose the child’s identity and/or medical information.
• Urgent and urgent medical actions always have priority.
• We are aware of the great importance of general and personal hygiene and pay a lot of attention to this.
• We always strive for the best possible communication with parents, carers and/or staff around the child.
• We always follow instructions from the medical staff regarding the child to be visited, departments (visit times and the like).
• We never perform actions, or work with attributes, that endanger the safety of the child, family, staff, or anyone else.
• We act with full respect for the child and the environment.
• We always report situations that could potentially be/become a problem for the children and homes we support.
• We always have an eye for the privacy of the children and make agreements about this with them and their legal representatives.
• We have a duty of confidentiality regarding confidential information that we have seen, heard, read or understood. Confidential information includes anything related to the child’s health and family circumstances.
• We handle the property of the children and the homes we support with care.

Organization

• The WBTR guarantees a good and transparent (administrative) culture. Read our WBTR statement (at the moment it is only in Dutch) on the website.
• Care and sincerity in mentioning experience and functions is central. We state all relevant facts at the time of appointment. Dutch stakeholders must submit a VOG.
• ‘Leading by example’. We refrain from behaviour and statements that discredit the work of and/or the persons involved themselves. We will conduct ourselves courteously and respectfully and refrain from making hurtful and/or abusive comments.
• We do not accept any favours, gifts, services, or compensation to do or refrain from doing anything that is contrary to the integrity of the work, interests, organization, and the children and homes for which we work. In some cases, a notification obligation applies to the board.
• We respect safety standards and requirements, rules and guidelines.
• We provide a safe environment; we create an environment and an atmosphere in which social safety is guaranteed and is experienced as such.