Code of Conduct

We have a zero-tolerance stance towards all forms of fraud, bribery, and corruption. Accordingly, the ECF:

• Does not tolerate any fraud, bribery or corruption perpetrated by individuals within the organisation, or by its partner organisations; and
• Undertakes to investigate all suspected instances of fraud, bribery or corruption and to take appropriate action depending on the outcome of the investigation.

As such, our Antifraud Policy outlines the ECF’s position on fraud, bribery and corruption, and indicates the measures we take to prevent, detect, and respond to any fraudulent activities that may compromise the integrity of our operations, either within the organisation or by any other individual or organisation receiving funding from the ECF.

By adhering to this policy, we ensure that all business practices are conducted honestly and that any attempts to deceive or manipulate are swiftly addressed in accordance with the law.

The ECF and its associates, including partners and suppliers, are required to comply with this policy and uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all their activities.

If you wish to report a suspicion of fraud, bribery or corruption, please contact compliance@europeanclimate.org, which is managed by the ECF Director of Legal and Risk Management.

To maintain the trust of our stakeholders, all decisions made within our organisation must be free from any personal interests that could influence judgment. Our Conflict of Interest Policy establishes responsibilities and provides general guidance and specific rules for identifying, disclosing, and managing potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest. Accordingly, at the ECF:

• All board members, employees, and consultants must confirm their knowledge and understanding of the policy and acknowledge their duty to disclose conflicts, recuse themselves from conflicted decisions, and accept the ECF’s mitigation strategies in accordance with the policy.
• All employees must complete a Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure Statement annually or whenever there are changes to the information provided.
• New board members will complete the COI Disclosure Statement upon appointment.
• Board members and employees must disclose any current or past affiliations (within the last three years before filling out the Disclosure Statement) that may present a potential, perceived or actual conflict of interest.

By upholding this policy, we protect the impartiality of our decision-making processes and ensure that our business objectives are pursued with integrity.

The policy applies to all ECF board members, employees, and consultants, all of whom have an obligation to act in the best interests of the ECF by ensuring that they do not draw any direct or indirect personal benefit from their role. Any transaction with third parties that involves the ECF and where a potential, perceived or actual conflict of interest might arise is also subject to this policy.

Report a conflict of interest to coi-committee@europeanclimate.org.

We promote an organisational culture based on trust and dialogue, both among our employees and in our relationships with grantees. To ensure transparency and accountability throughout the ECF, we have a Whistleblower Policy in place and have partnered with Whistleblower Software to define a process and offer a space to report any serious concerns about suspected or actual wrongdoing or misconduct. Accordingly:

• This policy provides guidance on how to deal appropriately with situations involving potential illegal, fraudulent, or dishonest use of the foundation’s resources.
• Partners, third parties, and collaborators can report concerns securely and confidentially through this policy and the external Whistleblower Software, with assurance of non-retaliation. Reports can be made confidentially or anonymously. We are committed to thoroughly investigating all reports and protecting whistleblowers.

This policy applies to employees, partner organisations, contractors, and third parties who have worked or are in current collaboration with the ECF.

Report an issue: https://whistleblowersoftware.com/secure/ecfpartners

At the ECF, we are committed to upholding the highest safeguarding standards across all aspects of our work. While we do not work directly with children, we recognise that the projects and partners we support may have direct or indirect impacts on children and adults at risk. We also acknowledge that individuals within our network—including staff, contractors, and partner organisations—may themselves identify as adults at risk and require additional support.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in our activities, we have a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy in place, outlining our shared responsibility to prevent harm, respond appropriately to concerns, and promote environments where everyone feels safe and respected.

This policy is grounded in international human rights frameworks, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the European Child Guarantee, and national legislation.

This policy applies to all employees, management, board and advisory members, contractors, grantees, consultants, donor representatives, and other affiliates. The ECF is also committed to helping partner organisations to effectively safeguard.

The Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), together with the Designated Safeguarding Committee (DSC), is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of safeguarding across the ECF network. They ensure that any disclosures or concerns are managed appropriately and that safeguarding remains a non-negotiable priority in our work.

Contact the DSO & DSC: safeguarding@europeanclimate.org