Code of Ethical Standards
Guiding Principles for Ethical Conduct and Professional Integrity
Code of Ethical Standards
I. Introduction
The Code of Ethical Standards of SERVUS AMORIS FOUNDATION INC. serves as a foundational document that defines the moral and professional principles guiding all aspects of the foundation's operations, programs, and relationships. It reflects the organization's commitment to servant leadership, Gospel values, and Catholic Social Teaching. All trustees, staff, volunteers, scholars, partners, and beneficiaries are expected to uphold these standards in a spirit of integrity, empathy, and accountability.
II. Foundational Principles
1. Human Dignity
Every person is created in the image and likeness of God and must be treated with inherent respect, compassion, and love regardless of status, background, or belief.
2. Integrity
All actions and decisions must reflect honesty, transparency, and consistency with the mission of the foundation.
3. Justice and Equity
Services, opportunities, and resources must be distributed with fairness, prioritizing those who are poor, wounded, and marginalized.
4. Solidarity and Compassion
We stand with and for one another, especially the vulnerable, through deep listening, understanding, and accompaniment.
5. Subsidiarity and Empowerment
Decisions should respect the roles and capacities of individuals and communities, promoting participation and local responsibility.
6. Stewardship of Resources
Foundation resources—financial, physical, spiritual, and human—must be used responsibly, ethically, and sustainably.
7. Synodality and Collaboration
We walk together, listening and discerning as a community united in mission, open to partnerships rooted in trust and shared values.
III. Ethical Standards in Practice
A Ethical Behavior in Service Delivery
- Prioritize the well-being of program beneficiaries and protect them from harm.
- Avoid exploitation, favoritism, or discrimination.
- Maintain professional boundaries in all pastoral, counseling, or caregiving relationships.
- Respect cultural, spiritual, and contextual sensitivities in mission areas.
B Ethical Behavior in Communication
- Speak and publish with charity, truthfulness, and pastoral discretion.
- Avoid false claims, misleading information, and inflammatory language.
- Protect the confidentiality and dignity of individuals when sharing stories or images.
C Ethical Behavior in Finances and Administration
- Practice honesty and prudence in budgeting, procurement, and reporting.
- Avoid corruption, bribery, and use of funds for personal benefit.
- Ensure all records and transactions are auditable and transparent.
- Declare and manage any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
D Ethical Behavior in Leadership and Governance
- Serve without bias, manipulation, or coercion.
- Act in the best interest of the mission and community.
- Ensure participatory and consultative decision-making.
- Avoid abuse of authority and respect the voice of the marginalized.
E Ethical Behavior in Partnership and Representation
- Enter partnerships based on shared mission, transparency, and mutual respect.
- Represent the foundation with professionalism in all forums.
- Ensure MOUs and agreements are upheld with accountability.
IV. Breaches and Consequences
Violations of these ethical standards—whether intentional or negligent—shall be treated as serious offenses. Breaches may include but are not limited to:
Consequences may include:
All reports of ethical violations will be handled through a confidential ethics review process, led by the Executive Director or Ethics Committee and reported to the Board of Trustees when necessary.
V. Commitment and Formation
- All members shall receive orientation on this Code during onboarding or training.
- Formation programs will include regular reflection on ethical leadership and mission integrity.
- Annual signatory renewal shall be practiced through the Ethical Commitment Affirmation Form.
In all things, we are guided by the Gospel mandate to love, serve, and protect— especially those entrusted to our care.