Carver Policy Samples

Rationale: Principles and practices of the [Organization’s Name] Board of Directors and Committee Chairs to provide guidance and direction for effective governance.

Code: Members of the Board of Directors are committed to observing and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct in the performance of their responsibilities on the board of {Name of Organization}. Board members pledge to accept this code as a minimum guideline for ethical conduct and shall:

Accountability

• Faithfully abide by the articles of incorporation, bylaws and policies of the organization.
• Exercise reasonable care, good faith and due diligence in governing and managing affairs. (Principles of Duty of Care, Loyalty and Obedience.)
• Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, in formation that may result in a perceived for actual conflict of interest.
• Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information of fact that would have significance in board decision-making.
• Remain accountable for prudent fiscal management to association members, the board, and nonprofit sector, and where applicable, to government and funding bodies.
• Maintain a professional level of courtesy, respect, and objectivity in all matters and activities.
• Strive to uphold those practices and assist other members of the board in upholding the highest standards of conduct.

Personal Gain – Self-Dealing

• Exercise the powers invested for the good of all members of the organization rather than for personal benefit.

Equal Opportunity – Diversity – Inclusivity

• Ensure the right of all members to access benefits and services without discrimination on the basis of culture, geography, political, religious, or socio-economic aspects.
• Ensure the right of all members to access benefits and services without discrimination on the basis of the organization’s volunteer or staff make-up in respect to gender, sexual orientation, national origin, race, religion, age, political affiliation or disability, in accordance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Confidential Information

• Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information known to board service and used for the purposes of governance and management.

Collaboration and Cooperation

• Respect the diversity of opinions as expressed or acted upon by the organization board, committees and membership, and formally register dissent as appropriate.
• Promote collaboration, cooperation, and partnership among association members.

Professional Excellence – Integrity

Approved (Date)_______________________Signature: X________________________

Recommendation for Adoption and Usage: Read the requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. Compare other organization Codes of Conduct. Appoint a task force to review and recommend a Code of Conduct to the board. Board discussion and approval. Nominating Committee to annually distribute to all nominees for review and signature. Maintain copy in the organization’s office and copy for each board member.

Note: Adaptations made; source: NCNA. Used for educational purposes. (9-04)