Practical Action’s vision is for a world that works better for everyone.
In carrying out this mission we aspire to the highest standards of professional behaviour and do not tolerate actions that fall short of our expected norms or are contrary to our values.
Practical Actions’ commitments
Bond
Practical Action is a member of BOND, the UK network for organisations working in international development.
As such we are also committed to a range of measure aimed at ensuring that we all work together to improve safeguarding and build trust, to improve reporting of incidents and to work on a system of registration and accreditation of humanitarian and development practitioners.
Code of
Conduct
Every member of Practical Action’s staff is required to fully adhere to our Code of Conduct in all their work, whether it be for Practical Action or on Practical Action’s behalf. Our Code of Conduct explicitly defines our expectations and provides guidance on how to address any situations that fall short of our high standards.
Data
Protection
We are committed to protecting the privacy of our supporters and stakeholders. We act in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
This is reflected in our website terms and conditions, and Privacy Policy, which together explain how we collect, manage, use and protect personal information.
Equality, Diversity and Dignity at Work
Practical Action are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and avoiding discrimination on the grounds of political or religious views or any personal characteristic such as gender, race, religion, ethnicity, class, caste, tribe, sexual orientation.
We are committed to creating a work environment free of harassment and bullying, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Environment
Policy
Practical Action works to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Read our public statement committing to our Science Based Targets initiative in our Environment policy.
This policy is currently under review.
Gender and Gender Transformative Change
Practical Action is committed to ensuring equitable opportunities for all women and men.
We aim to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment through all of our work including programmes, knowledge sharing, advocacy and external communications, and through our own organisational development.
Modern Day
Slavery
Practical Action is committed to combatting Modern Day Slavery.
Our policy on this issue covers both our own operations and those of our suppliers and contractors (our ‘supply chain’).
Net Zero
Practical Action’s vision is a world that works better for everyone.
Practical Action is committed to reducing our carbon footprint over the near and long term and achieve Net Zero by 2050.
To this end, we launched an organisation-wide initiative in 2022 to track our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and to develop and implement our decarbonization strategy across our global offices.
Protecting Practical Action from Financial Crime
We screen all suppliers against anti-terrorism and money-laundering databases.
We undertake regular internal and external audit and all staff are expected to read, sign and follow our Financial Crime policy.
Principles for Digital Development
Practical Action’s approach is in line with the nine Principles for Digital Development in all the work we do, not just the activities that have digital components.
We endorse these principles, and our expectation is that they will be adopted every time a digital component is introduced into a project.
Public and Private Engagements Policy
We see engagements with the public and private sectors not just as a means to build a larger, more balanced income portfolio but also to leverage funds from third parties, to help us increase our profile and influence and to bring additional skills to bear on our work.
The Public and Private Engagements Policy ensures that such engagements align with our values and minimise the risk to us.
Safeguarding
from Abuse
Practical Action believes that it is unacceptable for anyone to experience exploitation or abuse – in any form, anywhere.
Internationally, all staff members undergo mandatory Safeguarding training, and are expected to commit to our Safeguarding Policy at all times whilst working for or on behalf of Practical Action.
Practical Action furthers our commitment as a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme
The 10 principles of
the UN Global Compact
Practical Action commits to:
- Support the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact with respect to human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption;
- Advance these principles within your sphere of influence, and make a clear statement of this commitment to your stakeholders and the general public;
- Take part in the activities of the UN Global Compact according to your type of organisation; and
- Communicate every two years with your stakeholders on your engagement in the Global Compact and your efforts to support the ten principles, and post this Communication on Engagement (COE) on the UN Global Compact website.
For our profile and documentation:
Transparency and Open Information
We are committed to being an open and transparent organisation, accountable to all of our stakeholders. Practical Action publishes data via the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), where information on aid and activity spending is publicly accessible.
We are also prepared to respond to any reasonable request for information about our work, as detailed in our Open Information Policy.
Whistleblowing and Complaints
We offer an external whistleblowing and complaints service for everyone to use. All staff must read, sign and follow our Complaints Framework, which explains their duty to report concerns and how to handle complaints.
For more information about raising a safeguarding, financial or serious incident complaint, please view our Global Complaints policy.
We are committed to making this a continuing journey of improvement, recognising a constant need to continually train staff and reinforce these values and practices all around the world.
Our Annual Reports
Our Financial Statements
For more information or to ask about our other policies and procedures, please contact us;
Telephone 01926 634 400 or e-mail us at [email protected]
(We will respond within two working days. Telephones are answered UK office hours Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, 24 hour message service available)