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Speak up early
- If something doesn’t seem right — even if you're unsure.
- About unusual or overly generous offers of funding, gifts, or donations.
- About requests or pressure to bypass normal decision-making processes.
- About inappropriate requests for access to sensitive information.
- If you feel pressured or uncomfortable.
- Know who to go to if you need to discuss a concern.
- Acknowledge and value those who speak up as this can encourage others to do the same.
Ask questions
- If an opportunity or offer feels too good to be true — trust your instincts.
- Check if new proposals, partnerships, or offers align with your organisation’s mission, values, and goals.
- Verify the background and reputation of new partners, donors, or external contacts.
- Consider how an offer or partnership might affect your organisation’s independence or reputation.
- Encourage open discussion among your team when something feels uncertain or unusual.
- Keep front of mind: are we staying true to our organisation’s mission?
Support transparency
- Make sure decisions are made in a transparent, accountable way.
- Keep records of key decisions, including who was involved and why they were made.
- Disclose potential conflicts of interest, even if they seem minor.
- Be clear about how and why the organisation engages with partners, funders, or stakeholders.
- Encourage open conversations about ethical concerns or grey areas.
- Stick to agreed decision-making processes.
- Create a culture where questions about decisions or processes are welcomed.