Code of conduct and ethics

Policy statement

Our Code reflects how we turn values into action. It guides how we work together, with others, and on behalf of the communities we serve. Everyone we engage must act with integrity, accountability, and care for people, communities, and the planet.

Conduct expectations

Everyone at Just Gold must:

• Act with honesty and fairness in all professional dealings
• Respect people’s lived experience, culture, identity and autonomy
• Think beyond self: prioritise community impact, social value, and cultural safety
• Raise issues, risks, or mistakes without fear of punishment or retaliation
• Declare conflicts of interest as soon as they arise
• Share knowledge constructively and challenge decisions respectfully
• Protect human dignity, privacy, and safety at all times
• Refuse work that causes harm or contradicts our values
• Only engage with clients, suppliers, or partners who reflect ethical and inclusive practices

What this means in practice

• We will turn down contracts if they involve greenwashing, discrimination, unpaid labour, or cultural appropriation
• We will step away from campaigns or strategies that rely on fear, deficit, or misinformation
• We will not work with organisations that exploit people, erode community trust, or breach human rights, regardless of fee or profile

Enterprise alignment

As a certified social enterprise, Just Gold commits to:

• Prioritising impact over profit
• Partnering only with entities that advance justice, equity, and sustainability
• Enforcing high ethical standards across every supply chain we influence
• Terminating relationships where suppliers, clients, or collaborators fail to meet those standards

Misconduct and consequences

Breaches of this Code, whether direct or enabling, may trigger:

• Values aligned coaching or clarification
• Formal incident review by the CEO or nominated delegate, with outcomes documented and stored in the internal compliance register
• Temporary removal from projects, partnerships, or public facing roles
• Termination of contract, employment, or collaboration

Low risk breaches will be addressed through discussion or redirection. Serious or repeated breaches will escalate. In cases involving executive or board level conduct, an external advisor or independent governance contact may be engaged.

Application

This policy applies to all Just Gold staff, contractors, consultants, board members, and project collaborators. It also governs how we engage with funders, clients, suppliers, and the public.

Review cycle

This Code is reviewed annually or in response to legal, operational, or ethical change.