Code of Ethics

Should you wish to report a potential violation of this Code, please contact us directly here.

LAST UPDATED: May 2021.

Future Leaders Network (FLN) is a values-led organisation. We believe that the values a person holds are as much of an indicator of their leadership potential, as the skills and capabilities they are able to build.

We want FLN to be a place where like-minded individuals, that aspire to affect change, come together to learn from each other and from the exceptional individuals and organisations we partner with. At Future Leaders Network, like-minded does not mean thinking the same way, or looking the same way, or acting the same way; it means sharing a core set of values.

It is in that spirt, that we have created this Code of Ethics (‘Code’) - a set of core values which we hope everyone associated with Future Leaders Network, shares.

To whom does this Code of Ethics apply?

This Code of Ethics applies to:

• FLN Members: those individuals that experience our training workshops, attend our events, access our opportunities or engage on our digital platforms.

• FLN Representatives: including board members, staff members, volunteers, consultants, contractors and partners.

• FLN Visitors: those who visit FLN supported work with FLN’s knowledge and consent (including but not limited to journalists or supporters).

When does this Code of Ethics apply?

This Code of Ethics has been written to support our internal and external policies (such as equality, safeguarding, etc.), and the agreements we hold with 3rd parties (such as service providers and employees).

Those formal agreements and policies are binding, this Code of Ethics, is not.

However, we expect all those associated with FLN to meet the expectations in this code and, where appropriate, ensure their employees and partners do the same. We also expect that their actions should be in accordance with the spirit of any agreements they hold with FLN and this Code, as well as the letter.

Furthermore, we expect everyone associated with FLN to:

• act in a manner that is compatible with these values; and

• contribute to the public good within in the UK and abroad;

both during and outside of their relationship with Future Leaders Network.

How will this Code of Ethics be implemented and enforced?

This Code of Ethics will be implemented through:

• formalising the Code through contractual arrangements with FLN Representatives wherever possible;

• enforcing the relevant terms of these contractual arrangements through the most appropriate mechanisms available;

• inclusion in the Terms and Conditions of every training workshop, event, opportunity or digital platform we offer;

• enforcing all Terms and Conditions by calling out behaviour that infringes this Code and by utilising the measures provided by this Code, detailed in the section entitled: “What happens if I am found to be in violation of this Code?”.

Future Leaders Network Code of Ethics

1/ Zero tolerance of abuse, discrimination or victimisation

We expect all those associated with FLN to treat each other with fairness and respect.

FLN will not tolerate abuse, discrimination, or victimisation in any form.

For avoidance of doubt, abuse includes, but is not limited to:

• physical abuse - actual or likely physical injury, or the failure to prevent it;

• emotional abuse - actual or likely adverse effect of threatened abuse;

• sexual abuse and exploitation - all forms of sexual activity and exchange of benefits (including food and money) for sexual favours;

• physical or emotional intimidation;

• neglect - where basic needs such as food, warmth and medical care are not met;

• sexual harassment - unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, the effect of which is to violate the dignity of another person and to create an intimidating environment for them;

• commercial exploitation, including child and people trafficking;

• use of email, internet or social media to bully, harass or coerce others (including cyber bullying and grooming);

• abuse of a position of trust.

Interacting with Vulnerable Groups

Some FLN Representative, FLN Members and FLN Visitors will have particular needs, such as those with physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions, children and young people, the elderly, or those with other factors that place them in a vulnerable position.

All those associated with FLN must ensure that at all times, these individuals are treated with respect and that their dignity, safety, security and wellbeing, is treated as a priority concern.

2/ Trust

We strongly believe in the power of relationships and partnerships to affect change. However, in order to realise the potential of a relationship or partnership, it must be built upon trust.

We expect all those associated with FLN to:

• take meaningful actions to establish trust in new relationships and partnerships;

• ensure that neither they, nor any of their partners, intermediaries or even subcontractors, engage in any act or omission, which is reasonably likely to diminish the trust held in them or in FLN. This includes, but is not limited to, acts of gross misconduct such as:

  • Theft or fraud;

  • Serious breach or breaches of FLN policies or contractual obligations;

  • Fighting and any other kind of assault or physical violence.

  • Malicious damage to property.

  • Serious negligence which causes, or might cause, unacceptable loss, damage or injury.

  • Serious or repeated breaches of Health and Safety Regulations.

  • Deliberate falsification of records;

  • Deliberately making or supporting materially false or misleading statements;

  • Accessing, disclosing or otherwise using personal data without authority;

  • Serious breach of confidence (subject to the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1998.)

  • Misuse of FLN’s property or resources;

  • Misuse of FLN’s intellectual property, including our name;

  • Bringing FLN into serious disrepute.

• speak out, without fear of consequence, wherever they see FLN Representatives, FLN Members or FLN Visitors not upholding the values outlined in this code. 

3/ Integrity

We expect all those associated with FLN to conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity. This includes, but is not limited to:

• At all times operating within the limits of their own competence and recognising where that competence has the potential to be exceeded;

• Taking an active part in conversations, but never imposing advice or opinions on others;

• Refraining from offering professional advice (including any professional financial advice) or information that may be confidential, misleading or where it is not possible to assess its accuracy;

• Respecting all copyrights, agreements, work, intellectual property and trademarks belonging to others and complying with laws covering such areas.

4/ Accountability

We expect all those associated with FLN to be willing to account for their actions and responsibilities. We hope that this willingness is recognised as a core leadership capability.

What happens if I am found to be in violation of this Code?

Violations of the contractual arrangements and policies that FLN holds with FLN Representatives will be dealt with using the appropriate mechanisms provided by those agreements/policies.

We hope that the majority of the time, it won’t be necessary to enforce this Code. However, should that action become necessary, you will be clearly advised of the nature of the complaint against you and will be given the opportunity to state your case before any decision is made.

FLN operates a zero tolerance policy when it comes to any form of abuse, discrimination, victimisation, or violation of trust. Therefore, decisions made against you in these areas will result in an immediate removal of access to any current and future training workshops, events, opportunities and/or digital platforms. Where appropriate, such violations will be shared with relevant authorities.

For all other violations, FLN operates a three-strike policy, whereby those incurring three strikes will have their access to any current and future training workshop, event, opportunity or digital platform, removed.

You will always have the right to appeal against any strike imposed, but any decision made after the appeal process will be final.