Purpose
GEC is an NGO/NPO that is advocating good governance and stewardship of the environment and communities. Therefore, it is important that GEC itself has good internal governance.
Principles
GEC does not tolerate bribery of corruption of any kind including giving or receiving gifts or payments to influence decisions.
Policy
- GEC’s policy is that under no circumstances may employees offer or accept money or in-kind gifts in relation to allocating or receiving contracts, appointments, or other work transactions. As an NGO/NPO, GEC’s objective is to conserve their funds to help the environment and/or communities and not to spend their funds on third parties.
- Exceptions can be in the form of small tokens of appreciation, e.g. fruits or small handicraft items related to the community may be given to speakers, guests of honour at events, members of GEC’s advisory council and board, etc.
- GEC staff must not accept gifts or entertainment from persons or organisations which have been appointed or may be appointed as contractors or suppliers for GEC. An exception can only be made for routine meals when linked to meetings or site visits and small gifts to the office during festive seasons.
- If any staff is approached by a person or an organisation to offer a payment, gift or other incentive to encourage GEC to give a contract or appointment or to request similar in return for offering a contract, grant or other benefit to GEC – the person must immediately notify their supervisor and/senior management.
- Similarly, if any staff is aware of any other person in GEC offering such a payment or benefit to any third party as an inducement for a contract or to cover up poor performance, fund mismanagement etc – must also report this to their supervisor and/or senior management.
- Making or receiving any such payment of benefit as well as failure to notify the organisation of such issues is considered a serious offence.