At CADEF CAMEROON we commit to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and professionalism. This Code of Conduct sets the expectations for behaviour for all staff, board members, interns, volunteers, contractors, and partners who represent or engage with CADEF. Everyone acting on behalf of CADEF must read, understand, and adhere to these standards.
Core Principles
- Respect and Dignity
Treat all people with respect, courtesy, and cultural sensitivity. Honour the dignity and rights of beneficiaries, colleagues, partners, and community members. - Integrity and Honesty
Act truthfully and transparently in all professional activities. Avoid misrepresentation of CADEF, its work, or outcomes. - Professionalism
Maintain high standards of conduct in communications, fieldwork, and representation. Meet commitments reliably and follow organisational procedures. - Confidentiality and Privacy
Protect personal and sensitive information acquired through CADEF activities. Share information only on a legitimate need-to-know basis and in line with our Privacy & Data Protection policy. - Non-Discrimination and Inclusion
Promote equity and inclusion in all relationships and decisions. CADEF does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, socioeconomic status, or other protected characteristics. - Safeguarding and Child Protection
Prioritise the safety of children and vulnerable adults at all times. Follow the Child Protection & Safeguarding policy when interacting with beneficiaries or handling program activities. - Accountability
Take responsibility for actions and decisions. Report concerns or suspected misconduct through the appropriate channels without delay.
Expected Behaviours
- Communicate respectfully and courteously in person, online, and in written materials.
- Use CADEF resources, time, and property only for authorised organisational purposes.
- Declare any real or perceived conflict of interest promptly and follow the Conflict of Interest procedures.
- Never engage in harassment, exploitation, or any form of abusive behaviour.
- Obtain informed consent before photographing or recording participants and follow the Media & Consent guidance.
- Comply with security, health, and safety protocols while conducting fieldwork.
- Cooperate fully with internal investigations and reporting processes when requested.
- Complete mandatory training on safeguarding, ethics, and data protection as required.
Reporting Violations
If you witness or suspect a violation of this Code, report it immediately using CADEF’s reporting channels described in the Whistleblower Protection and Feedback & Complaints policies. Reports can be submitted confidentially and will be handled promptly and fairly. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Consequences of Misconduct
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, termination of association, or legal action where appropriate. The severity of consequences will correspond to the nature of the breach and will follow CADEF’s established disciplinary procedures.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Board of Directors
Provide oversight of organisational ethics and approve major policy changes. - Executive Management Team
Ensure implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of this Code across programmes and operations. - Supervisors and Managers
Model expected behaviour, provide guidance to team members, and report concerns. - All Personnel and Partners
Read, acknowledge, and comply with this Code; participate in mandatory trainings; report concerns.
Acknowledgement
All staff, board members, interns, volunteers, contractors, and partners must acknowledge receipt of this Code of Conduct and confirm understanding of its contents as part of onboarding and periodic compliance checks.
Related Policies
This Code should be read alongside CADEF’s other governance documents including the Child Protection & Safeguarding policy, Privacy & Data Protection policy, Whistleblower Protection policy, and Conflict of Interest policy.
Contact
For questions about this Code or to report a concern, contact info@cadef.org.
Last updated: October 2025