Code of Conduct

At Drishti Foundation Trust, we believe that the foundation of any credible and impactful non-profit organization is its unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and ethical behavior. Established over a decade ago, with the honor of holding Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2017 and accreditation from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), we have dedicated ourselves to fostering trust among our partners, beneficiaries, donors, and the communities we serve so Code of Conduct is the key.

Our Code of Conduct outlines the principles and standards that guide the actions of our staff, volunteers, board members, and partners. It reflects our values as a non-profit working in research & development, higher education, river rejuvenation, ocean cleaning, water conservation, pond cleaning, tree plantation & maintenance, wildlife protection, disaster management, and ecosystem & biodiversity restoration across India.

Purpose of the Code of Conduct

The primary purpose of this Code is to:

• Set clear expectations for behavior and decision-making.
• Ensure consistency in our actions across diverse projects and locations.
• Safeguard the reputation and mission of Drishti Foundation Trust.
• Create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone we work with.

This Code applies equally to employees, volunteers, interns, trustees, contractors, and partner organizations.

Core Principles

Our Code of Conduct is built on the following core principles:

1. Integrity

We act with honesty and uphold the highest ethical standards in all our activities, from financial management to fieldwork. Integrity is the foundation of our credibility as an NGO.

2. Transparency

We are open about our decision-making processes, financial transactions, and project outcomes, ensuring stakeholders have access to accurate and timely information.

3. Accountability

We accept responsibility for our actions and decisions, and we encourage an environment where feedback is valued and acted upon.

4. Respect and Inclusion

We treat every individual with dignity, regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion, gender, or abilities, ensuring our programs promote equality and participation.

5. Environmental Stewardship

As an organization working to protect nature, we commit to sustainable practices in all aspects of our operations, minimizing environmental harm.

Professional Behaviour

Our team members and affiliates are expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism in interactions with beneficiaries, partners, and colleagues.
• Avoid any form of harassment, discrimination, or exploitation.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including personal data of stakeholders.
• Uphold commitments and deliver work with diligence and punctuality.

Conflict of Interest

Conflicts of interest can undermine trust. We require that:

• All members disclose any personal or financial interest that might influence decisions or project implementation.
• No staff or volunteer uses their position for personal gain.
• Partner selection and procurement decisions are based on fairness and merit.

Financial Integrity

As stewards of donor and grant funds, we ensure:

• Accurate and complete record-keeping.
• Strict compliance with donor agreements, legal requirements, and accounting standards.
• No misuse or misappropriation of funds.
• Regular internal and external audits to maintain transparency.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

We operate in full compliance with:

• Indian laws and regulations governing non-profit organizations.
• International agreements relevant to environmental conservation, education, and humanitarian work.
• Requirements of UN agencies and other partners we collaborate with.

Safeguarding and Protection

We are committed to the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in our programs, particularly vulnerable populations. Our safeguarding policy ensures that:

• Children, women, and marginalized groups are protected from abuse and exploitation.
• All staff and volunteers undergo background checks where necessary.
• Incidents of harm or abuse are reported promptly and handled with sensitivity.

Environmental Responsibility

Our field operations often involve large-scale environmental interventions such as tree plantations, river cleaning, and biodiversity restoration. We commit to:

• Using eco-friendly materials and methods in our projects.
• Preventing pollution and minimizing waste.
• Collaborating with communities to ensure long-term environmental benefits.

Health and Safety

The safety of our staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries is a top priority. We ensure:

• Adequate safety training for all field activities.
• Proper equipment and protective gear for volunteers and workers.
• Risk assessments before initiating potentially hazardous activities.

Ethical Communication

As an organization that shares updates and achievements publicly, we commit to:

• Providing accurate and truthful information in all communications.
• Avoiding exaggerated claims about project impact.
• Respecting the privacy of individuals featured in our publications, photos, or videos.

Anti-Corruption Commitment

We maintain zero tolerance for corruption and bribery. This means:

• No offering or accepting of bribes, kickbacks, or gifts intended to influence decisions.
• Immediate reporting of suspected corruption through our grievance channels.

Grievance Redressal and Whistleblower Protection

We encourage the reporting of violations of this Code without fear of retaliation. Our system ensures:

• Confidential handling of complaints.
• Protection for whistleblowers from harassment or discrimination.
• Timely investigation and resolution of complaints.

Volunteer and Partner Responsibilities

Since many of our projects involve collaboration, we expect our partners and volunteers to:

• Follow the same ethical and operational standards as Drishti Foundation Trust staff.
• Act in the best interests of the communities and ecosystems we serve.
• Communicate openly and honestly about challenges or risks encountered.

Application in Field Projects

Our diverse project areas require specific conduct standards:

• Research & Development: Maintain accuracy, avoid plagiarism, and respect intellectual property.
• Higher Education: Promote academic freedom while respecting cultural sensitivities.
• River and Ocean Cleaning: Follow safety and environmental guidelines during clean-up drives.
• Wildlife Protection: Adhere to wildlife protection laws and ethical treatment of animals.
• Disaster Management: Prioritize humanitarian needs while respecting the dignity of affected populations.

Training and Awareness

We ensure that this Code of Conduct is not just a document but a lived practice by:

• Conducting orientation sessions for new staff and volunteers.
• Holding annual refresher training for all members.
• Sharing case studies to illustrate ethical challenges and best practices.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Compliance with this Code is monitored through:

• Regular supervisory check-ins.
• Internal audits of operations and finances.
• Investigations into reported misconduct, followed by disciplinary measures where required.

Disciplinary Action for Violations

Failure to comply with this Code may result in:

• Verbal or written warnings.
• Suspension or termination of employment or volunteer service.
• Termination of partnerships or contracts.
• Legal action where necessary.

Periodic Review

The Code of Conduct is reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant to our mission, operations, and evolving legal or ethical standards. Updates are communicated to all stakeholders.

Commitment Statement

By being part of Drishti Foundation Trust whether as a trustee, employee, volunteer, or partner you commit to upholding the principles and behaviors outlined in this Code of Conduct. We believe that adherence to these standards is essential to advancing our mission of environmental conservation, education, disaster response, and sustainable community development across India.

Contact for Code of Conduct Queries or Violations:

Drishti Foundation Trust
G-502,Merlin Sparsh,Narol-Aslali Highway,Narol,Ahmedabad-382405
Email: info@drishtifoundation.org
Website: www.drishtifoundation.org

Our Ethical Promise

At Drishti Foundation Trust, ethics is not an afterthought—it is the very backbone of our work. We know that our ability to create meaningful, lasting change depends on the trust we build with communities, partners, and supporters. Through this Code of Conduct, we reaffirm our dedication to being an organization that not only talks about change but embodies it in every action.

“Reach out to explore collaborations, discover our initiatives, and contribute to creating meaningful, lasting change.”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrishtiFoundationTrust/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/drishtifoundation

Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/drishtifoundationtrust

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/company/drishtifoundationtrust

Twitter : https://www.twitter.com/dftindia