Part of the ASF policy framework, aligned with the equivalent PHIG policy. To raise a concern: see the ASF Complaints and Reporting Channel.
Everyone who works for or with ASF must act with integrity, respect and accountability, and must sign this Code on joining and every year. Owner: Board Secretary.
Scope: all ASF personnel, in and out of working hours when their conduct could affect ASF, its participants or its reputation. Partners must accept equivalent standards in their agreements.
Our ten commitments
- Obey the law and our agreements. Follow French law, the law of any country where we work, and every donor agreement.
- Protect people first. Never exploit, abuse or harass anyone. Children and adults at risk receive the highest standard of care (Policies 8–9).
- Tell the truth. Report data, results, costs and time honestly. Never falsify or fabricate records, research data or reports.
- Use money and assets only for their purpose. Donor funds, equipment and time belong to the purpose they were given for (Policies 5, 21, 22).
- Declare conflicts. Put ASF’s and participants’ interests before personal ones and declare any conflict at once (Policy 2).
- Stay independent. Never let a funder, company or political actor change a scientific finding, an editorial decision or public health advice (Policies 4, 19, 20).
- Respect everyone. No discrimination, bullying or harassment on any ground (Policy 11).
- Protect information. Keep personal, health and confidential data secure and use it only for its stated purpose (Policy 16).
- Keep ourselves and others safe. Follow security rules and do not take avoidable risks (Policy 17).
- Speak up. Report any concern about a breach of this Code — silence is itself a breach when harm is involved (Policy 13).
Conduct outside work
ASF personnel must not, at any time, engage in conduct that would breach Policies 8–10, involve drugs or corruption, or bring public health advice into disrepute. Social media use must follow Policy 20; personal views must be clearly identified as personal.
Political neutrality
ASF is non-partisan. Personnel may hold political views but must not use ASF’s name, resources or platforms to support a party or candidate. ASF engages governments on evidence and policy, never on party lines.
Breaches
Breaches lead to disciplinary action up to dismissal or termination of contract, and to referral to the authorities where a crime may have been committed. Managers who ignore a breach they know about are themselves in breach.
Acknowledgement
Every person signs the acknowledgement in Annex A on joining, and confirms it each year. HR keeps the signed copies for the duration of engagement plus five years.