The CSO Working Groups has the following core strategic aims and functions:
Promoting the strategic aims & direction, by:
- Promoting the vision, values, and objectives of CSO
- Improvement and enable strategy with priorities
- Contribute to the wider participation of the Somali Community
- Increase or co-ordinate the opportunities for the members of the Somali Community in the UK
- Raising and amplifying the voices and awareness of the issues affecting the Somali Community in the UK.
As individuals on the Working Group we agree to the following:
Commitment
We acknowledge that membership involves the commitment of significant amounts of time and energy, and we will:
- each involve ourselves actively in the work of the group, and accept our fair share of responsibilities, including service on committees or working groups;
- make full efforts to attend all meetings and where we cannot, will explain in advance why we are unable to do so;
- get to know the issues that affect the work of the group well;
- take responsibility for our own individual actions, whilst also evaluating the needs of the group as a whole in their needs;
- prepare for meetings by circulating and reading paperwork beforehand;
- understand the purpose of the group and the role of the Co-convenors and BoT Liaison.
Communication (including social media)
We acknowledge that as a member of CSO Working Group we:
- owe a duty of mutual trust and confidence in our Group, and to each other. We recognise this could be breached if unsuitable language and/or material is contained in any communication or correspondence, including all types of electronic communication, social networking sites, personal blogs and websites;
- will gain the agreement of the the Co-convenors and/or BoT Liaison prior to posting any content (written, vocal or visual) to the internet which identifies us as members of the group;
- will be mindful of upholding the reputation of the group whencommunicating in a private capacity.
Conduct
We agree to work as a team member at all times and be loyal to collective decisions; we will:
- uphold the British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs;
- accept collective responsibility for all decisions made by the group or its’ delegated member. This means we will not act or speak out against majority decisions outside the group;
- always be mindful of our responsibility to maintain and develop the ethos and reputation of our group. Our actions within the group/professionally/the local community will reflect this;
- accept that we have no legal authority to act or speak individually, except when the CSO’s BoT has given us delegated authority to do so. We will only act or speak on behalf of the BoT as one voice;
- be aware of GDPR and demonstrate compliance with the regulation through the use of organisational measures to protect the data within our care;
- act fairly and without prejudice, and in so far as we have responsibility for others;
- accept that in the interests of openness , relevant business and pecuniary interests, category of outside interest and the body responsible for appointing us will be disclosed;
- encourage openness and act appropriately in discussions;
- consider carefully how our decisions may affect the community and others;
Confidentiality
We will not reveal the details of any information that is received as result of the membership and when matters are deemed confidential we will:
- observe complete confidentiality;
- exercise discretion at all times when discussions matters arising outside a meeting;
- continue to observe that confidentiality after member leaves office.
Conflicts of interest
We acknowledge that we will:
- record any pecuniary or other business interest (including those related to people we are connected with) that we have in connection with the group’s business in the Register of Business Interests, and if any such conflicted matter arises in a meeting we will offer to leave the meeting for the appropriate length of time;
- accept that the Register of Business Interests will submitted to CSO’s BoT as part of the membership of the group;
- declare any conflict of loyalty at the start of any meeting should the situation arise;
- act in the best interests of the group as a whole and not as a representative of any group, even if selected to the Co-convenor BoT.
Relationships
As a member of a team we will:
- strive to ensure constructive working relationships are actively promoted;
- express views openly, courteously and respectfully in all our communications with other members, the BoT Liaison, and Co-convenors to the both in and outside of meetings;
- support the Co-convenors & BoT Liaison in their role of ensuring appropriate conduct both at meetings and at all times;
- be prepared to answer queries from other board members in relation to delegated functions and take into account any concerns expressed: we will acknowledge the time, effort and skills that have been committed to the delegated function by those involved;
- seek to develop effective working relationships with the other members, staff, Co-convenors and BoT Liaison.
Breach of this code of conduct
If we believe this code has been breached, we will:
- raise the issue with the Director who will investigate; the BoT will only use suspension/removal as a last resort after seeking to resolve any difficulties or disputes in more constructive ways;
As individual members we will support these core functions by following the Seven Principles of Public Life:
The Seven Principles of Public Life are:
Selflessness - holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
Integrity - holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity - In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
Accountability - holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness - holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands it.
Honesty - holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership - holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
