Original Version: May 12, 2010

Revision: May 19, 2025

A. Preamble

International NGO Safety and Security Association (“INSSA” or the “Association”) has developed this Code of Conduct Policy for its members which establishes, maintains and promotes accountable, transparent, equitable and technically competent safety and security services. INSSA’s members (“Members”) are dedicated to the continuing professionalization of humanitarian and development security management in a manner that enables assistance programs and minimizes risks to those who deliver it.

B. Principles and Guiding Notes

1. Humanitarian Principles and Values

I. Principle: Members commit to prioritising humanitarian values, guided by the concept of “first, do no harm.”

II. Indicators:
a. Members demonstrate understanding of humanitarian frameworks, such as the Sphere Humanitarian Charter [1] , the People in Aid Code of Good Practice [2] , and the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement [3] and NGOs in Disaster Relief.
b. Members’ actions consistently reflect humanitarian principles.

III. Guiding Notes: Members should be familiar with key humanitarian frameworks and understand safety and security as essential to humanitarian aid delivery. Members must integrate this knowledge into their security guidance to foster trust and collaboration with programme teams.

2. Accountability

I. Principle: Members minimise risks to those involved in humanitarian work and avoid unnecessary risks to themselves or others.

II. Indicators:
a. Members’ attitudes and actions demonstrate responsibility in providing advice and services.
b. Accountability and compliance obligations are clearly outlined in Members’ contracts.

III. Guiding Notes: Self-assessment and performance reviews help maintain accountability. Members are encouraged to seek feedback on their services, ensuring ongoing improvement. Legal obligations vary by location; therefore, Members should be aware of their accountability within their jurisdiction, explicitly stated in contracts.

3. Equality

I. Principle: Members are committed to addressing the vulnerabilities of diverse individuals and groups, upholding the human rights of all.

II. Indicators:
a. Members demonstrate understanding of basic human rights.
b. Decisions and actions consider the unique vulnerabilities of all affected individuals.

III. Guiding Notes: Members should encourage inclusive safety and security strategies, consulting all relevant stakeholders. Different groups face varying vulnerabilities based on context; Members must assess these to implement effective, context-sensitive risk mitigation strategies.

4. Integrity and Professionalism

I. Principle: Members act with integrity, professionalism, and respect for local laws and cultural practices aligned with international norms.

II. Indicators:
a. Members understand local customs, laws, and cultural practices, addressing any inconsistencies with international standards.
b. Members uphold integrity through transparent performance evaluations.

III. Guiding Notes: In delivering security services, Members’ conduct directly impacts the reputation of aid programmes. Professionalism must remain paramount, especially in diverse contexts where local norms may differ. Members should balance respect for local practices with a commitment to impartiality and professionalism.

5. Skills and Knowledge

I. Principle: Members to maintain and develop relevant skills and knowledge through continuous learning.

II. Indicators:
a. Members can present evidence of competencies and experience.
b. Members demonstrate skill application in providing competent safety and security services.

III. Guiding Notes: Members are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with industry best practices, contributing to their credibility and enhancing their impact on aid worker safety and security.

6. Conflicts of Interest

I. Principle: Members avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that could compromise their objectivity. Any potential conflicts are disclosed to INSSA. Members will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or accept bribes, gifts, or favours that could compromise the integrity of INSSA or influence the Member’s role within INSSA.

II. Indicators:
a. Members understand and follow the process for disclosing conflicts of interest.
b. No substantiated complaints against Members regarding conflicts of interest are reported.
c. Members avoid involvement in any criminal activities that could compromise the integrity of INSSA.

III. Guiding Notes: Avoiding conflicts of interest is integral to upholding accountability and professionalism. Members who fail to disclose conflicts risk damaging INSSA’s reputation. Maintaining transparency protects the integrity of both the Association and its Members.

7. Safeguarding

I. Principle: Members are dedicated to safeguarding individuals from harm, abuse, and exploitation, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups. Members prioritise the safety, dignity, and well-being of the communities and individuals they serve, upholding the highest standards of care.

II. Indicators:
a. Members demonstrate knowledge and consistent application of safeguarding policies and procedures relevant to humanitarian and security contexts.
b. Members proactively identify, assess, and mitigate safeguarding risks in their areas of responsibility.
c. Safeguarding principles are visibly embedded in programme planning, decision-making, and daily operations.

III. Guiding Notes: Safeguarding is essential to Members’ work, informing all activities and interactions. Members should integrate safeguarding into risk assessments and operational planning, especially for vulnerable populations. Clear, accessible reporting channels are vital for confidential reporting of concerns, while ongoing safeguarding training promotes a culture of shared responsibility.

C. RIGHTS and OBLIGATIONS

Members are expected to uphold the highest professional standards and adhere to the principles and values outlined in this Code of Conduct Policy. Members are required to report, in good faith, any incidents or behaviours by other Members that violate this Code of Conduct Policy, regardless of when or where the incident occurred. This policy is not intended to restrict communications or actions protected or required by local laws. Concerns should be submitted via email to complaints@ingossa.org, a confidential address monitored by the Association.

Any individual, whether a member or not, has the right to raise concerns about potential breaches of this Code of Conduct Policy. The Association is committed to handling all such matters impartially and with diligence, ensuring that the rights of all parties involved are protected throughout the process. The identity of individuals raising concerns will be kept confidential whenever possible. If confidentiality cannot be maintained, the individual will be informed unless prohibited by legal requirements.

Members have the right to be notified of any complaints made against them, to respond to those complaints, and to appeal any decisions made by the Association. Such decisions may include termination of membership or denial of future membership applications.

By joining or maintaining membership with INSSA, individuals agree to abide by the expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct Policy.

Disclaimer: As a voluntary association, INSSA sets expectations for its members but does not assume responsibility for direct or proactive oversight of individual Members, except for its own staff (if any) or directors.