code of conduct

Based on our core values, we have developed a code of conduct and policies to ensure that we are able to meet our own business and personal goals in a way that are aligned with and reinforce the needs of the world in which we work. Marula is committed to conduct business, including running its programs, fundraising, and the implementation of Marula's activities in accordance with the following principles. 

Human rights (Human slavery/Modern trafficking, Child protection, Diversity & Inclusion, Non-discrimination, Sexual harassment)  

  • Marula and its employees are committed to providing a work environment that is professional and free from discrimination, harassment, hostility, humiliation, bullying, mobbing, or other offenses which might interfere with work performance or the dignity of an individual, which includes activities such as child labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking.

  • Marula treats everyone with respect and challenges any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, intimidation, exploitation, or abuse. Differences at Marula are not just accepted, they are celebrated, and will contribute to creating an environment fully inclusive of everyone and everything they bring to our work.

  • Marula wants to be a respectful partner to all they work with, and all representatives are expected to respect our ‘Human Rights Policy’ in detail and demonstrate professional and respectful behaviours in the workplace, at company events, and/or under any circumstances when representing Marula.

Environment 

  • Marula and its employees must commit to operating its services in compliance with applicable Ugandan laws, regulations, and standards concerning environmental protection. 

  • Marula engages staff on a culture of awareness and responsibility in relation to our ecological commitments to minimise our own daily impact and we provide a mechanism for self-monitoring and suggestions through our integrated reporting system. 

  • Marula considers the environmental impact of any new project, works with organisations that align with our core principles and environmental values/culture, and uses our platform to support local initiatives and raise awareness. 

Health, Safety, and Security 

  • Marula is committed to offer a safe and healthy working environment for its employees and stakeholders and this will form an integral part of Marula’s planning and decision making. 

  • Marula will manage our business in an ethical way in compliance with laws and regulations such as Uganda’s Occupational Safety and Health Act 2006, a practical guide for Employees in their daily work and any decision-making process can be found in our ‘Health, Safety, and Security Policy’.


Anti-corruption, Bribery, and Fraud

  • Marula and its employees provide a work environment that is professional and free from bribery, fraud, extortion, collusion, and money laundering. 

  • Our ‘Anti-corruption, Bribery, and Fraud Policy’ sets out key Do’s and Don’ts, definitions, and examples. It applies to all Marula employees, associates, consultants, and independent service providers and is subject to Ugandan national laws and international standards. 

  • All corruption incidents at Marula, partner organisations, or other incidents related to Marula activities must be reported in accordance with our policy. Also any reasonable suspicions, rumours about corruption by any employee must be reported for proper advice and guidance. 

Conflict of Interest 

  • Avoid any personal, financial, or other interests that may conflict with the mission and vision of Marula and thus hinder the ability or willingness to perform duties for Marula. Any interests which may lead to conflict will be declared and dealt with according to our ‘Conflict of Interest Policy’. 

  • Choosing personal gain over duties to Marula or exploiting your position for personal gain in some way has legal and employment consequences. Our policies and examples of conflict of interest situations can be found in our ‘Conflict of Interest Policy’ directly.  

Privacy and Data Protection Policy

  • Marula is committed to handle the personal data it holds and processes - whether from its employees, customers, suppliers, or other third parties - securely and  in compliance with local legislation and Marula’s own data protection principles which can be found here.

  • All personal data processed by Marula is part of Marula’s approach to compliance with the Ugandan Protection and Privacy ACT 2019. Marula is the Data Controller (or simply Controller) of Personal Data, as part of that responsibility Marula will appoint a person(s) to be responsible for data protection.

Ethics in Media 

  • Marula ensures that our production in all its stages is respectful, professional and practical to both Marula and partners but most importantly the people and beneficiaries of projects who are being filmed and included in our work. 

  • All materials should align within the Marula brand and with Marula’s impact vision for ensuring respect and dignity (this includes specific filming policies around children, consent, political references, professionalism, beneficiaries and more). Further details can be found directly in our Media Tool Kit Policy and can be requested at any time. 


FURTHER NOTICE   

We recognise that we also have a responsibility towards our external stakeholders. If the Code of Conduct conflicts with local law then local law must be followed while striving to act in the spirit of the Businesses Principles. 


The Marula Code of Conduct was last updated in July of 2021 in an effort to summarise all our internal policies in a Code which allows us to conduct our business operations in line with our vision and corporate values.


Marula also aims to become B Corp Certified by 2025, and hence will adapt its code of conduct yearly as the company adapts to global sustainability and social standards. 


BREACH OF CODE OF CONDUCT

In the event of a breach of these principles, employees should first raise concerns through their normal management channels. Reporting to management is usually the fastest and preferred route, and the best way to ensure a good and open work environment.  

If local reporting channels are likely to be inappropriate or ineffective, the SpeakUp Policy should be used but this should be considered as a last resort. Please refer to the SpeakUp Policy document for additional insight in what this policy entails. All concerns raised in accordance with this procedure will be treated strictly confidentially and with the complete assurance that there will be no retaliation against any employee filing a good faith complaint. Reports will be investigated promptly and corrective action will be taken where required to resolve issues satisfactorily.

FINAL WORDS 

We expect all our representatives to behave ethically, lawfully and in accordance with our core values: Transparency, Accountability, Non-discrimination, Sustainable Impact, and Creativity. We have outlined the above Code of Conduct principles in more detail as a set of policies for our company.

If you would like to see the set of policies, or if you have any questions or concerns about our code of conduct or policies please contact:

Ludivine Berouard: ludivine@marulaconsultancy.com

CEO Marula Creative Consultancy