Code of Ethics

Presentation

At the end of 2018, Cáritas Dominicana began the process of evaluating and applying the
Cáritas Internationalis Management Standards, in order to verify institutional development
of each of the Caritas in the network and identify areas for improvement. As an intrinsic part of these
Management Standards, there is The Code of Ethics and Conduct, which every member organization of Cáritas
Internationalis must adopt.

Our values

Charity and Solidarity
Human Promotion and integral development
Preferential option for those most in need
Vocation of Service
Social justice
Solidity and Transparency
Catholic identity and fidelity
Respect for the environment and natural resources

Code of Ethics and Conduct

On the other hand, Cáritas Arquidiocesana Santiago adhered to the Code of Conduct for Nonprofit Organizations of the Dominican Republic. This was done to strengthen transparency practices and accountability consistent with Dominican legal frameworks, within the current context for nonprofit organizations (NPOs).

This Code of Ethics and Conduct aims to guide all staff of Cáritas Arquidiocesana Santiago on the values, ethical principles, and expected behaviors necessary to ensure proper adaptation to the institution, as well as a commitment to integrity, collaboration, participation, excellence, quality of service, and a sense of human sensitivity.

The work of Cáritas is motivated, guided, and defined by the Holy Scriptures, the doctrine and traditions of the Catholic Church, and the personal encounter of love with those in greatest need. Cáritas strives for the integral development of individuals and to alleviate suffering caused by personal circumstances, natural disasters, social conflicts, and injustices.

"When one encounters the most needy, the heart begins to grow larger and larger! Because by uniting, the capacity for love multiplies – our encounter with others makes our hearts grow. Do it!"
— Pope Francis, video message for the Feast of Saint Cajetan, August 7, 2013.

The values, principles, and duties specified in this Code apply to all collaborators of Cáritas Arquidiocesana Santiago. Therefore, adherence to this code is mandatory to ensure the application of the highest standards and principles of good behavior. Staff are encouraged to ask questions or report any misconduct they may observe at any level of the institution. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality and protection within the organization.

Our People

From the outset, the organization has been committed to selecting and training personnel based on objective and results-oriented criteria. We commit to:

• Complying with laws and regulations related to personnel administration.
• Respecting individual differences and opinions, as long as they do not impose views or disrespect others.
• Caring for the organization’s assets and property.
• Promoting occupational health by encouraging a proper work-life balance.
• Encouraging environmentally friendly behaviors and the preservation of natural resources.

Our Community

Our work is measured by the positive impact we generate in communities, which are the focus of our development initiatives and efforts to improve the quality of life of their members. We commit to:

• Complying with laws and regulations related to project management.
• Respecting and strengthening community-level requirements and decisions.
• Taking responsibility for project implementation as an executing and evaluating body.
• Protecting the environment and promoting eco-conscious initiatives.
• Avoiding the creation of false expectations regarding community initiatives.
• Offering community members opportunities to participate in project management, fostering their commitment and ensuring effectiveness.
• Continuously improving our work through reflection, capacity building, monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management, and strategic planning.

We count on your support and commitment to building a stronger Cáritas, enriched by the conduct and values of everyone in this great family.

What Does Working Here Mean?

Collaborate

We promote cooperation among members while respecting their autonomy, focusing on motivation, coordination, representation, and capacity-building. Genuine collaboration involves a long-term commitment to agreed objectives and is characterized by honest feedback, joint planning, transparency, and mutual accountability.

Delegate

We ensure that authority, decisions, and responsibilities are returned to the lowest level where they can be appropriately exercised, maximizing local resources and capacities.

Participate

Participation is an expression of human dignity and involves shared responsibility within the community. We prioritize active participation as the foundation of a democratic and inclusive society.

Empower

We support individuals in developing their full potential, fostering mutual respect to help them improve their quality of life. Through integral human development and empowerment, we aim to create vibrant local communities that play a significant role in civil society.

Promote Independence

As a non-governmental entity, we establish operational priorities and programs aligned with the Catholic Church's social doctrine.

Respond

We are accountable to those we serve, our supporters, and society at large, ensuring the proper management of resources entrusted by donors and collaborators.

Defend Equality

We serve individuals impartially, especially the most vulnerable, based on objective evaluations of their needs, without distinctions of race, age, gender, physical ability, ethnicity, creed, or political beliefs.

Protect

We ensure the safety of those we work with, especially the elderly, children, and adolescents, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, national legislation, and best practices established by Cáritas Internationalis.

Be an Agent of Change

We are agents of change promoting respect for human rights. We collaborate with governments, local authorities, churches, other organizations, and community stakeholders to foster sustainable development.

What Are Our Duties?

Behavior

• Adhere to the social and moral values of the Catholic Church's doctrine, preserving Cáritas's reputation.
• Maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct, acting with dignity and competence.
• Respect human rights and oppose discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or negligence.
• Foster a respectful and inclusive environment.
• Refrain from imposing personal beliefs or making offensive comments.
• Observe health, safety, and protection guidelines while respecting local sensitivities.
• Abstain from inappropriate behaviors, including carrying weapons, consuming drugs, or excessive alcohol use during institutional activities.

Conflict of Interest and Corruption

• Avoid using authority for personal gain.
• Declare conflicts of interest in writing to supervisors.
• Refrain from accepting bribes or favors from beneficiaries, contractors, or partners.

Property Protection

• Safeguard Cáritas’s assets and intellectual property against misuse.
• Maintain financial honesty and confidentiality in all operations.

Violations and Reporting

All breaches of the Code will be investigated and may result in disciplinary action. A reporting mechanism is in place to ensure concerns are raised confidentially and addressed effectively. False accusations will also be investigated and addressed as serious misconduct.