RSPCA Northamptonshire Branch

Who we are

CODE OF ETHICS

OVERVIEW

Our work is based on respect for the dignity and well-being of the animals in our community, our customers and supporters, colleagues, partners. The obligation and desire to maintain the highest degree of ethical conduct is at the forefront of our mission and embedded in our values.

CODE OF ETHICS

The RSPCA Northamptonshire Branch, under the umbrella of The National RSPCA, pledges to always exercise care and compassion towards the animals in our care and in all aspects of our operations.

We aspire to inspire and nurture positive public attitudes and behaviours towards animals, leading by example through our own actions.

We use science and monitoring to support the welfare of our animals, wider learning, and engagement with the public

While we strive, through our vision, to work towards a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect.

We have an aspirational set of values and principles to guide our ethical code of practice, these are as follows.

OUR ETHICAL VALUES

Care - We treat every being with respect and compassion, and we care about maintaining high standards in all that we do. Integrity - We are honest, responsible, and accountable so that we can be trusted.

Commitment - We work hard to honour our mission and are devoted to the people and animals in our care.

Positivity - We need a special combination of pragmatism, passion, and optimism to tackle tough issues.

Learning - We never stop learning and together we share our knowledge to foster love for for all animals.

OUR ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

We will:

• ensure that the well-being of our animals remains at the heart of our mission and that we go over and above professional care standards to ensure that our animals thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically

• ensure the economic health of the Branch upon which our charitable aims are dependant

• promote a culture of integrity, care and accountability ensuring that our individual judgements and decisions positively influence the long-term survival of the Branch

• honour the branch values in every aspect of our work be that with our colleagues, fellow professionals or the wider world

• aspire to the highest standards of excellence possible through all aspects of our operation by utilising our own skills and experience and in partnership with others

• guarantee that all its facilities have the necessary requirements, so the animals can express their natural behaviours, important to their well-being ensure that all new planned facilities, as well as any improvement to existing facilities, will meet the requirements for each of the species in our care.

• actively collaborate and partner with individuals and organisations who are working towards a better world for animals and the environment

• ensure that our animals are ethically acquired and when necessary rehoused in accordance with RSPCA Policy

• maximally engage and empower our audiences to take positive action for animal welfare, where this involves the use of animals as ambassadors for education and engagement, we will maintain the highest standards to ensure their wellbeing

• commit to sustainable and cruelty - free procurement and use of resources and practice what we preach as individuals

• promote and demonstrate inclusivity valuing everyone regardless of race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age

• we will not contravene local, national, or international laws or regulations; we will not disclose false information and will operate with transparency

• We as a branch will not work, sell advertising or partner with any company or financial institution, working within or in partnership with Pharmaceutical, Tobacco, Petroleum, or ecological damaging enterprises.