Values and Working Practices

The activities of the Oxford Hub and its official member organisations strive to uphold the following values, adapted from BOND - British Overseas NGOs for Development. In addition, the Oxford Hub's members abide by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Code of Conduct when relevant to their work. Recognising that different experiences lead to different understandings, the Oxford Hub commits itself to further its understanding of these principles according to the guidance of its members.

Values

1) Social justice, equity and respect for human rights.

Our members believe that all people should enjoy the rights they hold under international law and conventions to economic, social, cultural, religious and political freedoms and safeguards, including the basic survival rights (food, shelter, health, education, life) and rights not to be discriminated against, persecuted, tortured, subjected to abuse and cruel and degrading treatment. The international community should support and protect the efforts of all people to make their rights a reality. Oxford Hub members believe that these efforts should be based on social justice, the eradication of poverty, and more equitable distribution of wealth and the earth's resources. Oxford Hub members believe that all people should have the power to determine their own values and priorities and to organise themselves to act on these.

2) The active participation of the people with whom they are working.

Our members believe in maintaining an open dialogue about development needs with the people, organisations and communities they work with. They believe that, to the extent possible, participating communities should be responsible for the design and running of projects and programmes and be involved in shaping UK policy decisions.

Working Practices

1) Taking a professional approach to their work.

Our members believe that being as efficient and effective as possible is a responsibility to all of their stakeholders. They aim to be continually learning and seek to implement suitable practices to ensure institutional knowledge.

2) Supporting the empowerment of particularly disadvantaged groups.

Our members believe that addressing the exclusion from power of particularly disadvantaged groups is an essential element of social projects. They pay specific attention to disadvantaged groups within the communities they work with.

3) Working to reduce gender inequalities.

Our members believe, and aim to ensure, that women and men, girls and boys should benefit from and participate in development equally, recognising that gender inequalities are an impediment to development. Our members support measures to reduce discrimination against women and girls.

4) Using responsible fundraising methods.

In their fundraising activities, our members aim to portray the realities and complexities of the situations with which they are involved, as inappropriate methods, simplistic images and messages can undo the positive impact of their work. our members aim to avoid stereotypical images and aims where possible to challenge them.

5) Ensuring that the results of their actions are sustainable.

Our members aim to provide support that foster sustainable solutions as it builds on, reinforces and supports structures and practices that have long term sustainability. They aim to ensure that the improvement of social, political, economic and environmental conditions are in balance and will not jeopardise opportunities for the more disadvantaged or for future generations. In short-term relief situations our members aim to ensure that existing institutions are sustained and able to rehabilitate and develop after the crisis.

6) Engaging in education, awareness raising and advocacy

Our members believe that public opinion and policy influence can be an important contributor to development. Our members, when appropriate, aim to make use of the experience to raise awareness about development issues, educate students about responsible practices and shape public policy discourses.