Ethical Policy

UMMATI RELIEF FOUNDATION (URF) – ETHICAL POLICY

Purpose

The Ummati Relief Foundation (URF) is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in all areas of its operations, including investment, procurement, fundraising, and the acceptance of donations. This Ethical Policy outlines URF’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that its actions reflect its mission, vision, and values. The Charity will always seek to do what is lawful and right, within the guiding moral principles and ethos of the Charity.

Our Vision and Values

Ummati Relief Foundation supports individuals to live, learn and work as independently as they choose, whatever their ability. Led by people with experience of disability, we are at the heart of local life – opening doors to opportunity, choice and support in communities around the globe. Our values define us as an organisation and give us clear direction about how we do what we do:

Positive – warm and empathetic, we always look to progress and improve.
Proud – strong-willed and spirited, we’re firm in our beliefs.
Pioneering – confident and imaginative, we’re creative changemakers.

1. Ethical Investment Policy

URF commits to ethical investment practices, ensuring that financial resources are managed responsibly and align with the foundation’s values. 

1.1 Investment Guidelines Social Responsibility:

Ummati Relief Foundation is committed to making ethical and socially responsible investments, ensuring that all funds or companies they invest in align strictly with their core principles and mission. To achieve this, the foundation has a rigorous screening process in place to evaluate potential investment opportunities. Here’s an outline of what Ummati Relief Foundation emphasizes:

 1.1.1 Alignment with Islamic Principles Ummati Relief Foundation invests exclusively in funds or companies that adhere to Islamic finance principles. This means avoiding interest-bearing financial products, speculative ventures, and industries that conflict with Islamic ethics. Exclusion Criteria: Ummati Relief Foundation prohibits investments in industries and sectors that contradict its mission and values, including: Arms, weapons, and defense industries. Tobacco, alcohol, and gambling industries. Industries engaged in environmental harm, human rights abuses, or labor exploitation. Ummati Relief Foundation seeks ventures that promote halal practices and align with the values of fairness, transparency, and mutual benefit. 

1.1.2. Social Responsibility and Community Impact: The foundation prioritizes investments that have a positive social impact. It supports companies that contribute to the betterment of society by promoting sustainability, ethical labor practices, and community development. By investing in initiatives that provide education, healthcare, and essential services, Ummati Relief Foundation ensures that its investments contribute positively to communities.

1.1.3 Environmental Sustainability
Environmental stewardship is central to the foundation’s values. Therefore, it actively seeks companies and funds with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) records. Ummati Relief Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that aim to reduce carbon footprints, promote renewable energy, and prioritize sustainable resource use. This approach allows them to contribute to a healthier planet and encourages other organizations to adopt similar practices.

1.1.4 Transparency and Ethical Governance
Ummati Relief Foundation holds transparency and ethical governance as essential pillars of their investment philosophy. They invest in companies that demonstrate integrity, accountability, and transparency in operations. Companies with a strong record in ethical governance, diversity, and inclusivity are prioritized, ensuring that their operations align with the foundation’s high standards.

1.1.5 Long-Term, Ethical Financial Growth
Rather than seeking rapid returns, Ummati Relief Foundation aims for sustainable, long-term financial growth that aligns with its moral framework. By focusing on steady, ethical growth, the foundation can support its philanthropic efforts without compromising its values.

This disciplined approach allows Ummati Relief Foundation to fulfill its mission of not only supporting communities but doing so in a way that is sustainable, ethically sound, and deeply aligned with its faith-driven values.

1.2 Monitoring and Review
Ummati Relief Foundation’s investment portfolio is reviewed annually to ensure compliance with the Ethical Investment Policy. Any investments found to violate Ummati Relief Foundation’s ethical criteria will be divested promptly.

2. Ethical Procurement Policy
Ummati Relief Foundation is dedicated to sourcing goods and services in a manner that reflects its commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and fair labor practices.

2.1 Procurement Guidelines
2.1.1 Ummati Relief Foundation sources its goods and services cost effectively from reliable suppliers which meet Ummati Relief Foundation’s ethical and socially responsible criteria. We will only work with suppliers who follow our objectives (values, behaviours) If there is a failure to do so, the Head of Procurement will escalate to an Executive Director to decide whether to do business with a supplier / contractor who does not comply.

2.1.2 The policy only covers UK suppliers/contractors. For the International operating environment, we will require separate specific guidelines for the context of each geography in which we operate, but we would expect the principles herein broadly to be applied.

2.1.3 Suppliers / contractors will: Confirm how they comply with Ummati Relief Foundation Standard Terms & Conditions; Confirm how they comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and none disclosure or sharing of personal information without appropriate requests and approvals; Confirm how they comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015; Operate in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974; Demonstrate systems in place to minimise the impact on the environment by seeking continual reduction in the use of natural resources and waste without affecting quality; Confirm how they comply with the UK Bribery Act 2010; Demonstrate how they meet equality requirements where there is no discrimination to its workforce or subcontractors; and Declare any interests or relationships with Ummati Relief Foundation employees or Trustees.

2.1.4 Ummati Relief Foundation employees and Trustees are required to comply with the following when undertaking procurement and supplier management: Treat all suppliers / contractors in a fair, open and transparent manner; Ensure that all suppliers information, especially commercially sensitive information is kept confidential and securely destroyed when necessary comply with the procurement policy and procurement thresholds for quotations, tenders or involving the procurement team; Ensure that supplier / contractor, buyer relationships are treated openly and honestly; In competitive procurement processes provide suppliers with a full debrief; The arbitrary or unfair use of purchasing power or influence is prohibited, and could result in disciplinary action; Declare any material or personal interest which may affect, or be seen to affect, impartiality or judgement; Encourage employees where necessary to ‘speak up’ or raise concerns in line with Ummati Relief Foundation Whistleblowing policy and procedures; Ensure that suppliers / contractors understand and agree to any negotiated terms and conditions; Respect suppliers / contractors who do not want to donate or provide in-kind benefit and ensure that any request is clearly set-out in the procurement documents inviting suppliers / contractors to participate; Ensure that the magnitude of business issued to suppliers is considered as part of the financial due diligence appraisal of suppliers / contractors prior to award; and Consider the financial impact on a supplier / contractor if URF ceased to do business with them.

2.1.5 Procurement at Ummati Relief Foundation is managed by both the central procurement team and operational colleagues undertaking procurement-related processes. The Head of Procurement provides the overarching governance, policy and principles for all staff involved in procurement to adhere to. 

2.1.6 Ummati Relief Foundation give supply sources where the conduct of suppliers / contractors demonstrably violates the principles of this policy and Ummati Relief Foundation’s charitable position.

2.2 Supplier Screening and Review
Ummati Relief Foundation evaluates suppliers’ adherence to its ethical criteria before contracting and conducts periodic reviews to ensure ongoing compliance. Contracts may be terminated if a supplier is found in violation of Ummati Relief Foundation’s ethical standards.

3. Ethical Fundraising and Donations Policy
Ummati Relief Foundation is committed to ethical practices in fundraising and in the acceptance of donations, ensuring that all funds align with its mission and values.

3.1 Fundraising Guidelines
Transparency and Honesty: URF commits to transparency in its fundraising efforts, clearly communicating its goals, fund allocation, and impact. Respect and Integrity: All fundraising activities respect donors’ privacy and choice, avoiding any form of undue pressure, misleading information, or exploitation. Responsible Marketing: URF ensures that all fundraising materials reflect its values and are truthful, respectful, and inclusive, avoiding sensationalism or misrepresentation.

3.2 Acceptance of Donations
URF accepts donations only if they meet ethical and legal standards, aligning with its mission and core values. Donations are subject to due diligence to ensure: Legitimacy and Transparency: URF confirms that the donation source is legal and free from activities that contradict the foundation’s values, including but not limited to involvement in illegal activities, harmful industries, or controversial agendas. Conflict of Interest Avoidance: URF ensures that no donation compromises its independence or creates a conflict of interest that could impact its mission.

3.3 Donor Privacy and Confidentiality Ummati Relief Foundation values donors’ privacy and confidentiality, committing to secure handling of donor information and ensuring compliance with data protection laws.

4. Policy Review and Accountability
This Ethical Policy will be reviewed annually by Ummati Relief Foundation’s Board of Directors and Trustees to ensure that all practices remain aligned with Ummati Relief Foundation’s evolving mission, legal standards, and best ethical practices.
Ummati Relief Foundation is accountable to its donors, beneficiaries, and the public, and will address any concerns regarding ethical practices through transparent communication and corrective action.

Effective Date: 22nd May 2024 Next Review Date: 22nd May 2025
This policy reaffirms Ummati Relief Foundation’s commitment to ethical conduct across all its operations, strengthening trust with stakeholders and reinforcing its mission to create positive and sustainable change in communities worldwide