Donor Code of Conduct
Introduction
The Mary How Trust (MHT) is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and supporters. While we are grateful for the generosity of our donors, MHT expects all donors, supporters, and philanthropists to engage with our organisation in a manner consistent with our values of integrity, respect, and professionalism.
This Donor Code of Conduct is designed to ensure clear expectations and promote positive, respectful relationships between donors and MHT.
- Respectful Engagement
All donors are expected to interact with MHT staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders in a courteous and respectful manner. This includes:
Communicating respectfully in person, by phone, email, or any other medium.
Respecting the professional boundaries of staff and volunteers.
Refraining from behaviour that could be considered intimidating, harassing, or abusive.
- Professional Boundaries
MHT staff are responsible for upholding ethical and professional standards in all interactions with donors. Donors are expected to:
Avoid any actions that could be perceived as exerting undue influence over staff, trustees, or organisational decisions.
Respect the confidentiality and privacy of staff and beneficiaries.
Refrain from pressuring staff for preferential treatment, access, or decision-making authority beyond the scope of standard donor engagement.
- Prohibited Behaviours
MHT will not tolerate the following behaviours from donors:
Harassment, bullying, or intimidation, including verbal, written, or digital communication.
Inappropriate or unwanted physical contact or gestures.
Discriminatory remarks or behaviour based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Threats, coercion, or any form of aggressive conduct.
- Reporting and Response
Staff and volunteers are encouraged to report any incidents of inappropriate behaviour by donors promptly to their line manager or the designated safeguarding officer. MHT will:
Investigate all reported incidents thoroughly and confidentially.
Take appropriate action to protect staff and maintain a safe working environment.
Reserve the right to decline donations or terminate relationships with donors whose behaviour breaches this code.
- Transparency and Accountability
MHT commits to:
Clearly communicating this Donor Code of Conduct to all current and prospective donors.
Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are trained to recognise and respond to inappropriate donor behaviour.
Upholding the highest standards of ethical fundraising and donor engagement in line with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising guidelines.
- Acknowledgment
By making a donation or engaging with MHT, donors are considered to have read and agreed to abide by this Donor Code of Conduct. Non-compliance may result in a review of the donor relationship, which could include limiting engagement or returning donations where appropriate.
Donor Code of Conduct (Summary)
The Mary How Trust is grateful for the generosity and support of our donors. We are committed to building positive, respectful, and professional relationships with all who support our work.
We ask all donors to engage with The Mary How Trust in a manner that reflects our values and supports a safe and respectful environment for staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
Our Expectations of Donors
We expect donors to:
Treat all MHT staff, volunteers, and representatives with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
Communicate in a professional and appropriate manner at all times.
Respect professional boundaries and the roles and responsibilities of staff and trustees.
Unacceptable Behaviour
The Mary How Trust does not tolerate:
Harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, intimidation, or abusive behaviour in any form.
Inappropriate or unwanted personal attention, comments, or physical contact.
Discriminatory language or behaviour.
Attempts to exert undue influence or pressure on staff or organisational decisions.
Our Commitment
The Mary How Trust is committed to:
Upholding high standards of ethical fundraising in line with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
Supporting staff and volunteers to work in a safe and respectful environment.
Taking appropriate action where this Code of Conduct is not upheld.
Notes to Policy:
- Review of this policy will normally occur every 2 years, unless there is a significant reason identified which means an earlier update is required.
- Any queries regarding this policy must be addressed to the owner.
Reviewed February 2026
