Ethical Code and Good Governance
Ethical Code and Good Governance
Index
- 1. Introduction and Purpose of the Code
- 2. Mission, Vision and Ethical Values
- 3. Ethical Principles of Action
- 4. Standards of Good Governance
- 5. Conflicts of Interest
- 6. Ethical Behavior in Interventions and Activities
- 7. Data Protection and Confidentiality
- 8. Equality, Diversity and Non-Discrimination
- 9. Ethical Channel
- 10. Training and Ethical Commitment
- 11. Monitoring, Review and Update
- 12. Approval and Entry into Force
1. Introduction and Purpose of the Code
This Ethical Code and Good Governance sets out the principles, values and standards that should govern the conduct of the people who make up Firefighters Search and Rescue Spain (hereinafter “the Association”), especially its partners and members of the Board of Directors, in the performance of their functions and responsibilities within the entity.
This Code develops the ethical commitments derived from the Statutes, from Organic Law 1/2002, of March 22, regulating the Right of Association, and from the good practices of the Third Sector, with the aim of guaranteeing transparent, responsible management oriented towards the purposes of the Association:
- Perform emergency work in Spain and internationally in situations of catastrophe or public calamity.
- Search and rescue of people using USAR techniques and specialized tools.
- International cooperation projects, training and humanitarian actions.
The Code is mandatory for all members of the Board of Directors and partners of the Association.
2. Mission, Vision and Ethical Values
2.1. Mission
To contribute to the protection of life and human dignity through intervention in emergencies, international cooperation and the strengthening of search and rescue capacities, always acting on a non-profit basis.
2.2. Vision
To be an organization recognized for its professionalism, transparency, integrity and humanitarian commitment, both in Spain and in international interventions.
2.3. Values
The values that govern the action of the Association are:
- Humanity: always act to protect life and alleviate the suffering of people.
- Impartiality: provide aid without any discrimination.
- Independence: adopt autonomous decisions free from external interests.
- Integrity: act with honesty, truthfulness and consistency.
- Transparency: clear, accessible and verifiable management of resources and decisions.
- Professionalism and responsibility: develop activities with technical and ethical rigor.
- Solidarity: commitment to the affected communities and to the foundational purposes.
- Respect: dignified treatment towards beneficiaries, institutions, partners and colleagues.
3. Ethical Principles of Action
All members of the Board of Directors and partners commit to:
3.1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Act in accordance with current legislation, the Statutes of the Association and this Code.
- Respect the applicable regulations in national and international interventions.
3.2. Transparency and Accountability
- Provide truthful and verifiable information to partners, funders and public entities.
- Guarantee the traceability of the use of funds received.
- Avoid any practice that could be interpreted as irregularity or mismanagement.
3.3. Proper Use of Resources
- The funds, materials, technical equipment and assets of the Association shall be used exclusively for purposes linked to the statutory objectives.
- The personal or profitable use of them is expressly prohibited.
3.4. Protection of Institutional Reputation
Avoid statements, conduct or actions that could damage the public image of the Association, especially during operational missions or training activities.
3.5. Respect and Dignified Treatment
- Foster an environment free from abuse, discrimination and harassment.
- Guarantee the protection of minors and vulnerable people in interventions.
- Promote equal treatment and opportunities.
4. Standards of Good Governance
4.1. Responsibility of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall act in accordance with the Statutes and the principles of transparency, efficiency and institutional loyalty. Their ethical duties include:
- Ensuring responsible economic management.
- Promoting compliance with the Ethical Code.
- Ensuring the correct execution of search, rescue, training and cooperation activities.
- Preventing conflicts of interest, favoritism or internal manipulations.
4.2. Decision Making
Decisions must be adopted:
- In a collegiate, informed and reasoned manner.
- Always prioritizing the general interest of the Association and the people assisted.
- Avoiding decisions motivated by personal, economic or political interests.
4.3. Responsible Economic Management
- All operations must be recorded, justified and auditable.
- The treasurer will guarantee the proper use of funds and the preservation of supporting documents.
- Ethical and consistent fundraising for the purposes will be promoted.
5. Conflicts of Interest
5.1. Definition
A conflict of interest is considered any situation in which a member of the Board of Directors or partner can obtain a personal, economic or professional benefit derived from their position in the Association.
5.2. Obligations
- Previously declare any real, potential or perceived conflict.
- Abstain from voting or participating in decisions affected by said conflict.
- Do not use internal information for own benefit or that of third parties.
6. Ethical Behavior in Interventions and Activities
All members must:
- Maintain professional conduct during missions, drills and training.
- Respect technical, operational and safety protocols.
- Safeguard the dignity, privacy and safety of affected people.
- Cooperate with local authorities, international organizations and USAR teams.
- Protect data, images and testimonies obtained in interventions.
- Do not disseminate sensitive material without the authorization of the Association.
7. Data Protection and Confidentiality
Members must:
- Respect data protection legislation (LOPDGDD and GDPR).
- Maintain strict confidentiality over personal data of partners, volunteers, beneficiaries and collaborating entities.
- Use the information only for Association purposes.
8. Equality, Diversity and Non-Discrimination
The Association rejects any form of discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, origin, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual orientation.
An inclusive environment that respects cultural diversity will be promoted, especially in international interventions.
9. Ethical Channel
The Association will establish an internal communication channel so that partners and members of the Board of Directors can report, confidentially, about:
- Possible breaches of the Code
- Economic irregularities
- Inappropriate behavior
- Operational or ethical risks
The channel may be enabled through an email address or equivalent mechanism supervised by the Board of Directors.
10. Training and Ethical Commitment
Partners and members of the Board of Directors will receive information about this Code and will commit to comply with it through an express declaration.
The Association will foster ethical, operational and humanitarian training as part of its institutional development.
11. Monitoring, Review and Update
This Code will be reviewed at least every two years or when the Board of Directors deems it necessary.
Modifications must be approved by the Board of Directors and communicated to all partners.
12. Approval and Entry into Force
This Ethical Code and Good Governance will be approved by the Board of Directors of Firefighters Search and Rescue Spain and will enter into force on the date indicated in the corresponding minutes (Minutes 03/25 of December 26, 2025. Ethical Code and Good Governance).
NGO formed by professional Firefighters with extensive experience in national and international interventions.