RAPID Policies
Anti-fraud, anti-corruption, and anti-bribery policy
Policy Statement:RAPID takes a zero-tolerance approach to any act of fraud, corruption and bribery in any circumstances from RAPID staff, or its agents, consultants, grantees, vendors, or representatives of any kind. RAPID is committed to act professionally, fairly and with integrity in all relationships wherever it operates and to implement and enforce effective systems to prevent, detect and counter fraud, corruption and bribery. All RAPID staffs are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of his policy. RAPID will thoroughly investigate any allegations of fraudulence, corruption, bribery. RAPID employees, and others working on RAPID of behalf or for its benefit, who do not comply with this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of their employment or other relationship.
Anti-Terrorism Policy
Policy Statement:The anti-terrorism policy of RAPID applies to all staff, including Board members, and senior managers, permanent and temporary staff, interns, volunteers, and field workers, and the people involved in any other capacities while working for or representing the organization. RAPID will never support, encourage or tolerate any form of terrorism, and strictly take action against those who embrace terrorism. RAPID is determined to put every effort in ensuring that none of its funds and human/financial resources is used to facilitate terrorist activities. RAPID will not support and will not with any entity or individual suspected as “terrorist” by the international community or the Government of Bangladesh (GOB).
Ethics and Conflict-of-Interest Policy for Employees
Summary:This policy applies to all staff, including senior managers and the board members, paid staff, volunteers and sessional workers, temporary staff, students or anyone working on behalf of the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID). All RAPID employees are expected to exhibit and promote the highest standards of honest and ethical conduct in all dealings pertaining to the business of the organisation. That means, while working for RAPID, employees are expected to act solely in the interest of RAPID and not in their personal interests or in the interests of others. In other words, RAPID employees are expected to use good judgment, adhere to high ethical standards, and avoid situations that create an actual or perceived conflict between their personal interests and those of the organisation. RAPID expects that the transactions employees participate in are ethical and within the law, both in letter and in spirit. RAPID recognizes and respects individual employee’s right to engage in activities outside of his or her employment that do not in any way conflict with or reflect poorly on the organization. Management reserves the right, however, to determine when an employee’s activities represent a conflict with the organisation’s interests and to take the necessary actions to resolve the situation.
Due Diligence Policy
Policy Statement:RAPID can work with a variety of partner institutions and subcontractors, and get involved in multiple networks, collaborating with a high number of individuals and organisations. Before moving into such relationships with third parties, subcontractors, joint ventures or individuals, RAPID should take active steps to confirm that potential risks arising from these relationships are carefully evaluated and duly managed. This policy sets out the minimum requirements for due diligence when engaging with third parties. This policy should be followed in conjunction with RAPID’s other relevant policies in areas of anti fraud, anti-corruption, anti-bribery policy, ethics policy, conflict of interest policy and safeguarding policy.
Guidelines for Code of Conduct at Work
Policy Statement:RAPID is committed to providing a respectful, safe and productive workplace for all employees, visitors and contractors. RAPID believes that a workplace code of conduct is essential to promoting a positive work environment and maintaining high standards of professional conduct. This Workplace Code of Conduct outlines RAPID’s expectations for employee behaviour and conduct in the workplace.
Privacy Policy
Policy Statement:RAPID is committed to ensuring the protection of the privacy and personal information of Rapid’s users. This privacy policy sets out how RAPID collects, use and protect the information when visitors, partner organization and funders visit RAPID’s website (https://www.rapidbd.org/). By accessing or using RAPID’s website, visitors, partner organisation and funders agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
Research Ethics Policy
Policy Statement:RAPID will uphold high ethical standards in conducting research. The following principles of ethical research should be adhered whenever applicable:
• Research should aim to maximise benefit for society and minimise risk and harm
• Rights and dignity of individuals and groups must be respected and protected irrespective of their status, class, and entitlement
• Participation in research shall be voluntary and appropriately informed
• Research should be undertaken with integrity and transparency
• While conducting research, lines of responsibility and accountability should be clearly specified
• Conflicts of interest should be avoided and in cases where such conflicts cannot be avoided, they should be made explicit
Safeguarding Policy
Purpose of the Policy:The Safeguarding Policy of RAPID is designed to uphold our unwavering commitment to the safety, protection, and well-being of all vulnerable individuals associated with our organization. This policy establishes the framework within which all members of RAPID, including employees, partners, and subcontractors, work together to prevent and address any form of abuse towards children, vulnerable adults, and any individuals at risk. It reflects our dedication to creating a secure and nurturing environment where safeguarding is ingrained in every aspect of our operations.
Sustainability Policy
Definitions:Sustainability:
Sustainability encompasses environmental, social and economic dimensions. A widely accepted definition of sustainability is: "Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (Brundtland Report, 1987)
Carbon Footprint:
Carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide or CO2 emitted through the combustion of fossil fuels. In the case of an organisation, business or enterprise, it is the carbon emitted as part of their everyday operations.
Natural Resources:
Parts of nature, including, soil, air, water, flora and fauna, which have a real or potential economic, social or cultural value
Whistleblowing Policy
Policy Statement:RAPID takes violation of ethics and values as well as legal offences very seriously. RAPID encourages and protects its staffs who report any non-compliance issues that go against the values and policies of the organisation. This whistleblowing policy provides guidance and procedures for reporting noncompliance issues. This policy also sets out RAPID’s approach to protect its staffs who report such issues. This policy applies to all areas of RAPID’s work. RAPID will provide adequate and appropriate resources to implement this policy and ensure it is communicated and understood.
Workplace Safety Policy
Policy Statement:RAPID is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, visitors and contractors. RAPID recognises that workplace safety is a critical priority and that everyone has a role to play in maintaining a safe working environment. This Workplace Safety Policy outlines RAPID’s commitment to ensure workplace safety and the responsibility of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.