PRIM&R Volunteer and Independent Contractor Code of Conduct and Ethics
PRIM&R centers ethics, honesty, professionalism, and compliance with applicable law in all aspects of the enactment of our mission: to advance the highest ethical standards in the conduct of research. In addition to our mission, PRIM&R’s vision of a world in which all who contribute to and benefit from research embrace ethics, welfare, inclusion, and trust as central to science and medicine drives and guides all of PRIM&R’s work. Essential to our mission and vision is PRIM&R’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) and our aspiration to foster fair and equitable access to the benefits of science.
To bring our mission, vision, and commitment to DEIJ “to life,” PRIM&R is committed to the highest standards of conduct and ethics and applies these to all decisions in all areas of the organization and to all PRIM&R stakeholders – including employees, contractors, and suppliers as well as to our Board Directors and volunteers. We recognize that enacting our mission, aspiring towards our vision, and adhering to our core values starts with our own work, decision-making, and working environments. PRIM&R accordingly expects all who are part of PRIM&R’s community to meaningfully adhere to the highest standards of conduct and ethics in all that we do and all that we stand for, together.
To bring our mission, vision, and commitment to DEIJ “to life,” PRIM&R is committed to the highest standards of conduct and ethics and applies these to all decisions in all areas of the organization and to all PRIM&R stakeholders – including employees, contractors, and suppliers as well as to our Board Directors and volunteers. We recognize that enacting our mission, aspiring towards our vision, and adhering to our core values starts with our own work, decision-making, and working environments. PRIM&R accordingly expects all who are part of PRIM&R’s community to meaningfully adhere to the highest standards of conduct and ethics in all that we do and all that we stand for, together.
Volunteer and Indepdent Contractor Code of Conduct Ethics
This Code of Conduct and Ethics is designed to provide PRIM&R’s volunteers and independent contractors with expectations and clear guidance for appropriate conduct and ethical behavior. The Code reflects and gives meaning to PRIM&R’s commitment to the lawful, ethical enactment of its mission. In addition to this Code of Conduct and Ethics, PRIM&R’s volunteers and independent contractors should be guided in their activities and services by other sources of information about ethical conduct, including all applicable federal, state, or local laws governing conflicts of interest, anti-corruption, and ethical conduct applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations. Nothing in this Code should be understood as limiting duties, obligations, or legal requirements with which PRIM&R must comply.
It is the responsibility of each PRIM&R volunteer and independent contractor to conduct activities and implement their services in a manner that promotes and preserves public trust, proper stewardship, and confidence in the integrity of the organization. All volunteers and independent contractors must commit to, respect, and comply with PRIM&R’s Code of Conduct and Ethics, upholding PRIM&R’s high standards and helping PRIM&R execute its values. It is the duty of all volunteers and independent contractors to review and assess their conduct and ethics in light of the provisions of this Code. Failure to comply with this Code may be grounds for disqualification from service or discontinuation from engagement with PRIM&R.
It is the responsibility of each PRIM&R volunteer and independent contractor to conduct activities and implement their services in a manner that promotes and preserves public trust, proper stewardship, and confidence in the integrity of the organization. All volunteers and independent contractors must commit to, respect, and comply with PRIM&R’s Code of Conduct and Ethics, upholding PRIM&R’s high standards and helping PRIM&R execute its values. It is the duty of all volunteers and independent contractors to review and assess their conduct and ethics in light of the provisions of this Code. Failure to comply with this Code may be grounds for disqualification from service or discontinuation from engagement with PRIM&R.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
All Volunteers and Independent Contractors shall abide by and conform to the following:
- Demonstrate Honesty, Integrity, and Professionalism: We act honestly with the utmost integrity while performing our duties and services. We display and promote the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct and apply the skills, competencies, and expertise expected of our roles and professions.
- Act with Respect, Courtesy, and Dignity: We treat each other and all PRIM&R Board Directors, employees, volunteers, members, stakeholders, and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity.
- Commit to Zero-Tolerance for Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying: We affirm that PRIM&R has a zero-tolerance policy for racism, discrimination, sexual harassment, and bullying of any kind. We do not discriminate or engage in harassment of any kind, including discrimination or harassment based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related issues), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, military status, uniform service member status, physical or mental disability or admission to a mental facility, genetic information (including testing, carrier statues, and characteristics), handicap or any other category or protected class under applicable federal, state or local law. We do not bully or mistreat each other, staff, independent contractors, or volunteers. We notify the Executive Director or Managing Director immediately if we witness or suspect any discrimination, harassment, or bullying behavior or conduct. Complaints or concerns may be submitted to PRIM&R using the Misconduct Reporting Form.
- Adhere to Laws: We obey all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and the laws of any other jurisdiction in which we volunteer or perform services, while acting on behalf of or with PRIM&R, including all laws and regulations that govern appropriate conduct in the workplace.
- Protect Assets and Information: We protect all PRIM&R resources and assets to the best of our ability and shall not access or use confidential or proprietary information for reasons unrelated to PRIM&R activities.
- Deter Wrongdoing and Ensure Accountability: We deter wrongdoing and ensure accountability for adherence to this Code.
- Cooperate with Investigations, Audits, Background Checks, and Inquires: We assist and cooperate with all PRIM&R audits, inquiries, background checks, and investigations.
- Perform Duties and Services Reliably: We are reliable and punctual in the performance of our volunteer and contracted duties and services.
- Keep Accurate and Truthful Records: We provide truthful responses on all paperwork, provide updated information (including proof of insurance or licensure), make all required entries on any records within our control, and properly retain documents consistent with any policies or as needed for any investigations or audits.
- Conduct Drug and Alcohol-Free Services and Duties: We affirm that PRIM&R will not allow inappropriate behavior related to the possession, distribution, or use of controlled substances, even if the use of such substance(s) is legal under state law. During PRIM&R events and programs where alcohol is served, PRIM&R requires all those in attendance, including, but not limited to, all event attendees, speakers, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, independent contractors, PRIM&R employees, and PRIM&R's Board of Directors to conduct themselves professionally at all times. PRIM&R and the hosting facility event staff have the right to deny service to participants for any reason and may require a participant to leave the event.
- Prevent Risk: We exercise good judgment and care regarding the risks inherent in PRIM&R’s work.
- Comply with Professional Responsibilities: We attest that our professional certificates and licensures are current and bound by the appropriate professional duties and codes of conduct of those roles.
- Seek Assistance and Report Concerns: We seek assistance if we have questions about any organizational guidelines and policies, including this Code. If we have any questions or concerns about this Code, we will contact the Executive Director at info@primr.org. We report violations or suspected violations of this Code via the Misconduct Reporting Form.
PRIM&R defines bullying as repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more people by one or more perpetrators. PRIM&R considers the following types of behavior examples of bullying: Verbal bullying: Slandering, ridiculing, or maligning a person or their family; persistent name-calling that is hurtful, insulting, or humiliating; using a person as the punchline of jokes; abusive and offensive remarks. Physical bullying: Pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, tripping, assault or threat of physical assault, damage to a person’s work area or property. Gesture bullying. Nonverbal gestures can convey threatening messages. Exclusion: Socially or physically excluding or disregarding a person in work-related activities.
CERTIFICATION AND ATTESTATION
PRIM&R’s Volunteer and Independent Contractor Code of Conduct and Ethics establishes our commitment to the highest standards of integrity and adherence to the law that is critical to our mission, vision, and values. Compliance does not just happen because of a Code or a policy; this Code and all of PRIM&R’s policies are made meaningful only by the commitments of all who work with and contribute to the organization’s activities. Therefore, PRIM&R requires each volunteer and independent contractor to certify that they have read and understand this Code of Conduct and Ethics. It signals each individual’s commitment to act ethically and in accordance with these expectations and standards of conduct.
I agree that I have read, understand, and will comply with the terms of this Code of Ethics and Conduct and all applicable policies and procedures. I understand that my failure to comply with this Code may result in my removal from volunteer service or the loss of contractual or affiliation rights.
I agree that I have read, understand, and will comply with the terms of this Code of Ethics and Conduct and all applicable policies and procedures. I understand that my failure to comply with this Code may result in my removal from volunteer service or the loss of contractual or affiliation rights.