Ethics & Compliance
Accessibility
EDC is committed to producing and delivering 508-compliant digital materials and services that are accessible to individuals with disabilities and special needs. EDC adheres to the highest standards for 508 compliance in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended in 1998.
Anti-Trafficking Policy and Compliance Plan
EDC’s Anti-Trafficking Policy and Compliance Plan is designed to combat human trafficking. This policy serves as notification of EDC’s commitment in prohibiting trafficking in persons, and it prohibits employees, recipients, subcontractors, subawardees, and contractors at any tier from engaging in human trafficking, the use of forced labor, or the procurement of commercial sex acts. This policy outlines the consequences for violating the policy, as well as the mechanisms for reporting violations. The policy is available here.
Safeguarding Policy
EDC offices and projects regardless of location have a responsibility to establish and maintain a work environment that is safe, productive, and respectful for colleagues, partners, stakeholders, and program participants. All staff must prevent and respond to physical or sexual abuse or exploitation, harassment, or bullying of the individuals in the communities we serve and the people with whom we work or partner.
The purpose of this policy is to inform EDC staff and associated personnel employees, consultants, independent contractors, agents, and volunteers of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding. Read the policy | Español | Français | لعربية.
The Speak Up! Integrity Reporting and Whistleblower Policy
To report a safeguarding concern, contact the IntegrityCounts hotline.
The Speak Up! Integrity Reporting and Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable EDC employees and non-employees (as defined below) to report reasonably suspected or witnessed wrongful and/or improper conduct, including safeguarding violations; fraud and financial misconduct; employee ethical complaints; and retaliation impacting such reporters.
EDC requires its employees and non-employees to observe high standards of professional and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities to EDC. As such, they must fulfill their responsibilities honestly and ethically.
EDC employees must comply with all of EDC’s policies and procedures as well as applicable laws and regulations. EDC’s Code of Business Conduct provides an overview of the ethics expectations EDC holds for its employees.
Conflicts of Interest & Commitment
EDC is committed to the appropriate management of conflicts, protecting our credibility and integrity as a recipient of sponsored funding, promoting objectivity, and establishing standards that provide a reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, and reporting of research and other work will be free from bias resulting from financial conflicts of interest, and establishing the integrity of EDC’s decision-making process. Our Conflicts of Interest and Commitment policy is available here.