Code of Ethics for Employees

1. In the performance of their work, employees (hereinafter the “employee”) comply with the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, laws, ratified international conventions and other generally binding legal regulations.
2. In carrying out their tasks, the employee is open and accessible to grant applicants and performs their work so as to provide the necessary support and cooperation and high-quality services to partners, and to do their work responsibly, on time and properly. At the same time, they strive for efficient processes, economy and the effective use of the grant funds provided, and for compliance with the set deadlines.
3. In relation to the public, the employee always acts in the knowledge that their personal performance, in both content and form, represents not only the association and the limited liability company but also their partners. They treat the public with respect, courteously, correctly and in accordance with the principles of good conduct. They refrain from any behaviour or conduct that would damage the good name of the association or a partner.
4. The employee strives to fulfil the partner’s objectives and, even outside the workplace, does not adopt positions that could negatively affect the partner’s good name.
5. In carrying out their work tasks, the employee acts in the public-benefit interest objectively, impartially and without prejudice or bias. They take into account the rights, obligations and interests of all parties concerned. They act and decide on the basis of properly established facts, paying close attention to the equality of the parties concerned so that their rights and legitimate interests are not harmed. Where necessary, they are open to review of their decisions by the institutions established for that purpose, as well as to any independent assessment by third parties.
6. The employee contributes to creating a healthy and safe working environment based on trust, free from any form of harassment, discrimination, intimidation, mobbing, coercion, bullying and bossing.
7. The employee treats other employees and the employees of partners honestly, correctly and in accordance with the principles of good conduct.
8. The employee must not provide, knowingly disseminate or pass on untrue, distorted or misleading facts, information or statements related to the performance of their work that could damage the reputation of the association, its partners or other employees, whether in personal contact or online, for example on social media websites. In the case of statements to the media, prior coordination with the management of the association or with the partner is necessary before the statement is given, in the interest of providing the public with transparent and consistent communication on the topics concerned.
9. The employee does not misuse the resources they administer for personal gain.
10. The employee is accountable to the employer for the ethics of their conduct and decisions and is prepared to submit to review by providing all related information and documents necessary to examine their actions.

Conflict of interest

1. A conflict of interest is a situation in which, for personal reasons or because of a private interest, the impartial and objective performance of the employee’s function and tasks is or could have been impaired or jeopardised. A private interest includes any possible advantage for the employee, their family, friends, close persons and legal or natural persons with whom the employee or persons close to them have private, business, financial or political relations. 2. The employee avoids any actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest. They do not allow their private interests to conflict with their position as an employee of the association. It is the employee’s duty to avoid conflicts of interest and to prevent situations that may cause or give rise to suspicion of a conflict of interest. 3. The employee refrains from personal or business interests, or interests of other natural or legal persons, that could affect the performance of their work, and does not take part in any activity (private or professional) that is or could be incompatible with the proper performance of their work duties, or in activities restricting such performance. 4. If the employee cannot prevent a conflict of interest, they shall notify their direct superior (hereinafter the “superior”) of any actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest without undue delay.
2. The employee acts and decides in a politically neutral manner, regardless of their own political and ideological views. 6. The employee avoids any activity that would undermine the confidence of the public and the employer in their ability to perform their work tasks impartially.

Gifts and other benefits

1. The employee prevents risks of corruption, fraud and undesirable external influences that could affect the proper performance of their work. They also prevent relationships and situations in which they would be, or could feel, obliged to return gifts, other benefits or favours (hereinafter “gifts”) provided to them in the course of their work. A gift or other benefit means an item, a thing of monetary value, or a pecuniary or non-pecuniary benefit to which there is no legal entitlement.
2. The employee must not request or accept from third parties financial or non-financial gifts, favours or other benefits for their work that could actually or apparently influence their decision-making and professional approach to the matter.