The purpose of the Ethical Codex is to ensure that members of the NASBF, the Assembly of Members, the Executive Board, the management and the employees of the NASBF act in the best interests of the NASBF, pursuing mission and objectives without partiality, regardless of the interests of any particular organisation or their personal interests, as well as to ensure that they are trustworthy people, loyal and uncompromising in maintaining the integrity and reputation of the NASBF.

The members of the NASBF, the Assembly, the Executive, permanent and occasional Boards, and the management and employees of the NASBF are expected to act in accordance with this Codex in their everyday and occasional official duties.

By decision of the NASBF Executive Board, the Ethical Codex came into force on the 10/27/2006.

1. Rules of conduct of NASBF bodies

1.1.
The Assembly, the Executive and all other Boards and their members, as well as the bodies and individuals which make and implement decisions, in considering and deciding with regard to demands and essential duties, are duty-bound to act responsibly and impartially.

Decisions must be taken on the basis of relevant facts and must be justified in written form.

1.2.
Members of the NASBF and their representatives must discriminate against no person on the basis of nationality or race, or of social origin, religious convictions, political orientation, culture or language, gender, age or physical ability.

1.3.
Members of the Assembly, the Executive and other Boards and their members may not accept gifts or favours which might influence decision-making or the integrity and independence of the NASBF.

1.4.
Acceptance of gifts or services is not prohibited if:
• they are an expression of politeness
• they do not cast doubt on the independence, integrity or objectivity of members of the Conference, council or responsible persons.

2. Rules of conduct for responsible persons and employees of NASBF

2.1.
NASBF managers must act in accordance with the highest moral standards, applicable legal regulations, the NASBF Statute and other memoranda which govern the operation of the NASBF and relate to objectivity, independence and prevention of conflict of interest.

2.2.
On the basis of the Statutory Provisions of the NASBF, which strongly emphasise the corporate interests of members, the management of the NASBF must not use their NASBF business relationships in order to achieve personal gain.

2.3.
Managers of the NASBF are not authorised to:
• involve themselves in any transaction which would represent a conflict of interests with their obligations in the NASBF;
• use the property and other resources of the NASBF uneconomically or for their personal gain;
• refuse to complete and submit a conflict of interest questionnaire when this is asked of them;
• use the financial resources of the NASBF for the activities, travel and accommodation of persons who are not involved in NASBF business;
• not act in accordance with the budget constraints of the NASBF.

2.4.
Owing to the explicitly apolitical nature of the NASBF, the management of the NASBF may not use their position in the NASBF for the purposes of promoting political parties or interest groups, nor give any contribution to political parties or candidates for public functions.

During time spent working on NASBF premises, there may be no political activity, political lobbying, nor the taking of any decisions based on the interests of political parties and/or groups.

3. Rules of conduct of NASBF members

3.1.
Members of the NASBF undertake and agree to base the undertaking of their common business activities on full mutual trust and respect and on adherence to the principles of this document.

3.2.
In order to protect the business interests of NASBF members, as well as to promote the highest business, moral and ethical standards of behavior, as a prerequisite to successful development of the business environment, members are asked to report information on improper behavior in the dealings of business entities with members of the Business Forum.

3.3.
Members of the NASBF and their representatives must refrain from political activity and the promotion of the interests of political groups to any extent or degree during their participation in the work of the NASBF.

4. Monitoring of adherence to and procedure for establishing violations of the Codex

4.1.
Adherence to the Codex is monitored by the Assembly, the Executive Board of the NASBF, its bodies and employees, as well as the public.

4.2.
Proceedings to establish a violation of the Codex may be initiated by any of those specified in article 4.1.

4.3.
The claim is submitted in written form to the Secretary General and the Executive Board of the NASBF.
Anonymous claims will not be considered.

4.4.
The Executive Board appoints a Committee comprising three members of the Executive Board who will investigate the basis for the claim.

4.5.
The Executive Board must make a decision regarding the claim within a period no longer than 45 days from the day of receipt of the claim.

4.6.
The decision made by the Executive Board on this basis is final and is published on the web site of the NASBF.

5. Transitional and final provisions

5.1.
Amendments and additions to this Codex are made in the same way and according to the same procedure as that used in its making, by decision of the Executive Board.

5.3.
In the event that a violation of the Codex is irrefutably established, the Executive Board may propose appropriate measures against the offender, including suspension from membership or employment in the bodies of the NASBF.

5.2.
This Codex comes into force the day after its approval by the Executive Board of the NASBF.