Raising concerns of misconduct
At Oxfam Novib, we recognize that our staff hold a privileged position of power and trust in relation to our partners and the communities that we come from and serve. We are committed to treating all people with respect and dignity and to challenging any form of harassment, discrimination, intimidation, exploitation or abuse of power.
What we stand for
Safe culture
Oxfam Novib believes that all people have a right to live their lives free from sexual violence and abuse of power. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe organizational culture for all those who work for and with us, as well as the communities we serve.
Integrity
Oxfam Novib will not tolerate its employees or anyone associated with the delivery of its work carrying out any form of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment, child abuse, nor any form of fraud or corruption.
Speak up
Oxfam Novib encourages anyone who suspects that misconduct has occurred or is occurring to communicate their suspicions confidentially, in the knowledge that any form of retaliation against complainants is prohibited.
What is misconduct?
Conduct that goes against Oxfam’s code of conduct and related policies when committed by anyone working for or on behalf of Oxfam. This includes, for example, sexual abuse, exploitation, harassment, child abuse, fraud, theft, bribery, money laundering, terror financing or aid diversion and nepotism.
Who can report misconduct?
Any person working for or with Oxfam Novib can speak up within our organization if they have witnessed or experienced misconduct in any form. Reports can also be made by any other person who has a concern about misconduct happening within the scope of Oxfam Novib’s work, including program participants, volunteers, suppliers, partners and members of the public.
How to report misconduct
You can report your concerns about misconduct through the Oxfam Reporting Misconduct Webform (available in a number of different languages)
If you are concerned about misconduct, it is important not to investigate or gather evidence yourself, but rather to report your suspicions as soon as possible. If you have any doubts or concerns about making a report, you can seek guidance confidentially by emailing integrity@oxfamnovib.nl
All reports will be received by the Oxfam Novib Integrity Unit and will be treated confidentiality.
You may also submit a report anonymously, if you wish. However, please be advised that if insufficient information is provided, this may affect our capacity to respond.
What will happen next?
We commit to acting swiftly and responding appropriately to all reports. However, the timeline may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the concerns raised.
Different types of misconduct and definitions
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Sexual Abuse |
The actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions (this includes, for instance, rape, sexual assault and other forms of sexual abuse).
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Sexual Exploitation |
Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another (this includes, for instance, paying for sex; exchanging services, access to services, goods, employment or offers of employment for sex; other exploitative relationships). |
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Sexual Harassment |
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favour, verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behaviour of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment may occur in the workplace or in connection with work. |
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Child Abuse |
Child abuse involves the abuse of children’s rights and includes all forms of violence against children: physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, family violence, sexual exploitation, abduction and trafficking, including for sexual purposes, involvement of a child in online child sexual exploitation and child labour as defined in the One Oxfam Child Safeguarding Policy (e.g. child marriage, other forms of child abuse). A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. |
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Fraud |
Fraud is any act or omission that intentionally misleads, or attempts to mislead, a party to obtain a financial or other benefit or to avoid an obligation. It can also involve the abuse of one’s position. Fraud may be perpetrated internally or by external parties. |
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Theft |
Theft is the taking of another’s property without their consent, and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Theft may be perpetrated internally or by external parties. |
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Bribery |
Bribery is the offering, giving or promising (or requesting, agreeing to receive or accepting) any financial or other advantage to influence another person to improperly perform a function or activity, or to obtain an undue advantage. |
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Money Laundering |
Money laundering is the process of turning the proceeds of crime into property or money that can be accessed legitimately without arousing suspicion. |
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Terror Financing / Aid Diversion |
Aid (including funds, economic goods and material support) is knowingly or recklessly diverted from its intended purpose and made available to any entity or individual designated as terrorist by the international community or affiliate domestic governments; or individuals or entities subject to financial sanctions by the United Nations, a relevant state or the European Union. |
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Nepotism |
Nepotism is favouritism granted to associates regardless of merit. |
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Other Forms of Misconduct |
E.g. Bullying, workplace harassment, intimidation, discrimination and other forms of unwanted behaviour. |
