Objective 

The purpose of the IOBR Code of Conduct and Ethics is to establish the patterns of conduct for all IOBR members in their daily performance.  

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This Code is a guide to ensure adequate behavior in the professional performance of all IOBR members. The Code reflects IOBR´s principle of due diligence for the prevention, detection, and mitigation of Risks, the adequate performance of the Continuity Plans and the satisfactory performance of organizational Resilience.  

 

The IOBR understands that due diligence requires designing and implementing control models that periodically analyze the risks in order to mitigate them. 

 

Scope 

The Scope of the IOBR Code of Conduct and Ethics is addressed to all IOBR members regardless of their position or place where they perform their work.  

 

The IOBR Board of Directors will use all means available to disseminate this Code of Conduct and Ethics and will seek to enforce the guidelines of conduct contained in this Code. 

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The guidelines of conduct contained in this Code are not intended to cover all situations or circumstances with which persons within its scope can meet, but to establish clear principles of action that guide the way they act during the performance of their professional activities and serve to order how to act at all times.  

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Guiding Principles of Conduct 

IOBR trusts its members to operate based on integrity and responsibility in professional performance. Integrity is understood as ethical, honest and good faith acting. Professional responsibility is understood as proactive, effective and focused on excellence, quality and willingness to serve. IOBR expects full and responsible behavior in the performance of its functions from all members. All members may consult the Ethics Commission for any doubts as to the interpretation of the patterns of conduct of this Code and shall inform, in good faith and without fear of reprisals, any breach of the guidelines of the Code of Conduct and Ethics that they observe in their professional performance.  To this end, the IOBR offers an ethical channel, accessible in conditions of confidentiality and security. 

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Guidelines of Conduct 

The Code of Conduct and Ethics determines specific guidelines of action in the following area of content:  

• Respect for the legality, human rights and ethical values 

• Respect people 

• Professional development and equal opportunities 

• Cooperation and dedication 

• Corruption and bribery 

• Image and corporate reputation 

• Relationships between members 

 

Respect for Legality, Human Rights and Ethical Values 

IOBR undertakes to act, always, in accordance with current legislation and with internationally accepted ethical practices, with full respect for human rights and public freedoms. All members must comply with the laws in the countries they operate, considering the spirit and purpose thereof, and observing in all their actions ethical behavior. The linkage with the Institute is incompatible with any situation, conduct or public attitude contrary to ethics. All members must act honestly and integrity in all their contracts or transactions. 

 

Respect People 

IOBR rejects any manifestation of physical, psychological, moral or abuse of authority, as well as any other conduct that may create an intimidating or offensive environment with the rights 

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Professional Development and Equal Opportunities 

IOBR promotes the professional and personal development of all its members. It does not accept any type of discrimination in the workplace or professional field based on age, race, color, sex, religion, political opinion, national ancestry, social origin or disability. 

 

Cooperation and dedication 

IOBR fosters and environment of cooperation and teamwork for better use of all capacities and resources. Al members should act in a spirit of collaboration, making available to the others the knowledge or resources that can facilitate the achievement of their objectives and interests. However, this obligation will not contravene the legal limitations of separation of activities relation to the participation in other-party organizational structures and the provision of commercially sensitive information contained in the applicable legislation.  

 

Corruption and Bribery 

Corruption and Bribery appear when employees make use of unethical practices for obtaining some benefit for themselves, for the entity for which they work or for a third party. Corruption and bribery are one of the categories of fraud. All IOBR members may not accept, directly or indirectly, gifts or compensations of any kind intended to influence their business, professional or administrative relationships.  

 

Image and Corporate Reputation 

OIBR considers that one of the basic elements that contribute to its image and corporate reputation is the establishment of responsible citizenship relationships in those communities in our members operate. All IOBR members during their activity should always consider the interests of local communities. IOBR does not fund political parties or their representatives or candidates in those countries where our members operate.  

 

Relationship between Members 

Relationship between IOBR members assume, lead and drive the commitment to quality, facilitating the resources necessary to achieve excellence and establishing appropriate measures to ensure that quality policy is practiced by all members in accordance with these principles. IOBR members compete in the market fairly, and does not engage in deceptive, fraudulent or malicious conduct aimed at obtaining undue advantages. All IOBR members develop relationship among them based on trust and mutual respect. The information or advice provided between members must always be sufficient, truthful, timely and adequate. Under no circumstances may the members be provided with misleading, ambiguous or unproficient information that may mislead to make wrong decisions.  

 

Respect for the Environment 

Environmental preservation is one of IOBR´s basic principles of action. All members should strive to minimize the environmental impact of their activities and the use of the facilities, equipment and means of work made available to them, seeking efficient use of them. All members should comply with environmental procedures and requirements that are applicable in their respective country. 

 

Acceptance and Compliance with the Code 

This Code of Ethics is mandatory for all IOBR members who have voluntarily assumed this status. The IOBR will insert it for dissemination on its website and make known to all members. No member may justify improper conduct by relying on a higher order or ignorance of this Code. Violations of the Code of Ethics jeopardize IOBR´s reputation and could compromise its soundness.  

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Conduct and Ethics Code Commission 

The Committee on the Code of Ethics is a consultancy, recommendation and research body whose purposes are: 

• To promote the dissemination, knowledge and compliance with the Code of Ethics.  

• Interpret the Code of Ethics and guide the actions in case of doubt.  

• Facilitate the resolution of disputes related to the application of the Code of Ethics.  

• Facilitate and manage a means of communication to members for the realization in good faith and without fear of retaliation of inquiries or communications of breaches of the Code of Ethics or any other related information.  

• Report to the IOBR Board of Directors on the dissemination and compliance of the Code of Ethics, as well as the activities of the Commission itself, by preparing appropriate recommendations or proposals to keep it up-to-date, improve its content and facilitate the implementation of those aspects that require special consideration.  

• Instruct dossiers for the verification of possible breaches thereof and propose to the Board of Directors the sanctions or, where appropriate, any appropriate contractual or other measures that may be appropriate.  

 

The Commission shall consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of five members of the Board of Directors appointed by the Board of Directors. The Commission shall elect its President and regulate its own functioning. In those countries where there are chapters of the WCA duly constituted in accordance with Article 26 of the Statutes, the IOBR  Board of Directors may authorize the establishment of Local Commissions which will carry out, within their geographical scope, the same functions as the Ethics Commission. The Local Commissions shall report to the IOBR Code of Ethics commission and shall inform at least six months of the activity carried out. In countries where there are no Local Commissions, all issues related to the Code of Ethics will be up to the IOBR Ethics Commission as provided for therein. In any case, the creation of Local Commissions will require express agreement of the IOBR Board of Directors.  

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Validity of the Code of Ethics. 

The Code of Ethics enters into force on the day of its insertion on the Website of the Institute and will be in force if its modification or cancellation is not approved. It will be reviewed and updated every year, considering the suggestions and proposals received through the ethical channel, the experience of the Commission's operation and the commitments made by IOBR in the field of social responsibility and good governance. 

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