At Impetus, we work to transform the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our donors are an essential part of that work, and we are proud to build partnerships with people and organisations based on trust, openness, respect, accountability and a shared ambition to create meaningful, lasting change for young people. Impetus was founded by donors and today, we are almost fully philanthropically funded.

This Code sets out the principles that underpin our relationships with donors and sponsors, "donors". It helps ensure that our partnerships support our mission, reflect our values, protect our people and partners, and uphold the integrity and independence of Impetus.

We will not compromise our values, charitable purpose or responsibilities in pursuit of funding.

Our values

• We are evidence led and results driven for young people - we pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

• We bring high trust, high challenge - we build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

• We thrive through diversity - we seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

• We are brave and curious - we are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

• We always seek collaboration – we will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people

Policies

Support our mission. We ask donors to support our mission and values and welcome donors who want to help us maximise our impact. Donations should advance better outcomes for young people without diverting us from our purpose.

Respect our independence. We welcome and value engaged and thoughtful supporters. Strategic, programmatic, operational and funding decisions remain the responsibility of the Impetus Board and Executive Leadership Team.

Treat everyone with dignity and respect. We expect all interactions with Impetus staff, trustees, partners, volunteers, supporters and young people to be professional, respectful, kind and free from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, abusive behaviour or disrespectful language, in person, online or in writing.

Reflect our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. We ask donors to respect different identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; use inclusive language; avoid assumptions, stereotypes, discrimination and exclusionary behaviour; and support accessible environments in which everyone can participate.

Recognise the responsibility that comes with giving. Philanthropic giving necessarily entails some power differentials. Donors must not use that position for personal benefit, undue influence or special treatment. Donations support our charitable mission, and do not confer entitlement to shape decisions outside our normal processes.

Put safety and wellbeing first. We expect everyone involved in Impetus activities to respect safeguarding expectations, professional boundaries and the safety and wellbeing of young people, staff, volunteers, partners and donors. Any behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of young people, staff or partners will be treated seriously.

Use your association with Impetus responsibly. We ask donors to represent Impetus and their relationship with Impetus accurately and respectfully, to respect confidential information shared through their relationship with Impetus, and to avoid communications that could cause harm, stigma or reputational damage.

What donors can expect from Impetus

Donors can expect Impetus to:

• Treat them with professionalism, fairness and respect

• Be transparent about our work, impact and how funding is used

• Listen openly to feedback, ideas and constructive challenge

• Respect confidentiality

• Make decisions fairly and in line with our values, evidence and charitable responsibilities

• Deliver on our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across our organisation and embedding it in our practice

• Maintain a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone involved with Impetus

• Act in accordance with UK GDPR, fundraising regulations and Charity Commission guidance that ensure ethical fundraising practices

Working together and accountability

By working together, Impetus and its donors commit to upholding the principles in this Code so that our relationships remain respectful, independent and focused on achieving the greatest possible impact for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

If concerns arise:

Where Impetus or a donor has concerns about donor conduct, it should be raised promptly with the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships. Concerns relating to the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships should be raised with the Chief Executive.

Where concerns cannot be resolved, or where the seriousness of the issue requires it, Impetus may review a partnership and take appropriate action, including restricting involvement, declining or returning donations, or ending the partnership.

Decisions will be fair, proportionate and consistent with our values, legal obligations and governance arrangements. The Board of Trustees retains ultimate responsibility for significant reputational and partnership decisions.