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Standards of Ethical Conduct
Purpose
The transaction of business between Lifeline and its clients, both homeowners and cash buyers, requires a shared commitment to achieving the best deal possible for all parties, particularly homeowners, whose needs and wants Lifeline is seeking to fulfill. In that spirit, the Standards of Ethical Conduct are a statement of our belief in ethical, legal and professional behaviour at all times in all of our dealings with all parties.
Applicability
The Standards of Ethical Conduct apply to all personnel at or associated with Lifeline, including directors, all full-time, part-time and freelance staff, associates, and any work placement personnel and volunteers (hereinafter referred to as 'Lifeline personnel'). The Standards of Ethical Conduct also apply to cash buyers we engage in order to purchase homeowners' properties. Organisationally, the Standards of Ethical Conduct apply to Lifeline’s premises and also to all other premises where our business is transacted, including at homeowners' properties or landowners' land and in telephone conversations with all parties.
1. Fair and Honest Dealing
Lifeline personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline are expected to conduct themselves ethically, honestly and with integrity in all dealings. This means principles of fairness, good faith and respect consistent with laws, regulations and Lifeline policies govern our conduct with others, and particularly with homeowners, both on and off Lifeline’s premises. Each situation and/or business transaction must be examined in accordance with the Standards of Ethical Conduct. No unlawful or unethical practice or a practice at odds with these standards can be justified on the basis of customary practice, expediency or achieving a "higher" purpose.
2. Individual Responsibility and Accountability
Lifeline personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline are expected to exercise responsibility appropriate to their position and delegated authorities. They are responsible to each other, to Lifeline, and to all parties with whom we transact business, particularly homeowners, both for their actions and their decisions not to act. Each individual is expected to conduct the business of Lifeline in accordance with the Standards of Ethical Conduct, exercising sound judgement and serving the best interests of homeowners.
3. Respect for Others
Lifeline is committed to the principle of treating all parties with whom we transact our business, particularly homeowners, with respect and dignity. Further, Lifeline is committed to the ethical and compassionate treatment of homeowners with whom we transact our business. Lifeline prohibits discrimination and harassment and provides equal opportunities for all clients and applicants regardless of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation or citizenship status. Lifeline is committed to creating a safe and professional workplace, both on and off Lifeline’s premises.
4. Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations
All business are subject to many of the same laws as other enterprises, as well as those particular to transacting business in the purchase and sale of properties. Lifeline’s personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline are expected to become familiar with the law and regulations bearing on their areas of responsibility. Failure to comply can have serious adverse consequences both for individuals and for Lifeline, in terms of reputation, finances and the health and safety of Lifeline personnel. Lifeline’s business is to be conducted in conformance with legal requirements, including contractual commitments undertaken by individuals authorised to bind Lifeline to such commitments.
5. Compliance with Applicable Lifeline’s Policies, Procedures and Other Forms of Guidance
Lifeline’s policies and procedures are designed to inform our everyday responsibilities, to set minimum standards and to give Lifeline personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline notice of expectations. Lifeline personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline are expected to transact all Lifeline business in conformance with policies and procedures and accordingly have an obligation to become familiar with those that bear on their areas of responsibility. Each individual is expected to seek clarification on a policy or other Lifeline directive he or she finds to be unclear, outdated or at odds with Lifeline objectives. It is not acceptable to ignore or disobey policies if one is not in agreement with them, or to avoid compliance by deliberately seeking loopholes.
6. Conflicts of Interest of Commitment
Lifeline’s personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline are expected to devote primary professional allegiance to O² Property Consultant and to the mission of operating to the highest ethical standards when transacting Lifeline’s business with all parties, particularly homeowners. Outside employment must not interfere with Lifeline duties. Outside professional activities, personal financial interests or acceptance of benefits from third parties can create actual or perceived conflicts between Lifeline’s mission and an individual's private interests. Lifeline’s personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline who have certain professional or financial interests are expected to take appropriate steps, including consultation if issues are unclear, to avoid both conflicts of interest and the appearance of such conflicts.
7. Records: Confidentiality/Privacy and Access
Lifeline is the custodian of many types of information, including that which is confidential, proprietary and private. Individuals who have access to such information are expected to be familiar with and to comply with applicable laws, Lifeline policies, directives and agreements pertaining to access, use, protection and disclosure of such information. Computer security and privacy are also subject to law and Lifeline policy.
Lifeline operates within the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998. Our full Privacy Policy is available may be obtained by clicking here.
8. Internal Controls
Internal controls are the processes employed to help ensure that Lifeline’s business is carried out in accordance with these Standards of Ethical Conduct, Lifeline’s policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and sound, ethical business practice. They help to promote efficient operations, accurate financial reporting, protection of assets, and responsible fiscal management. Lifeline’s personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline are responsible for internal controls. Each department head is specifically responsible for ensuring that internal controls are established, properly documented and maintained for activities within their jurisdiction. Any individual entrusted with funds, including principal investigators or negotiators, is responsible for ensuring that adequate internal controls exist over the use ad accountability of such funds.
9. Use of Lifeline’s Resources
Lifeline’s resources may only be used for activities on behalf of Lifeline. They may not be used for private gain or personal purposes except in limited circumstances permitted by existing policy where incidental personal use does not conflict with and is reasonable in relation to Lifeline duties. Lifeline’s personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline are expected to treat Lifeline’s property with care and adhere to laws, policies and procedures for the acquisition, use, maintenance, record keeping and disposal of Lifeline’s property. For purposes of applying this police, Lifeline resources is defined to include but not be limited to the following, whether owned by or under the management of Lifeline:
- Cash and other assets whether tangible or intangible; real or personal property;
- Receivables and other rights or claims against third parties;
- Intellectual property rights;
- Effort of Lifeline’s personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline and of any non-Lifeline entity billing Lifeline for effort;
- Facilities and the rights to use Lifeline’s facilities;
- Lifeline’s name;
- Lifeline’s records, including client and homeowner records; and
- The Lifeline information technology infrastructure.
10. Financial Reporting
All Lifeline accounting and financial records, tax reports, expense reports, time sheet and effort reports and other documents including those submitted to government agencies must be accurate, clear and complete. All published financial reports will make full, fair accurate, timely and understandable disclosures as required under generally accepted accounting principles for government entities and other requirements. Certain individuals with responsibility for the preparation of financial statements and disclosures, or elements thereof, may be required to make attestations in support of the Standards of Ethical Conduct.
11. Reporting Violations and Protection from Retaliation
Lifeline’s personnel and cash buyers engaged on behalf of Lifeline are strongly encouraged to report all known or suspected improper activities. Managers and persons in supervisory roles are required to report allegations presented to them and to report suspected improper activities that come to their attention in the ordinary course of performing their supervisory duties. Reporting parties, including managers and supervisors, will be protected from retaliation for making such a report.
