MLHR Code of Conduct for members of the Board of Directors

All members of the MLHR Board of Directors are required to subscribe in full to the aims and objectives of our organisation, and to remember at all times that our primary commitment is to the rescue, rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming of neglected and abused animals. We expect of our Board members compassion and kindness in relation to the animals that come into our care, and commitment to our vision of creating a society that is kinder to the animals we share our world with.
 
Standards of behaviour expected of all Directors 
Honesty and Integrity – We expect from our Directors that at all time they will act with honesty and integrity in carrying out their responsibilities in relation to MLHR and do nothing that might negatively affect the reputation of MLHR.Good Judgement – We also expect them to act with good judgement and  this may include seeking professional advice on appropriate matters on which they do not have relevant expertise.
To act at all times with independence and fairness especially in relation to assets, property and legal and regulatory obligationsInfluence All members of the MLHR Board of Directors must adhere to the Conflict of Interest policy, and not act in any way that might gain them or anyone connected to them financial or other benefits or any organisation or business that they own or work for.Impropriety  Directors must avoid actual or perceived impropriety or the appearance of improper behaviourGifts – Directors should avoid receiving gifts that might influence the way they carry out their role as a member of the Board
Understanding and Commitment All Board members should fully understand their role and be prepared for the level of time, energy and commitment required for them to fulfil this role properly and to the best of their abilities. 
Board Meetings 
In accordance with MHLR’s commitment to openness and transparency the following should be noted:

• All Board members are obliged to attend Board meetings unless attendance is impossible for valid reasons. However, we would cap this at two missed meetings in a year, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
• Their contribution should be honest, informed, respectful of others views and cooperative.
• Respect should be given to the Chairperson’s conduct of the meeting.
• Remain impartial and independent in discussions and decision making.

Relationship with Volunteers and Staff members 
MLHR is a volunteer led organisation, with a limited number of staff. The volunteers are there out of a commitment to the aims and objectives of the organisation

• The Board members should always act as a support and an example to both volunteers and staff
• They should always work in a respectful and honest manner with both volunteers and staff
• They should also accept and respect the difference in roles between the board on the one hand and volunteers and any employees on the other, and in this way ensure that: the board, volunteers and any employees work effectively and cohesively for the benefit of the charity and develop a mutually supportive and loyal relationship by:
  • respecting the daily work and the management of the work within MLHR
  • not interfering in the performance by volunteers or employees of duties delegated to them within the charity but still ensuring that volunteers and staff are held to account through the organisational structure of MLHR.

Legal Requirements
All Board members are required to:ØAct in accordance with the MLHR governing document and make sure there is full compliance with all legal and policy requirements.ØPromote and preserve the obligations of confidentiality about sensitive board matters, except where it is necessary to inform the Charities Regulator or any other body in the case of breaches of the law.ØAbide by MLHR’s Conflict of Interests policy and ensure that the Register of Interests is completed and updated when needed.ØAbide by all MLHR operational policies .ØEnsure that claims for out of pocket expenses are made in accordance with agreed procedures.    
Any breach of the Code of Conduct by a member of the Board of Directors of MLHR will be initially dealt with by the Chairperson of the Board and resolved accordingly. If the breach is committed by the Chairperson, the Board will meet to discuss appropriate action. Multiple breaches of the Code of Conduct can result is termination of the appointment to the MLHR Board.