Jaffna Medical Faculty Overseas Alumni – Canada Chapter (Jmfoa.ca)

JMFOA's Code of Ethics

PREAMBLE
JMFOA Canada brings together alumni of the Jaffna Medical Faculty to lead with compassion, integrity, and service. As a registered platform with national and international collaborations, we champion professional development, charitable service, community leadership, and global health equity. This Code of Conduct defines the principles that guide our members, volunteers, researchers, and partners.

1. Integrity and Professionalism
• - Represent JMFOA Canada in a manner that reflects integrity, fairness, and ethical standards.
• - Maintain professionalism in public and private interactions, including events, correspondence, and digital platforms.
• - Uphold scientific integrity and respect intellectual property rights in research and knowledge-sharing.

2. Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion
• - Treat everyone with dignity regardless of background, gender, age, religion, or professional standing.
• - Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment across all JMFOA initiatives.
• - Ensure zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any form.
• - Uphold a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in leadership, participation, and community engagement—reflecting global and Canadian values.

3. Volunteers and Youth Engagement
• - Volunteers are the backbone of our mission. All volunteers are expected to uphold the organization’s values. • - Respect volunteer time, contributions, and perspectives. Provide mentorship and leadership opportunities. • - Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling organizational matters or sensitive information. • - Offer equal opportunity and recognition for all levels of volunteer contribution, promoting fairness and transparency.

4. Research and Knowledge Sharing 
• - Promote responsible and ethical research that aligns with JMFOA’s mission and complies with Canadian and international standards.
• - Give proper credit and recognition to contributors and collaborators.
• - Ensure research outputs serve community benefit and are shared openly where appropriate.
• - Protect privacy and data security, especially when engaging in community health research and publications.

5. Sponsorships and Fundraising
• - Seek sponsorships that align with JMFOA Canada’s mission, values, and professional identity.
• - Maintain transparency and accountability in all sponsorship and fundraising activities.
• - Avoid any sponsorship that could create a conflict of interest, compromise independence, or damage JMFOA’s reputation.
• - Ensure strict compliance with anti-bribery and anti-corruption principles, including proper record-keeping and disclosure of any benefit exchanges.

6. Community Service and Collaboration
• - Champion charitable work, health outreach, and education to uplift underserved communities.
• - Collaborate across JMFOA global chapters to share resources, best practices, and leadership strategies.
• - Respect the efforts of past and present leaders while contributing to a future-focused vision.

7. Unity and Governance
• - Encourage unity through teamwork, constructive dialogue, and collective decision-making.
• - Uphold democratic principles and respect for elected leadership within JMFOA Canada.
• - Address internal disagreements respectfully and through appropriate channels.

8. Upholding Human Rights and Fair Labor Practices
• - Prohibiting any form of forced or child labor.
• - Ensuring freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
• - Providing a safe and healthy working environment for all members and volunteers.
• Complying with all applicable labour laws and regulations.

9. Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Measures
• - All financial transactions must be transparent and accurately recorded.
• - Gifts, hospitality, or other benefits must not be offered or accepted to improperly influence decisions.
• - Conflicts of interest must be disclosed and managed appropriately.
• Members are encouraged to report any suspicions of unethical behaviour through established channels.

10. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
• - Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
• - Promoting equal opportunities for participation and leadership.
• - Addressing and preventing discrimination, harassment, or bias in any form.

11. Environmental Responsibility
• - Minimize its environmental footprint through sustainable practices.
• - Promote awareness and education on environmental issues among its members.
• - Collaborate with partners and communities to support environmental initiatives.

12. Scientific Integrity and Ethical Research
• - Conducting research ethically and responsibly.
• - Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of research findings.
• - Respecting intellectual property rights and giving proper attribution.
• - Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of research participants.

Enforcement and Review
• - Violations of this Code will be reviewed by the Executive Committee or an appointed Ethics Subcommittee. • - Outcomes may include mediation, guidance, or disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from organizational roles.

Commitment
• - By participating in JMFOA Canada, members, volunteers, researchers, and sponsors agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and support our collective mission:

                           “Empowering Alumni. Uplifting Communities. Inspiring Global Health Leadership.”