Codes of Ethics Policy

This Code of Ethics sets out the values, principles, and standards of behaviour expected of all board members, colleagues, contractors, and volunteers of Agamemnon Housing Association (AHA).  It is designed to promote integrity, professionalism, accountability, and trust, and to guide ethical decision making in all aspects of our work.

This Code explicitly aligns with and incorporates the principles of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Code of Ethics, reflecting best practice within the housing sector.

AHA is guided by the following core values:

• Integrity: acting honestly, transparently, and responsibly at all times.
• Respect: valuing every individual and treating people with dignity.
• Fairness: making decisions that are just, inclusive, and impartial.
• Accountability: taking responsibility for our actions and decisions.
• Care: prioritising the wellbeing, safety, and needs of tenants and communities.
• Professionalism: maintaining high standards of competence and conduct.

The CIH Code of Ethics is built around professionalism, integrity, accountability, objectivity, and respect. AHA adopts and applies these principles across all operations:

a.   Professional standards:

• • Act competently and responsibly within our roles.
  • Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of housing law, regulation, and good practice.
  • Use evidence-based decision making to deliver high quality services.

b.   Integrity and honesty:

• • Act with honesty and probity at all times.
  • Avoid behaviour that could bring AHA or the housing profession into disrepute.
  • Declare conflicts of interest and remove ourselves from related decisions.

c.   Accountability and transparency:

• • Be accountable for decisions, actions, and use of resources.
  • Ensure openness and clarity in communication with tenants, partners, and regulators.
  • Accept scrutiny and learn from mistakes.

d.   Respect and Equality:

• • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
  • Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Challenge discrimination, harassment, or abusive behaviour.

e.   Commitment to the Public Interest:

• • Put tenants, communities, and social purpose first.
  • Balance individual needs with wider community responsibilities.
  • Ensure decisions are consistent with AHA’s social mission.

a.   Tenants and service users:

• • Deliver services that are safe, responsive, and tenant
  • Listen actively and respond fairly to complaints and feedback.
  • Protect tenants from harm, exploitation, and neglect.
  • Neutral, UK appropriate language suitable for our tenants.
  • Creating a “digital‑by‑design” environment that would allow us to deliver our new strategic objectives with confidence. At the same time, we recognised the importance of “digital by choice”, ensuring that tenants who are not comfortable with digital channels still have accessible, supportive alternatives.

b.   Colleagues and workplace culture:

• • Foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment.
  • Treat colleagues fairly and respectfully.
  • Avoid bullying, harassment, or abuse of authority.

c.   Conflicts of interest:

• • Declare any personal, financial, or professional interests that may conflict with AHA’s work.
  • Not use position or information for personal gain.
  • Comply with AHA’s conflicts of interest policy.

d.   Gifts and hospitality:

• • Do not offer, solicit, or accept gifts or hospitality that could influence decision‑
  • All gifts and hospitality must be declared in line with AHA policy.

e.   Confidentiality and data protection:

• • Protect confidential and personal information at all times.
  • Comply with data protection legislation and internal policies.
  • Use information only for legitimate Association purposes.

• Use AHA resources efficiently and responsibly.
• Prevent fraud, bribery, and corruption.
• Ensure financial decisions provide value for money and support long term sustainability.

All individuals must:

• Comply with housing law, health and safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Follow internal policies and procedures.
• Raise concerns where legal or ethical breaches are suspected.

AHA encourages a culture of openness:

• Concerns about unethical behaviour should be raised promptly.
• Individuals will be supported and protected when raising concerns in good faith.
• Whistleblowing procedures must be followed without fear of retaliation.

• Everyone working with or for AHA is responsible for complying with this Code.
• Breaches may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or removal from office.
• Serious breaches may be reported to regulators or professional bodies, including CIH.

This Code of Ethics will be:

• Reviewed regularly.
• Updated to reflect changes in law, regulation, or CIH ethical standards.
• Supported through training, induction, and leadership example.

All board members, colleagues, and representatives of AHA are expected to uphold this Code of Ethics and to act in a way that strengthens trust in our Association, our profession, and the communities we serve.