Vision

To be the most respected and successful community volunteer provider of locally based, affordable, family-styled housing for lonely older people who seek independence, companionship and safety in New Zealand.

Values

We strive to

• Put older people at the centre of the organisation’s focus;
• Ensure Abbeyfield houses are part of the local community;
• Promote the concept of Abbeyfield as “home”;
• Provide quality service and fair treatment to residents, volunteers and staff;
• Be a strong and honest provider supported by the community;
• Be a responsible corporate citizen and be respectful of the environment;
• Deliver value to stakeholders; and
• Provide a safe and rewarding work environment.

The Abbeyfield Concept

Abbeyfield believes

• That there are many older New Zealanders who, though capable of living on their own, are lonely and insecure and would welcome companionship and practical support in their daily lives.
• That volunteers working together actively can assist older people enjoy a secure and happy life within the companionship of a small household
• That older people have an important place in the lives of their families, friends and communities.

Mission Statement

Abbeyfield seeks to

• Advocate to central, regional and local governments, their agencies and staff, various sponsor organisations, donors, friends and the general public, the purpose of and need for Abbeyfield;
• Advise and assist communities to establish separately incorporated local Societies affiliated to Abbeyfield New Zealand Incorporated;
• Assist such affiliate Societies to carry out for the benefit of the community, the provision, management and supervision of housing and accommodation of all kinds, for the relief, maintenance, support and welfare of persons who are aged, or lonely and in particular such older persons who seek companionship in a shared home in the local community;
• Recognise the special nature of Abbeyfield’s volunteer management ethos and will strive to ensure our volunteer Boards provide a blend of appropriate skills by providing training opportunities and a deliberate strategy of succession planning
• Protect and promote the principles, name and logo of Abbeyfield; and
• Abide by the guidelines, principles and philosophies of Abbeyfield International.

1. Introduction and Purpose

This Code of Ethics sets out the ethical and behavioural standards expected of Abbeyfield’s volunteer Board, committee members and officers, subscribing members and employed staff.

The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to underpin and support Abbeyfield’s vision and the values that govern our individual and collective behaviour. The vision and values set out below are an integral part of Abbeyfield’s Code of Ethics.

2. Abbeyfield’s Vision

Our vision is to be the most respected and successful New Zealand community volunteer provider of locally based, affordable family-style housing for older people who seek to avoid loneliness, to maintain their independence, and to find companionship and safety.

3. Abbeyfield’s values

To achieve our vision we pledge to uphold the following values in all our activities;

We will:

§ Put older people at the centre of Abbeyfield’s focus;

§ Provide quality service and fair treatment to all Abbeyfield residents;

§ Strive to ensure Abbeyfield houses are part of the local community;

§ Promote the concept of Abbeyfield as “home”;

§ Be a strong and honest provider supported by the community;

§ Be a responsible organisation and be respectful of the environment;

§ Deliver value to stakeholders;

§ Treat Abbeyfield volunteers and staff fairly and equitably and;

§ Provide a safe and rewarding work environment.

4. Our Community

Abbeyfield New Zealand pledges to respect the dignity, values, history, religion and culture of all people, irrespective of race, gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age or mental or physical ability.

· Abbeyfield residents can expect our corporate affairs, and our dealings with them, to be conducted with total integrity and transparency

· Complaints or allegations of misconduct or other irregularities on the part of anyone associated with Abbeyfield will be dealt with promptly and impartially respecting the participants rights to confidentiality and disclosure

· We will act honestly and fairly in all our dealings with Abbeyfield’s members, affiliates, residents, suppliers, professional advisors, competitors and other stakeholders

· Abbeyfield will use the utmost skill and care in our recruitment and employment practices, and treat all staff with respect and dignity and we will comply with the policies and procedures set out in Abbeyfield’s ‘Recommended Best Practices and Procedures ‘ manuals.

5. Our organization

5.1 Conflicts of Interest

· We have an obligation to ensure that our individual interests do not interfere, or appear to interfere, with Abbeyfield’s interests

· We will not have any undisclosed or unapproved business relationships, including with suppliers, customers, or competitors, that might impair, or could be perceived to impair, the independence of any judgement that we may make on behalf of Abbeyfield

· We will not accept any bribe, gratuity or other inducements in the course of our dealings on behalf of Abbeyfield

5.2 Use of Abbeyfield Assets and Property

· We will use our best endeavours to protect Abbeyfield’s assets and property from loss, damage, misuse, waste and theft

· We will only use Abbeyfield assets and property under our stewardship for the legitimate business purposes of Abbeyfield, and will not use that property for any other purpose, including for personal gain

5.3 Use of Abbeyfield Information

· We will use Abbeyfield corporate information gained during our relationship with the Society only in the best interests of Abbeyfield and not for personal gain

5.4 Compliance with all Laws, Regulations and Rules

· Abbeyfield will, at all times, act honestly and in good faith, and comply with all applicable laws including, legislation, regulations, local authority by-laws and codes of practice

6. Compliance with Code of Ethics

· All of our activities impact on the public perception of Abbeyfield. We share a significant responsibility to enhance the public trust in Abbeyfield, and act accordingly

· We will at all times behave and conduct ourselves in a manner that is consistent with the Abbeyfield vision and values set out in this Code of Ethics, and will comply with all Abbeyfield corporate policies and principles

· To this end, the Abbeyfield New Zealand Board shall regularly review the code, monitor adherence to the code and hold Abbeyfield Board members, employees and volunteers accountable for ethical behaviour.

Adopted by the members of Abbeyfield New Zealand Inc

July 15^th 2006