Our code of ethics

A Commitment to our Clients

iMinder staff members pride themselves on how we adhere to the highest code of ethics that governs everything we do and how we live out our mission to our community.

Each member of iMinder agrees to the following principles and pledge to uphold its principles:

Purpose

  • Communicate the integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, trust, and professionalism expected of consultants, as well as, to provide a means for consultants to pledge their commitment to these principles.

Clients

  • Serve their clients with integrity, honesty, competence, independence, objectivity, and professionalism, placing the client’s best interests above all others.
  • Treat client information that is not public knowledge as confidential and take reasonable steps to prevent its access by unauthorized people.

Engagements

  • Only accept assignments that they, their staff and their colleagues have the necessary experience and competence to perform effectively.

Fees

  • Charge fees that are reasonable and commensurate with the services to be delivered.

Profession

  • Establish a mutual understanding with clients about the objectives, scope of work, and work plan, as well as realistic expectations about the results of the services to be rendered before accepting any assignment. If changes in the scope of work arise during the course of the assignment, negotiate adjustments in good faith.
  • Treat all client information that is not public knowledge with confidentiality, take reasonable steps to prevent its access by unauthorized parties, and refrain from taking advantage of proprietary or privileged information without the client’s permission.
  • Avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof and immediately disclose to the clients any circumstances that may influence the consultant’s judgment or objectivity.
  • Offer to withdraw from a consulting assignment when it appears that objectivity or integrity may be impaired.
  • Refrain from inviting an employee of an active or inactive client to consider alternative employment without prior discussion with the client.
  • Inform clients of laws, regulations and ethical standards that guide good grantmaking and foundation practice, and report illegal or dangerous behavior to authorities within the client’s organization. When in doubt about one’s professional competence to provide such advice, urge the client to consult qualified legal or tax counsel.
  • Respect the intellectual rights of professional peers and not use their copyrighted information, materials, or methodology without permission. Refrain from misrepresenting or denigrating professional peers.
  • Represent the profession with integrity and professionalism in relationships with clients, colleagues, and the general public.  Seek professional development opportunities as they are available.