Standards & Ethical Policy

Following our own values, we ensure that everything we do is done to the highest standard and in line with standards set by appropriate expert or governing bodies.

As a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, the Meningitis Trust complies with both Company and Charity Law, and guidance as issued by the Charity Commission of England & Wales and the Office of Scottish Charity Regulation (OSCR)

The Meningitis Trust is proud to be a member of the following organisations:

• The Helplines Association
• Fundraising Standards Board
• Association of Medical Research Charities
• The Information Standard

Recognising that we are dealing with vulnerable people, all staff and Trustees at the Meningitis Trust are cleared through the Criminal Records Bureau. We have policies that have been agreed by the Board to protect our staff and beneficiaries including policies for child protection and lone working.

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Our Ethical Policy

The Meningitis Trust actively seeks opportunities to work with external organisations to achieve shared objectives. However, it is vital that we maintain our independence and do not allow external partnerships to bring the name of the Meningitis Trust into disrepute.

We therefore seek, so far as is practical and within the constraints of UK law, initiatives that do not compromise the independent status of the Meningitis Trust and to ensure that the activities of organisations we work with are consistent with our organisational values.

We reserve the right to express our views even where these may be in conflict and/or to comment where we do not believe that the interests of our beneficiaries are being appropriately served.

We make every effort not to knowingly accept or solicit funds from organisations involved in arms trading or tobacco manufacture.

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Working with third parties 

When working with commercial organisations on cause related or affinity marketing, the Meningitis Trust does not endorse or approve products or companies (and a statement to this effect will be included alongside any branding or promotion associated with products). In addition, in order to ensure that all of our cause related promotion reflects our values, any endorsement of products must come to the Senior Management Team for approval.

The Meningitis Trust database will never be given or sold to any third party in whole or part, nor will a third party be given access to it.

The Meningitis Trust seeks to purchase goods and services which are produced and delivered under conditions that do not involve the abuse or exploitation of any persons and will seek to ensure that child labour is not used, living wages are paid, working hours are not excessive and no discrimination is practised. The Meningitis Trust expects suppliers to accept responsibility for labour and environmental conditions under which products are made and services are provided and to make written statement of intent regarding the company’s policy.