The Freepackers Code of Conduct
Projects we visit, organisations we check, six criteria a project must meet to become a partner: the commitments that guide Freepackers, in the field and in how we communicate.
Projects we visit, organisations we check
We go to the projects ourselves, to be certain of their ethics, their supervision and the values the host organisation passes on. Between visits, we are in touch with our partner NGOs every week.
We know the projects and the teams personally. That is what entitles us to present ourselves as experts on the programmes we offer.
What we require
What a project must meet to become a partner
Six criteria, for lasting impact and standards that respect human rights.
Over 50% local staff
Most of the team comes from the country: that is what lets a project stand on its own without us.
Run jointly with the communities
Decisions are taken with the people concerned, not on their behalf.
Transparent handling of funds
We must be able to follow how every donation transferred is used.
Professionals on the job
Biologists, nurses, architects: the project rests on qualified work, not on goodwill.
Supervision around the clock
Volunteers are guided day to day and can reach the local team at any time.
Goals that are met
The project commits to results, and reports on what has been done.
Ethical projects that contribute to sustainable development
Sustainable development, in practice, means meeting the needs of today's society without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It rests on three pillars: social, economic and environmental.
Our programmes cover several fields to ensure lasting impact: community, environment and animals. We contribute to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Our community projects, for example, contribute to goal 4, quality education for all.
Placement work that serves the projects
We audit and research both projects and volunteers, to match skills with local needs. We have been supporting volunteers since 2014, and your feedback makes us more precise every year.
A phone interview and a registration file, with a CV and a covering letter, let us work out which project suits you.
Responsible communication policy
Responsible communication is essential to building trust with everyone we work with, and to carrying out our mission: promoting responsible international experiences with a positive social and environmental impact.
This policy sets out the principles that guide our marketing, communication and public relations, so that everything we publish is accurate, transparent, respectful and based on facts that can be checked.
It applies to all our staff, and to any third party carrying out communication or marketing work on behalf of Freepackers.
Respect for human rights
Travelling with real impact starts with respect for people. Not as a statement of principle, but in practice: in every project, with every community, with everyone who travels with us or works alongside us.
Our commitment rests on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Bill of Human Rights and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Beyond those frameworks, it is a responsibility we take on towards our team, our participants, our partner organisations, our suppliers and local communities.
In practice, this means
Treat everyone with dignity
Every person, equally, without exception.
Safe working environments
Inclusive and free of discrimination, here as much as in the field.
No tolerance of exploitation
Forced labour, child labour, human trafficking: rejected without ambiguity.
Honest relationships
With our partners and our suppliers alike, openly.
Weigh the impact before deciding
Every decision that affects people is examined from a human rights standpoint.
Listen and talk
Real space for dialogue for everyone who works with us.
Act in good faith
When something goes wrong: raise it, put it right, and own it.
Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
We reject discrimination in every form and promote equal opportunity, respect for diversity and accessibility across everything we do. Senior management is responsible for carrying out this commitment and reviewing it periodically.
Promoting equal opportunity in recruitment. Our recruitment process is based solely on candidates' skills, qualifications and motivation. We apply the principle of equal opportunity at every stage, and reject any discrimination on grounds of sex, gender identity, age, origin, nationality, disability, beliefs, religion, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job adverts are written in inclusive language and applications are assessed against objective, transparent criteria, to encourage a diversity of profiles and guarantee fair treatment. In this way we aim to build a team that is diverse, representative and inclusive, in keeping with our values and our mission.
