Confidentiality
We are committed to maintaining the highest degree of integrity in all our dealings with potential, current and past clients, both in terms of normal commercial confidentiality, and the protection of all personal information received in the course of providing consultancy services.
Ethics
We always deliver our services honestly and honourably, and we expect our clients to work with us in the same spirit. We aim to ensure that all of our work is consistent with our values.
Principles
In our work we are guided by a set of principles that are fundamental to Framework. These are:
Client centred We focus on the needs of our clients in order to continually promote client ownership of all phases of the work and support our clients’ ability to sustain change after our involvement ends.
Respect and inclusion We value the perspective and opinions of all members of the client organisation.
Collaboration We build collaborative relationships with our clients and encourage our clients to take a collaborative approach within their organisations.
Equality and non-discrimination We always strive to be fair and objective in our advice and actions. We operate a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to oppressive practices and structures and we will always challenge any such practices that are identified through our work with clients.
We believe in equal opportunities and rights for all genders. Gender justice is an essential aspect of social justice and Framework is committed to promoting gender awareness and equity in the way that we approach, collaborate, deliver, and reflect on our work. This approach also applies to how we work with and relate to each other within the Framework Collective.
Authenticity We strive for authenticity and congruence between our opinions and our actions. We encourage these qualities in our clients.
Focus on effectiveness and health We work with our clients to create and sustain healthy as well as effective workplaces.
Empowerment We focus our work on helping everyone in the client organisation or community to increase their autonomy and empowerment to levels that make their workplace/community satisfying and productive.
Mutual learning We take an action-learning approach with our clients, based on dialogue, reflection and a commitment to shared learning.
Self-awareness We are committed to developing our own self-awareness and inter-personal skills as consultants. We engage in personal and professional development through our commitment to lifelong learning.
Ecological connection How individuals behave towards each other, and how we use the world’s natural resources, are a reflection of humanity’s collective stewardship of the planet. Framework sees a direct connection between non-exploitative ways of working and productivity, and a wider respect for the environment and the sustainable use of our planet’s resources.
Duty of care
Our actions and advice will always conform to relevant law. We believe that all organisations, including Framework itself, should avoid causing any adverse effect on the human rights of people in the organisations we deal with, the local and wider environment, and the well-being of society at large.
Competence and humility
We are aware of our areas of competence and clear about our limitations as consultants. We will only accept work that we are qualified to perform and in which our client can be served effectively; we will not make any misleading claims and will provide references from other clients if requested.
Transparent contracting
Our contract will usually be in the form of a detailed proposal, including aims, activities, costs, timescales, outputs and outcomes. The quality of our service and the value of our support provide the only true basis for continuity.
Quality assurance
We maintain the quality of what we do through constant review with our clients of all aims, activities, outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of activities. We encourage regular review meetings and provide regular progress reports. All Framework consultants take part in regular (usually monthly) peer-supervision sessions with a Framework colleague and we have an annual review system in which we look to clients for feedback about the quality of our work.
Professional conduct
We conduct all of our activities professionally and with integrity. We take great care to ensure that any recommendations that we give are in the best and proper interests of our clients.
Fair pricing
We believe our fees are competitive for what we provide, namely a high quality, tailored, specialised service. Whilst we do not generally offer discounts on our fees, we recognise that some organisations have limited resources so we always try to propose solutions that accommodate our clients’ available budgets and timescales. We agree our fees and basis of charges clearly in advance, so that we and our clients can plan reliably for what lies ahead, and how it is to be achieved and financially justified. Practical information on invoicing, payment and general contract terms can be obtained from any Framework consultant.
