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Code of Ethics

Introduction

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to the public good, Brooklyn Botanic Garden ("BBG" or "the Garden") is committed to excellence, accountable to the public, transparent in its operations, and responsible in its stewardship of resources.

This Code of Ethics applies to members of the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers. Staff members include those who are employed by the association on a full-time, part-time, permanent, temporary, or contract basis.

Volunteers include any individuals appointed to serve on a BBG committee or task force, or individuals sharing expertise without remuneration.

BBG is actively committed to informing Board, staff, and volunteers about the code of ethics and its application; evaluating the code regularly, and creating policies and procedures that reflect its values.

Personal and Professional Conduct

In their dealings as representatives of the Garden, BBG's staff, Board members and volunteers must act professionally with honesty, integrity, and openness. They are expected to treat each other and BBG constituents fairly and with respect. Staff, Board members and volunteers are responsible for being aware of and complying with BBG policies.

Board of Trustees

BBG has an active Board of Trustees that sets the Garden's vision and mission, strategic direction, and policies; and has oversight of its finances and operations. The Board ensures that its members and the staff act for the benefit of BBG and its public purpose with integrity and honesty; that BBG's resources are responsibly and prudently managed; and that BBG has the capacity to carry out its programs effectively. The Board also supervises, evaluates, and determines appropriate compensation for the president, and ensures that BBG is fair and inclusive in its employment policies.

Trustees have a clear fiduciary obligation to BBG. At all times, they shall act in a manner consistent with this fiduciary obligation and shall exercise particular care that no detriment to BBG's interests (or appearance of such detriment) may result from a conflict between those interests and any other professional interests. Trustees are encouraged to consult with the Board chairman or the president whenever a question arises as to the conflicting interests. Trustees and their family members shall not serve as paid employees or contractors of BBG.

Staff/Independent Contractors

All staff members and independent contractors are responsible for understanding the duties of their positions and executing those duties to the best of their abilities and in accordance with applicable laws and BBG internal policies, as appropriate. BBG promotes a working environment that values respect, fairness, and integrity. Open communication is highly valued. Staff model professional conduct and provide leadership, clarity, and respect for individuals and for diverse points of view. All work products (e.g., files, documentation, published material) developed by staff within the context of their positions at BBG remains the physical and intellectual property of BBG. All resources (equipment, services, internal functions and supplies) are to be used by BBG staff and independent contractors for the sole purpose of carrying out official BBG business.

While outside employment and consulting can benefit both BBG and staff members, such activity must be undertaken with the fundamental premise that the employee's primary responsibility is to BBG, that any such outside activity will not interfere with the staff member's ability to discharge this responsibility, and that it will not compromise the professional integrity of the employee or the reputation of BBG or misrepresent the origination or sponsorship of this work.

BBG staff cannot accept gifts, favors, loans or other dispensations that are offered to them in connection with their duties for the Garden. Employees may accept gifts of de minimus value when acceptance would not appear to impair their judgment or otherwise influence BBG-related decisions. Meals, accommodations and travel expenses while on official BBG business may be accepted if clearly in the interest of the Garden and not in exchange for purchasing or other business decisions or preferential treatment.

Volunteers

The Garden's volunteers are in direct contact with members and garden visitors on a regular basis and often are the face of BBG to their peers and the public. When acting on behalf of BBG, volunteers must understand their duties and execute them to the best of their abilities and in accordance with applicable laws and BBG internal policies, as appropriate. Garden volunteers are expected to convey the mission and goals of BBG, and as its representatives, refrain from promoting their own institutions or businesses. All resources (equipment, services, internal functions and supplies) are to be used by volunteers for the sole purpose of carrying out official BBG business.

Integrity

BBG is committed to improving its organizational effectiveness, programs, products, and services. It strives to provide the field, the media, policy makers, and the public with content that is accurate, clear, and informed. It will not misrepresent information or individuals.

Fiscal Responsibility

BBG manages its funds responsibly and prudently by ensuring that all spending practices and policies are fair, reasonable, and appropriate to fulfill its mission; and generating financial reports and annual independent audits that are accurate, complete, and accessible in all material respects.

Fund-Raising and Business Practices

BBG is truthful in its fund-raising solicitation materials. It handles information about donations with confidentiality to the extent provided by the law, expends funds consistent with donor intent, provides appropriate acknowledgement and recognition. BBG discloses whether those seeking donations are BBG Board members, members, volunteers, employees, or hired solicitors.

In all cases, and for the protection of the good name of the institution and its members, BBG may only enter into agreements with organizations whose image, product, and services do not conflict with its mission or values.

Disclosure

BBG provides comprehensive information about the institution and responds in a timely manner to reasonable requests for information. Data about BBG operations—such as the Form 990, annual reports, and audited financial statements are available to the public.

Confidentiality

BBG staff, Board members, independent contractors and volunteers may have access to confidential and privileged information about the Garden, its members, and other constituents. Individuals with access to such information must comply with privacy and confidentiality policies and treat all information responsibly and appropriately.

Use of this Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics of Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a living document, designed to be disseminated, used, and updated. The Board Audit Committee will establish a schedule for regular review of the code and its dissemination. BBG staff will: