One of the most constructive and proactive ways a board can send a message that its organization is committed to accountability, responsiveness, and stewardship is to draft a code of ethics to guide its board and staff in their activities and behavior. A code of ethics may not prevent wrong doing and unethical behavior but it makes known the organizational beliefs and values and it clarifies the consequences if someone errs on the wrong side of the fence.
Considerations when developing a code of ethics: