CODE OF ETHICS
Foreword
One of the main tasks of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY (With Dogs for a Smile Foundation- WDSF) is to help people improve their quality of life and restore their health through the training
and use of assistance dogs. We consider it important that all this is carried out by volunteers who meet
professional and ethical standards.
As an important condition for achieving this goal, the board of trustees of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT
FOUNDATION has established an Ethics Committee to facilitate its decisions. The three-member
Ethics Committee, chaired by Réka Juharos, and invited two experts to participate in the committee. (Lívia
Tóthné Schiebelhut, special needs teacher, and Klára Korsósné Mojzes, teacher). The Ethics Committee
held its inaugural meeting on 10 August 2022, at which it was agreed that the committee’s first task would
be to develop a code of ethics for the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT FOUNDATION.
The code of ethics developed by the Ethics Committee and approved by the board of trustees of the
KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY
on 8 January 2023 is a document recommended for participants in the training and use of assistance dogs,
which sets out basic principles and contains recommendations that can serve as a guide for volunteers of
the DOGS FOR SMILES FOUNDATION in resolving professional and ethical issues that may arise.
It is important to emphasise that the Code of Ethics does not only contain written rules, but is also a
regulatory document whose value lies in how much of it can be implemented in daily practice. The
Code of Ethics cannot contain every legal norm governing conduct, nor can it provide guidance for every
possible situation and problem.
Please send any suggestions or critical comments to the chair of the Ethics Committee (Réka
Juharosjuharosreka@gmail.com ) by e-mail. Thank you!
- PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to play a preventive role: by establishing transparent standards
, it aims to provide guidance on moral and/or professional issues, to provide uniform, well-considered and
predictable patterns of behaviour, and to assist and guide members in determining
or avoidable actions.
The purpose of the Code of Ethics is therefore to
a) assist the volunteers of the WDSF in performing their work in a
manner that demonstrates the fair, responsible and ethical conduct expected of them in the
course of our services.
b) describes the fundamental values represented by the WDSF, the
model of behaviour to be followed, the assertion of interests, priorities, and questions of responsibility
issues,
c) contribute to greater commitment among the members of the KUTYÁVAL EGY
MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY, improve loyalty, motivation and effectiveness.
d) help prevent violations and more severe sanctions
e) draw attention to actions that should be followed or avoided, which result from violations of laws
and internal rules and entail more serious legal or other sanctions
f) provide general guidance in intermediate or ambiguous situations that fall under the category of
“legal but unethical”.
g) provides for the operation of the Ethics Committee of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT
ALAPÍTVÁNY (WDSF) and defines its tasks, powers and rules of
procedure. - SCOPE OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
The personal scope of the code extends to the members of the board of trustees, employees and
volunteers of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY (WDSF). The
provisions of the code serve as basic guidelines for their conduct, professional activities and
communication. The scope of the code extends to both domestic and foreign activities. - GENERAL PRINCIPLES, STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
The volunteers of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT FOUNDATION shall always carry out their activities
related to the training and
using assistance dogs in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of the applicable laws,
professional ethical and integrity requirements
requirements, and the provisions of this Code of Ethics.
The volunteers of the SMILE WITH A DOG FOUNDATION shall strive to behave ethically at all times and
refrain from committing any legal or ethical violations
. They are required to carry out their activities in a transparent manner, striving for the highest
professional standards, in accordance with the rules of the profession and fundamental ethical and moral
and the maximum respect for personal rights and data protection rules.
taking this into account. They are also obliged to strive to provide their services more quickly and
efficiently.
The general principles and standards of conduct can be summarised as follows:
a. Compliance with legislation
Personal and Foundation matters must always be conducted in accordance with legal requirements. It is a
fundamental requirement to respect the law and to act with complete integrity.
b. Responsibility
Everyone is personally responsible for complying with professional and ethical rules.
c. Equal opportunities and respect
Everyone has the right to equal, courteous and respectful treatment. The personal dignity and beliefs of
others must be respected in all circumstances.
Any form of violence, intimidation or harassment is strictly prohibited.
d. Confidentiality, data protection
All data and information obtained during the course of the activity must be collected and archived in
accordance with the applicable data protection regulations. The information obtained
information must be treated as confidential and may only be used for lawful purposes in the
performance of duties.
e. Fair conduct of the Foundation
Any form of bribery or conduct suggestive of bribery is prohibited during the course of activities.
f. Fair “business” relations
Relationships between individuals and the Foundation must be characterised by legality, mutual trust
and the pursuit of fair procedures. Individual decisions must be characterised by transparency and
objectivity, and decisions must not be influenced by private interests and
personal goals.
g. Avoiding conflicts of interest and incompatibility
During activities, any situation that could lead to an apparent or actual conflict of interest with the
interests of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY should be
avoided as far as possible. It is prohibited to obtain unlawful personal benefits and to generate conflicts
that conflict with the interests of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY
h. Authentic financial activity
Financial events occurring during the course of business must be handled accurately and reliably.
i. Protection of assets and intellectual property
Everyone should feel personally responsible for the Foundation’s assets and property, and all stakeholders
should use, preserve and manage them for the benefit of the Foundation. All stakeholders are responsible
for the Foundation’s intellectual property and are obliged to protect it, its trademarks and other
intellectual property rights.
j. Environmentally conscious attitude
During activities, applicable environmental regulations must be observed and efforts must always be
made to reduce negative environmental impacts.
k. Insider information
The unlawful use of the Foundation’s non-public information for personal gain is prohibited under all
circumstances.
l. Political activity
It is prohibited to make any political donations or incur any political expenses on behalf of the Foundation,
unless expressly authorised by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
m. Economic crimes
Participation in economic crimes, including money laundering, fraud, bribery, tax evasion, corruption and
embezzlement, is prohibited. The KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT FOUNDATION has a zero-tolerance policy
towards all economic crimes.
n. Competition
Fair competition is a vital element of the market, therefore everyone is obliged to respect competition
rules and ensure compliance with them.
o. Social responsibility
Social responsibility must always be a priority in the course of our activities
, i.e. attention must be paid to the social, environmental and professional context and consequences of
the activity in question. Local communities involved in the activity must be supported and maximum
cooperation must be sought with those affected by the activity and its operation. - SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
The rules and principles to be observed in activities related to the breeding, training, testing and delivery
of assistance dogs to those in need are as follows:
a. The Foundation’s activities must comply with EMMI 9/2016(V.12.)
amendments to Decree 27/2009. (XII. 3.) SZMM, as well as the requirements for training assistance dogs,
animal welfare and training standards set out by ADI/ADEu.
b. The opinions of other people must always be respected, and assistance dog owners, trainers
and volunteers must behave appropriately in public places.
c. When in public places, you must behave in such a way that sets an example for other dog
owners and earns the respect of non-dog owners. (e.g. you must pick up your dog’s faeces
, only allow your dog to approach another dog after asking permission, do not allow your dog to approach
strangers
without asking them, etc.)
d. If a dog causes damage during training or use, the person responsible for the dog in that
situation (e.g. trainer) must take responsibility and endeavour to compensate for the damage
caused. - A CONDUCT IN VIOLATION OF THE CODE, DETERMINATION OF ETHICAL VIOLATIONS
Conduct that is considered ethically objectionable and constitutes an ethical violation is classified by the
Ethics Committee of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY (WDSF) on
the basis of the provisions of Chapters 3 and 4 of this Code. - THE ETHICS COMMITTEE
The chairperson and members of the Ethics Committee
is appointed by the Board of Trustees of the WDSF for a term of 5 years.
-consists of at least 3 and at most 7 members.
-Its meetings are convened and chaired by the chairperson of the Ethics Committee.
The rules of procedure are set out in this Code of Ethics. Issues not covered herein shall be governed by
the rules of civil procedure, which shall be interpreted in accordance with the principles of this Code. In
the event of a dispute regarding interpretation or procedure, the chair of the Ethics Committee shall
decide.
The Ethics Committee shall conduct its proceedings in accordance with the principles and provisions of
this Code of Ethics, the resolutions of the Board of Trustees of the WITH DOGS FOR A SMILE FOUNDATION
The Ethics Committee shall make its decisions freely, bound only by the facts established by a final court
judgement, the assessment of which is the sovereign right and duty of the Ethics Committee. - PROCEDURES OF THE ETHICS COMMITTEE
a) The Ethics Committee is entitled to initiate proceedings either upon notification by the
complainant or at the request of the Board of Trustees of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT
ALAPÍTVÁNY (WDSF).
b) The Ethics Committee’s proceedings must be initiated in writing, by letter or e-mail.
c) The Ethics Committee’s proceedings shall not be precluded, at the sole discretion of the Ethics
Committee, if the relevant legislation also contains provisions, sanctions and enforcement options in the
given case, or if proceedings have been initiated before a court or other authority in the given case, or if
a decision has been made in the case.
d) The Ethics Committee is entitled to initiate proceedings within 90 days of becoming aware
of the ethical violation.
e) The Ethics Committee may reject the submission without substantive examination, return it for
correction, reject it, or make a decision on it. Reasons for rejection without substantive examination
may be due to failure to comply with the obligation to remedy deficiencies or due to late submission. The
reason for rejection may be the lack of subjective and/or objective applicability of the Code of Ethics. The
Ethics Committee shall justify its rejection without substantive examination and its rejection, and shall
inform the
the applicant in writing.
f) The Ethics Committee shall only conduct proceedings, make decisions or issue statements in
individual cases where the statement may serve as general guidance.
g) In the event of deficiencies, the Ethics Committee shall call upon the initiator of the
proceedings to remedy the deficiencies in the submission within 5 days, failing which the submission
may be rejected without substantive examination.
h) The Ethics Committee shall send the completed submission to the opposing party, i.e. the
respondent, who shall be entitled to submit comments or statements within 5 days, under penalty of
forfeiture of rights, in which they shall be required to present the facts they consider important and
comment on the complainant’s evidence, presenting their own evidence.
i) If it deems it necessary, the Ethics Committee may call upon the parties to further clarify the facts
of the case.
parties to further clarify the facts.
j) The Ethics Committee shall make its decision in writing without holding a hearing. It shall make
its decision on the basis of the recorded evidence in a council of at least 3 and at most 7 members, by a
simple majority vote. In justified cases, it may order a hearing to be held, the date of which shall be
communicated to the parties at least 5 days in advance. Absence from the hearing shall not prevent the
decision from being made.
k) The ethics procedure is closed, and the data, facts and information disclosed during the
procedure are subject to strict confidentiality. Letters and e-mails sent shall be considered as
notification and successful delivery.
l) A member of the Ethics Committee who has a personal conflict of interest with the parties
may not act in the Ethics Committee. In place of the member with a conflict of interest, another
member of the Ethics Committee or, in their absence, a member of the Board of Trustees appointed
by the Board of Trustees of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY (WDSF) shall be entitled to act.
m) If the Ethics Committee accepts the submission, it shall conduct the ethics procedure as
soon as possible, endeavouring to complete it within two months of its submission. This period
may be extended by a further two months in particularly complex cases, in which case the parties
shall be notified.
n) In justified cases, the Ethics Committee may hear or contact persons other than those involved in
order to assess the case.
o) Following the ethical proceedings, the Ethics Committee shall issue a written decision on the
matter, which may be as follows:
- uphold the complaint and find that an ethical violation has been committed,
- uphold the complaint and impose sanctions on the person complained about,
- reject the complaint,
- terminate the proceedings if the parties reach an agreement.
The parties are entitled to reach an agreement with each other throughout the entire duration of the
ethics procedure, which they are required to report to the Ethics Committee.
The Ethics Committee shall justify its decision and send it to the parties.
p) The range of sanctions that may be imposed by the Ethics Committee includes: - written reprimand,
- requiring the reprimand to be published among the volunteers of the KUTYÁVAL EGY
MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY (WDSF). - obligation to remedy the ethical violation,
- submission of a proposal to the Board of Trustees for the suspension of volunteer privileges
for 12-18 months, - submission of a proposal to the Board of Trustees for exclusion from the circle of
volunteers of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY (WDSF),
Sanctions may be imposed cumulatively, but when imposing sanctions, efforts must be made to impose
penalties proportionate to the ethical violation and to ensure gradation.
q) The Ethics Committee shall inform the Board of Trustees of the WDSFof its decision.
r) As a general rule, the decision of the Ethics Committee is final. There is no right of appeal.
s) The Ethics Committee may prepare a statement of its professional position on decisions it deems
relevant to the interpretation of this Code and its principles
, which the parties may use as a basis for reference in ethical proceedings initiated after its publication.
t) The Ethics Committee of the KUTYÁVAL EGY MOSOLYÉRT ALAPÍTVÁNY shall prepare an annual report on cases relevant from an ethical point of view that have
occurred at the Foundation. The report shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees.
- FINAL PROVISIONS
The text of the Code of Ethics is public and can be found on the website of the SMILE WITH A DOG
FOUNDATION.
The Code of Ethics shall enter into force on the date of the Board of Trustees meeting at which it is
adopted, and its provisions shall apply from that date.
.
Valid from 08.01.2023 until revoked