Introduction

The following code of ethics of the British Chilean Chamber of Commerce (hereinafter, the “Chamber”) describes the values that must be applied when conducting business or interacting with stakeholders. It is the organization’s belief that adhering to a common set of generally accepted values is fundamental to future success in all its endeavors.

Mission

The Chamber’s mission is to promote British-Chilean-British trade and direct investment in both countries and to provide commercial services to achieve this goal. The Chamber assists companies in their search for new business opportunities by acting as an interface, thereby freeing up management time and resources. The Chamber provides a forum for members and other stakeholders to come into face-to-face contact and share information informally. The Chamber is in close contact with the governments of both countries and makes representations on behalf of its members. As an active member of the regional network of British Chambers of Commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean (BRITLAC), the Chamber strives to bring the benefits of collaboration to its members and clients. By providing a high-quality service, its members are encouraged to recommend the Chamber to potential new members.

Core Values

The Chamber’s core values are: freedom, honesty, integrity, and impartiality. These values are derived from the Chamber’s underlying belief in the market economy and the free flow of international trade and capital/investment.

Expectations of Members and Business Partners:

The Chamber requests that its members, companies, and organizations work with respect for its ethical positions. The Chamber expects the same high principles and standards in terms of ethics from all its members and partners, and any apparent violation will force the Chamber to reconsider its relationship with that member or partner.

Compliance with the Law

The Chamber conducts its activities in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations and requires its directors, employees, honorary officers, and honorary committee members to do the same.

Respect and Protection of the Individual

Individuality and Equality: As a bilateral organization, the Chamber values the diversity of its employees and promotes an environment free of prejudice. Employees shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, sexual orientation, beliefs, affiliation, nationality, age, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic or behavior that compromises the individual’s well-being.

Protection against Harassment and Abuse of Power:

The Chamber assumes responsibility for its employees and protects them from harmful influences. This includes establishing a safe work environment free from harassment (sexual, racial, or any other type) or abuse of power. Any incident of this nature must be reported to the General Manager, and the Chamber must act immediately to protect the individual in question and apply official counter-measures.

Protection of Minors and Young People – The Chamber is committed to the protection of minors and young people under 18 years of age. As a matter of principle, the Chamber does not employ minors. The Chamber may offer structured internship programs to young people over 16 years of age to further their training.

Business Ethics

Integrity – Dishonest business practices are irreconcilable with the Chamber’s values and mission statement. Directors, employees, honorary officers, and honorary committee members are required to act with integrity when dealing with the Chamber’s members, clients, suppliers, partners, and competitors.

Business and Professional Recommendations: If asked to provide recommendations for individuals or services, the Chamber will only use objective criteria such as field of activity, specialization, language skills, etc., to generate a list of member companies that match the requested information or service.

Conflicts of Interest

Loyalty – Directors, employees, honorary officers, and honorary committee members are required in the context of their work to act in the interest of the Chamber and its mission. Outside of the Chamber’s ordinary business activities, financial resources, fixed assets, services, and confidential information must not be used to obtain advantages for third parties or for the employee, director, honorary officer, or honorary committee member as an individual.

Identity – The Chamber’s directors, employees, honorary officers, and honorary committee members are required to clearly indicate whether they are acting on behalf of the Chamber or on their own behalf. Employees are only entitled to conduct business in their own name after consulting and obtaining the Chamber’s agreement.

The Chamber’s logo, brand, and stationery shall be used exclusively for official Chamber business. However, the logo may only be used to indicate membership in the Chamber.

External Activities – A director, employee, honorary officer, or honorary committee member should only accept an appointment or enter into any other agreement if it will not affect the Chamber’s interests or the individual’s ability to carry out their work or responsibilities at the Chamber.

Management of Conflicts of Interest: If a director, employee, honorary officer, or honorary committee member faces a conflict of interest, they must be aware of their loyalty to the Chamber and must disclose this conflict of interest to the Chamber and actively manage it.

Confidentiality

Protection of Confidential Information – The Chamber and its directors, employees, honorary officers, or honorary committee members must not disclose confidential information of any nature to third parties. This includes all data covered by relevant data protection laws. Exceptions apply when the law requires such information to be disclosed or if the person concerned gives their consent.

Media Relations: Any media request related to the Chamber’s business or reputation must be referred to the General Manager for consideration, who, if necessary, will consult with the Chairman of the Board or the full Board.

When making statements to the media, care must be taken to ensure that the information provided is correct and not misleading. Media inquiries should be referred to the Chamber’s General Manager, and statements should only be made by designated spokespersons.

The Chamber may be required to make statements or provide reports to regulatory bodies, agencies, or other government departments. Care must be taken to ensure that such statements or reports are correct, timely, and not misleading. Senior management must be aware of any confidential disclosure before it is made.

Social Responsibility

The Chamber will conduct its activities with respect and consideration for the environment. It will strive to minimize its environmental impact, including through waste management and energy consumption. The Chamber has a responsibility to the wider community in which it operates and will conduct its activities with respect and consideration for the well-being of local communities, taking steps to minimize any disruption resulting from its operations.

Impartiality

The Chamber’s political orientation is one of impartiality. In its work with governments, organizations, and associations, it maintains its political neutrality.

Final Remarks

Maintenance – It is the responsibility of the General Manager and the Board of Directors to enforce, administer, and, where appropriate, develop this ethics policy.

Reporting Violations – Generally, doubts or possible violations should be reported in the first instance to the General Manager for proper investigation and implementation of appropriate measures. The next step would be to refer the matter to the Board. In exceptional circumstances, the Board (or a board member) may be informed directly.

Dissent – In case of doubt or dispute regarding this ethics policy, the final decision rests with the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Elle Denton, CEO
January 2, 2025