It is increasingly recognised that the provision of services and goods through relief and development programmes often puts the staff of development agencies in positions of power relative to the communities with whom they work. In the past abuses of this power have led to various forms of exploitation, for example, where NGO employees have sought bribes, payments, gifts, and/or sexual favours in exchange for goods or services.

Many NGOs have developed Codes of Conduct to ensure maximum protection of communities participating in relief and development programmes from exploitation. These codes clarify the responsibilities of staff and the standards of behaviour expected of them.

Some examples of codes of conduct are available to download below.