1. Purpose & Scope

This Code of Ethics guides all individuals acting in PHA Europe’s name—board members, staff, consultants, volunteers, and national member representatives—to foster integrity, trust, openness, and ethical behaviour.

2. Core Principles

1. Integrity & Impartiality

• Always act in the best interests of PHA Europe, upholding transparency, objectivity, and accountability.
• Avoid conflicts between personal gain and organisational priorities; declare any potential conflicts immediately.

2. Respect & Empathy

• Treat patients, carers, members, colleagues, and partners with dignity and compassion, especially acknowledging the challenges PH patients face.

3. Equity & Inclusion

• Offer equal opportunities to all stakeholders—patients, national associations, healthcare professionals, and industry partners—across Europe.

4. Independence & Transparency in Partnerships

• Maintain impartial relationships with industry. Avoid exclusive partnerships and ensure educational content remains balanced and independent.

5. Truth & Clarity in Communication

• Provide accurate, objective, relevant, timely, and understandable information to all audiences.

6. Confidentiality & Privacy

• Respect privacy laws and safeguard confidential information, unless legally required to disclose.

7. Compliance & Lawfulness

• Abide by all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

8. Financial Integrity

• Practice fiscal responsibility; prevent fraud, bribery, misuse of assets, and improper influence.

9. Professionalism & Accountability

• Act with professional conduct, taking responsibility for personal actions and acknowledging mistakes when they occur.

10. Promotion of Patient Empowerment

• Commit to PHA Europe’s mission: psychosocial support, access to treatment, health literacy, shared decision-making, capacity building, early diagnosis, improved care standards, and patient empowerment.

3. Ethical Responsibilities

To Patients & Members: Treat every patient and member with empathy, empower them with knowledge, and protect their rights.

To Partners & Sponsors: Ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity in collaborations.

To the Public: Build public trust through ethical advocacy, unbiased awareness campaigns, and honest representation of PH challenges.

To Each Other: Support open communication, mutual respect, and ethical accountability among all PHA Europe participants.

4. Implementation & Enforcement

Training & Awareness: Regular ethics and compliance training for staff, volunteers, and board members.

Reporting Mechanisms: Establish a confidential hotline or email for reporting unethical behaviour, fraud, or conflicts of interest.

Monitoring & Audit: Conduct periodic internal reviews or audits to ensure adherence to ethical standards.

Consequences: Breaches of this code may result in corrective actions, including removal from roles, financial restitution, or legal referral.

5. Review & Update

This Code will be reviewed at least every two years—or sooner if organisational or regulatory changes occur—to keep it relevant and effective.