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Policy on independence and objectivity

Purpose

This policy describes the principles by which the Healthy Forests Foundation Limited (the Foundation) ensures it does not act as a mere conduit for external organisations, entities, or individuals.  These principles are critical to support the independence, objectivity, and credibility of the Foundation.

Scope

This policy applies to all activities, communications, and partnerships undertaken by the Foundation, including its team members, contractors, and partners.

Policy statement

The Foundation is committed to maintaining its integrity and independence by ensuring activities are grounded in evidence-based practices and aligned to core mission and values. 

Guiding principles

A. Communications and advocacy

  1. Independence and critical evaluation
  • The Foundation will not act as a passive channel for disseminating the views, materials, or positions of external organisations or individuals.
  • External inputs will be rigorously assessed to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s mission, values, and evidence-based approaches.
  • Funding provided to the Foundation will be applied to activities consistent with the Objectives of the Foundation
  • Reports or research shared by the Foundation will be transparently referenced.
  1. Transparency in collaboration
  • The Foundation will engage transparently with partners, stakeholders, and collaborators, clearly delineating its own views from those of external entities.
  • Any partnership or collaboration will be subject to a thorough vetting process and require approval by the CEO or Board to ensure consistency with the Foundation’s mission and objectives.
  1. Balanced representation
  • The Foundation will promote balanced and diverse perspectives in its research and communications, ensuring that no single perspective dominates.
  1. Integrity in messaging
  • The Foundation will not disseminate or endorse materials, data, or messages from external sources without conducting due diligence to verify their credibility and relevance.
  • This due diligence will be satisfied by sourcing information to be disseminated from credible sources such as research journals, experts, Cultural Knowledge holders and respected academics and commentators.
  • The foundation will ensure that any messaging reflects its commitment to scientific integrity, community engagement, and responsible advocacy

B. Management of Donations

  1. Independence of funds management
  • All donations will be managed independently, without influence or direction from donors regarding the operational, advocacy, or strategic activities of the Foundation.
  • Donations will not be accepted if conditions imposed by the donor conflict with the objectives or values as stated in the constitution.
  1. Alignment with constitutional objectives
  • All funds will be used strictly in alignment with the purposes and objectives outlined in the Foundation’s constitution.
  1. Transparency and accountability
  • Detailed records of all donations received, and their use will be maintained in accordance with financial management and reporting standards.
  • Annual financial statements will provide a transparent account of donation usage, ensuring stakeholders can review how funds have been allocated and their impact.
  1. Ethical fundraising
  • The Foundation is committed to ethical fundraising practices and will not solicit or accept donations from sources that compromise its integrity, independence, or reputation.
  • Donors will be informed that contributions are not refundable and do not entitle them to influence organisational decisions or policies.
  • Founder’s interests will be exercised in accordance with the constitution.
  1. Governance and oversight
  • The management and allocation of donations will be overseen by the Board of Directors (or designated committee) to ensure compliance with this policy and the constitution.
  • Regular audits will be conducted to ensure financial practices are consistent with legal requirements and organisational standards.
  1. Acknowledgement of donations
  • The Foundation may acknowledge donations publicly where appropriate, but such acknowledgment will not imply endorsement of the donor or their activities.
  • Donor requests for anonymity will be respected if consistent with transparency requirements.

C. Accountability

  1. Review
  • This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Board to ensure the Foundation continues to uphold its commitment to independence and objectivity in all aspects of its work.
  1. Breaches
  • Any breaches of this policy will be addressed through internal review processes, which may result in corrective action, education, termination of partnerships, or other measures to uphold the Foundation’s integrity.

Effective Date

This policy is effective as of 13 January 2025 and will remain in effect until amended or replaced.

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Addendum – website disclaimer

Independence and objectivity

  • The information provided on this website is independently curated and reviewed by the Foundation to ensure its consistency with our values and commitment to scientific integrity.
  • We do not act as a mere conduit for external organisations or individuals. All content shared here or through other channels reflects our independent evaluation and interpretation.

The Foundation is interested in many topics where there is scientific uncertainty or debate.  Much of the information we publish is intended to promote further respectful discussion and debate.  This does not mean the Foundation has taken a fixed position.

The Policy on independence and objectivity is also available using this link.

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