Code of Ethics

The Ethical Rules of Flourishing

The Ethical Rules of Flourishing—rules concerning good moral conduct and professional practice—are intended for its elected representatives in the board or councils and for professionals working on its behalf within the sphere of the association’s activities. They are intended as standards and guidance in addition to the provisions contained in the association’s statutes. Members engaged in work for, or in roles on behalf of, the association shall uphold these ethical rules.

Representatives of Flourishing shall

1. Act in accordance with the worldview and ideals of the association—the moral realism of humanism—for the good, development, and flourishing of members and society.

2. Always place human dignity foremost: show goodwill, fairness, and consideration in order to protect the values of beneficence, human inviolability, autonomy, and justice. Respect shall be shown for the valuable relationships of people and for their self-respect and reputation.

3. Avoid discrimination or partiality. Matters and discussions shall always be handled objectively and impartially. Take satisfaction in the work and practice courtesy.

4. Keep valuable social values foremost: friendship, trust, and peace. Ensure that the values of solidarity or reciprocity always serve morally legitimate purposes.

5. Show consideration and helpfulness toward individuals or groups in vulnerable situations, such as children, the ill, the elderly, people experiencing trauma, or others dependent on assistance from others.

6. Demonstrate honesty and integrity. Exercise epistemic caution and critical thinking.

7. Promote one’s own development and learning. Recognize one’s limitations and show humility. Follow sound standards of critical thinking and encourage the same in others, for example through dialogue, guidance, or teaching.

8. Act professionally: with moral judgment, knowledge, and competence appropriate to the circumstances. Care must be taken not to exceed the limits of the training or role held at any given time.

9. Communicate knowledge and offer guidance on a flourishing ethical outlook and values.

10. Ensure that one’s position within the association or one’s expertise is not misused for personal benefit or for that of close associates. Sexual harassment, bullying, coercion, or any form of violence are not tolerated, nor the initiation of sexual relationships with service recipients or clients.

11. Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive or personal information about individuals that may arise in the course of work on behalf of the association.[1]

12. Safeguard the welfare, freedom from suffering, and liberty of animals, together with respect for and responsible stewardship of nature. Contribute to the health of the living world and its conditions for life.

13. Seek to contribute constructively to the work of the association, be good role models, and act according to sound virtues and values with an encouraging and positive attitude—toward flourishing.

14. Members shall comply with the association’s statutes, these ethical rules, and its other foundational regulations, and shall follow national laws relevant to the association’s field of activity. Observed violations of the above shall be reported to the board of the association.

Adopted by the founding members at the founding meeting of Flourishing on 23 March 2025 at the National House (Safnahúsið), Reykjavík.

[1] (Except in circumstances that may fall under the provisions of Chapter IV of the Child Protection Act No. 80/2002.)