IRN Policies

INTERNATIONAL RELIEF NETWORK (IRN) PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: legal@InternationalReliefNetwork.org

1. INTRODUCTION

International Relief Network (IRN) is committed to protecting the privacy of its users, donors, volunteers, and stakeholders. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect personal information.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address
• Payment and donation details
• Volunteer registration information
• Communication preferences
• Website usage data, including IP addresses and cookies

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

IRN uses collected information to:

• Process donations and provide receipts
• Communicate updates, newsletters, and campaign details
• Manage volunteer programs and event registrations
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

4. DATA SECURITY

• We implement strict security measures to protect your personal data.
• Access to personal information is restricted to authorized personnel.
• While we strive for security, we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

5. THIRD-PARTY SHARING

• IRN does not sell, rent, or trade personal information.
• We may share information with trusted third parties (e.g., payment processors) as necessary.
• We comply with legal obligations requiring data disclosure when mandated by law.

6. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

• Our website may use cookies to enhance user experience.
• Users can manage cookie preferences through browser settings.
• Analytics tools may collect non-personal information for performance improvements.

7. USER RIGHTS AND CHOICES

Users have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete their personal information
• Opt-out of marketing communications at any time
• Request details about data collection and processing
• Withdraw consent for data processing where applicable

8. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

• IRN does not knowingly collect data from children under 13.
• Parents or guardians should contact us if a child’s information has been submitted.

9. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

• IRN may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
• Users will be notified of significant changes via email or website updates.
• Continued use of our services after updates implies acceptance of the revised policy.

10. CONTACT US

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, contact us at:
Email: legal@InternationalReliefNetwork.org

By using IRN’s services, you acknowledge and agree to this Privacy Policy. Thank you for supporting our mission to provide humanitarian aid worldwide.

  

OTHER INTERNATIONAL RELIEF NETWORK (IRN)

STANDARD ORGANIZATIONAL POLICIES

Headquarters: Silicon Valley Business Center

1900 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95124, United States
Website: www.internationalreliefnetwork.org
Scope: Global operations with country and field offices worldwide

1. Ethical Policies

1.1 Code of Conduct Policy

All IRN staff, volunteers, and partners must uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism. Staff must act with honesty, fairness, and respect toward colleagues, beneficiaries, and partners. Exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority are strictly prohibited. Every representative of IRN is a reflection of the organization’s values and mission to serve humanity with dignity and compassion.

1.2 Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy

IRN maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward bribery, corruption, or any form of financial misconduct. No employee, partner, or representative may solicit, offer, or accept bribes, gifts, or any improper advantage. All financial and procurement transactions must be transparent, verifiable, and compliant with both donor and national regulations.

1.3 Conflict of Interest Policy

All employees and partners must avoid situations where personal interests conflict—or appear to conflict—with the interests of IRN. Any potential or actual conflict must be declared to the Human Resources or Compliance Office immediately.

1.4 Whistleblowing and Reporting Policy

IRN encourages all employees, partners, and beneficiaries to report any form of misconduct, fraud, or abuse. Reports can be made anonymously through designated reporting channels. Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation under IRN’s strict confidentiality policy.

1.5 Fraud Prevention and Detection Policy

All departments are responsible for ensuring that funds and assets are used only for their intended humanitarian purposes. IRN’s Finance and Compliance Unit shall regularly audit financial records and investigate all suspected cases of fraud.

1.6 Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

IRN promotes equality and inclusion in all employment, programming, and partnership activities. Discrimination based on gender, race, age, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or religion is strictly forbidden.

1.7 Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

IRN is fully committed to protecting children and vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse, exploitation, or neglect. All staff and partners are required to undergo background checks and safeguarding training before working with beneficiaries.

1.8 Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEA) Policy

Sexual exploitation or abuse by IRN employees, partners, or volunteers is strictly prohibited. All staff must maintain clear professional boundaries and avoid relationships that could be perceived as exploitative or abusive.

1.9 Integrity and Transparency Policy

IRN operates with honesty and transparency in all dealings. All reports, communications, and decisions must reflect accuracy, truthfulness, and accountability to both donors and communities.

1.10 Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) Policy

Beneficiaries have the right to information, participation, and feedback on programs that affect them. IRN shall establish and maintain effective feedback mechanisms in all project sites.

2. Operational Policies

2.1 Humanitarian Principles Policy

All IRN operations are guided by the principles of Humanity, Neutrality, Impartiality, and Independence. Assistance is provided solely based on need, without political, religious, or ethnic discrimination.

2.2 Program Management and Implementation Policy

All projects must be based on accurate needs assessments and designed to achieve measurable humanitarian outcomes. Implementation shall follow donor requirements, timelines, and budgets while ensuring efficiency and accountability.

2.3 Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Policy

IRN shall continuously assess the quality and impact of its programs. Lessons learned and community feedback must be integrated into future programming to ensure continuous improvement.

2.4 Procurement and Supply Chain Policy

All procurement processes must be transparent, competitive, and ethical. Preference shall be given to local suppliers when feasible, provided that quality and cost-effectiveness are maintained.

2.5 Security and Safety Policy

The safety of all staff and beneficiaries is a top priority. IRN will assess security risks regularly and provide appropriate training, equipment, and support to all field personnel.

2.6 Data Protection and Information Management Policy

IRN is committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of all data. Beneficiary and staff information shall be securely stored, accessed only by authorized personnel, and processed in compliance with data protection laws.

2.7 Environmental Sustainability Policy

IRN recognizes the impact of humanitarian activities on the environment. All operations must strive to minimize ecological footprints through sustainable practices.

2.8 Emergency Response and Preparedness Policy

IRN shall maintain readiness to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises. Response actions will be guided by global standards, including the Sphere Humanitarian Charter.

2.9 Communication and Media Policy

All public communications must uphold the dignity of beneficiaries. Images, stories, and data shall only be shared with informed consent and used for ethical representation.

2.10 Partnership and Local Engagement Policy

IRN believes in empowering local actors. Collaboration with local NGOs, communities, and authorities shall be pursued on the basis of mutual respect, transparency, and shared accountability.

3. Professional Standards and HR Policies

3.1 Human Resources Policy

IRN shall recruit qualified personnel through transparent, merit-based procedures. Staff welfare, equal opportunity, and professional growth are prioritized.

3.2 Staff Conduct and Disciplinary Policy

All employees must observe professional behavior consistent with IRN values. Violations of the code of conduct will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

3.3 Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Policy

IRN will ensure that all staff operate in a safe and supportive environment. Counseling and psychosocial support shall be made available to staff exposed to trauma or stress.

3.4 Gender Equality and Diversity Policy

IRN promotes gender equality and seeks gender balance in staffing, leadership, and program design. Diversity is viewed as a strength.

3.5 Training and Capacity Building Policy

All staff and volunteers are encouraged to participate in ongoing training to enhance professional skills and humanitarian competence.

3.6 Leave and Attendance Policy

IRN provides fair leave entitlements, including annual, sick, maternity, and compassionate leave, as stipulated in HR guidelines.

3.7 Compensation and Benefits Policy

Salaries and benefits are structured competitively and reviewed periodically to maintain fairness across all levels and country offices.

3.8 Grievance and Complaints Handling Policy

All staff have the right to raise grievances in a fair, transparent, and confidential process, free from retaliation.

3.9 Remote Work and Field Deployment Policy

Staff working remotely or deployed in the field must adhere to all security, confidentiality, and reporting procedures outlined by IRN.

3.10 Volunteer and Internship Policy

Volunteers and interns shall be treated with respect and given meaningful roles consistent with IRN’s mission. They are required to comply with all organizational policies.

4. Governance and Compliance Policies

4.1 Donor Compliance Policy

All projects must comply with donor agreements, reporting timelines, and allowable expenditure rules. Donor funds shall be used solely for their intended purposes.

4.2 Financial Management and Audit Policy

IRN shall maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records. Independent audits will be conducted annually to ensure accountability and transparency.

4.3 Risk Management Policy

IRN’s leadership shall routinely identify, evaluate, and mitigate strategic, financial, operational, and reputational risks.

4.4 Board Governance Policy

The Board of Directors shall provide strategic oversight, ensure legal compliance, and uphold IRN’s mission and core values.

4.5 Ethical Fundraising Policy

All fundraising activities shall be honest, transparent, and respectful of donors’ intent. IRN does not accept funds that compromise its independence or neutrality.

4.6 Records Management and Archiving Policy

All official records, reports, and correspondence shall be properly documented and securely archived for reference and accountability.

4.7 Legal and Regulatory Compliance Policy

IRN shall comply with all applicable national and international laws in every country of operation, including registration, taxation, and employment laws.

5. Community and Impact Policies

5.1 Community Engagement Policy

IRN believes communities are key partners in humanitarian response. Programs must be designed and implemented with active community participation.

5.2 Do No Harm Policy

All interventions must avoid causing physical, emotional, or social harm to beneficiaries or their environments.

5.3 Human Rights and Social Inclusion Policy

IRN is committed to upholding universal human rights and ensuring the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups in all programming.

5.4 Feedback and Complaint Response Mechanism (FCRM) Policy

IRN shall maintain open, accessible channels for beneficiaries to submit feedback or complaints confidentially. All complaints shall be investigated promptly and fairly.

5.5 Advocacy and Public Engagement Policy

IRN shall advocate responsibly on issues affecting humanitarian response and vulnerable populations, ensuring messages are factual, respectful, and aligned with humanitarian principles.