Principles of Engagement
Sight and Life Foundation (SAL) is a charitable foundation delivering innovative solutions to eliminate all forms of malnutrition in women of childbearing age and children and improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations. We are guided by the vision of a world free from malnutrition. We discover and implement sustainable solutions, grounded on solid scientific evidence, to improve the lives of those in most need. The work begins with a profound understanding of the biological factors that influence nutritional status, inherent knowledge on supporting a nutrition sensitive food system across the food value chain, and expertise in creating demand for nutritious foods. SAL has established a distinguished alliance consisting of academia, research partners, UN agencies, NGOs, businesses and funders working collectively to achieve our mission. Our partnerships are based on the principles of mutual trust & shared goals, accountability, transparency, and science & ethics.
Purpose & Scope
These principles of engagement reflect SAL’s values and express the purpose, common rules of conduct, and mutual responsibility for engagement with the Foundation. They define the basis for successful cooperation and highlight behaviors partners should avoid that may harm the reputation and integrity of SAL and the lives of those SAL seeks to support. These principles are meant to guide decisions on whom the organization will work with, including grantees, donors, and partners. Collaboration is an essential component of our work at SAL and the Foundation is open to engagement with those who demonstrate commitment to our goals and principles. Sight and Life will not knowingly work with (collaborate with or accept funding from) organizations that produce armaments, alcohol, tobacco, or pornography.
Principles of Engagement
Mutual Trust & Shared Goals
Trust is having confidence in the reliability, judgment, word, and actions of our colleagues within SAL, our partners, and alliances. Trust takes time, effort, and dedication. At SAL, we believe this leads to positive engagement, experiences, and successful innovative solutions to help reach our mission.
Shared goals are a key element in establishing trust with those we engage. Sight and Life is working tirelessly to end malnutrition amongst the most vulnerable, which can only be realized by forming partnerships and working towards this shared goal together. By cooperating with partners from various fields to strengthen the implementation of scientific evidence in our projects, we can work towards our shared goals more productively and ensure better nutrition for the most vulnerable around the world.
Mutual Accountability
Accountability is a major guide in our operations, meaning each actor bears the responsibility for their actions. Accountability ensures SAL and our partners are exposed to continual review in assessing our work, performance and the achievement of our goals. It enables a culture of continual learning and innovation, central to the way of working at SAL. SAL requests clear agreement from all partners outlining their responsibility to our joint efforts and demands continual monitoring of programs.
Transparency
Transparency produces trust, honesty, and professionalism. Reaching our mission of a world free from malnutrition is not possible without engaging in transparent behavior with our partners.
To ensure transparency and avoid situations of conflict in our partnerships, SAL has a Conflict of Interest (CoI) policy. For SAL board members, staff, consultants, and SAL partners, it is mandatory to read and declare their compliance with SAL’s COI policy. SAL has a clear commitment to publish, share, and disseminate articles and reports on our projects through various communication mediums at the Foundation including our website, social media, bi-annual SAL magazine, newsletters, annual report and at national and international events and conferences.
Science & Ethics
In relation to donors supporting Sight and Life’s activities, the supporter agrees that all decisions concerning the implementation and promotion of the project are based on scientific evidence and institutional know-how. SAL is committed to having the necessary internal resource capacity to meet the highest standards in nutrition science, knowledge, and experience.