Promises and Policies
BTO is inspired by birds, informed by science and powered by people.
These promises and associated policies have been brought together by staff from across the organisation, to strengthen our relationship with our community. It is important to us that anyone who connects with BTO knows what to expect from us.
Respect and integrity are at the heart of these promises and we expect them to be fulfilled by anyone working for or on behalf of BTO.
A promise of high-quality science
We promise to conduct all of our work with the highest scientific rigour, meaning our data are impactful and of the highest quality.
- We produce robust and impartial evidence that is better for birds and better for people.
- Our evidence can be used by anyone wishing to understand birds, other wildlife, their habitats and how different interventions may affect them.
A promise to work towards an equal, diverse and inclusive BTO
Our activities and events are open to anyone interested in our work, but we recognise there is room to grow with regard to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). We promise to strive continually to make BTO a more welcoming place for everyone.
- We will offer support to everyone involved with BTO, regardless of any protected characteristic, socioeconomic status or access to technology.
- We will actively reach out to audiences new to BTO, and work to reduce barriers to their engagement with our work.
A promise to welcome people at all stages of their journey
BTO welcomes people at all stages of their journey with birds, birdwatching and volunteering. Everyone has to start somewhere, and we will support anyone on their journey to develop their knowledge, skills, and experience.
- Training is a core aim of BTO, and we provide a vibrant programme of courses and events.
- We aim to make our training affordable and accessible, with both online and face-to-face opportunities.
A promise to be respectful and to act with integrity
We expect everyone at BTO to abide by our Code of Conduct, in accordance with BTO values and our promises and policies.
- We will provide a friendly and professional service: our staff will be polite and supportive, and endeavour to meet individual needs.
A promise to listen to feedback and respond
We promise to respond to your feedback in a timely manner in accordance with our Compliments, Comments and Complaints Policy.
- We welcome all constructive feedback and enquiries, and if we make a mistake we will apologise and do all we can to put things right.
A promise to strive for ethical and sustainable operations
We promise to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to ensuring our work is conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. We will follow best practice advice and seek to identify realistic goals.
- Our decisions will be made in accordance with our Sustainability Policy and we endeavour to make ethical choices in all our business practices, working with companies and sponsors who do the same.
A promise to safeguard our community from harm
We promise to take all reasonable steps to safeguard those that come into contact with BTO from harm. This includes anyone that comes into contact with our work, in particular, the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
- Our work will be conducted in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, which is reviewed regularly to ensure it follows current guidelines on best practices.
A promise to treat your personal data with respect
We promise to treat all data appropriately and ensure that the datasets we hold are properly managed and curated.
- We will treat your personal data in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 (which incorporates the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR).
- We will work in accordance with BTO's Policy on Data and Information, and BTO's Privacy Policy.
A promise of respectful and effective fundraising practices
We promise to ensure all our fundraising activities are respectful and appropriate, and that funds raised are used effectively and efficiently.
- We will carry out all our fundraising activities in accordance with the Fundraising Regulator Code and CC20 Charity Commission Guidelines.
- We will give updates on appeal-funded research within one year of the close of an appeal, and we will report all fundraising income received in each given financial year in our Annual Report & Accounts which is published annually on our website.
- We will carry out all legacy administration in accordance with the Institute of Legacy Management’s Best Practice Guide Charities as Beneficiaries.
Get in touch
Do you have a question, comment or suggestion about our policies? We would love to hear from you.
Please also reach out to our staff to raise any concerns you have about your experience of engaging with BTO. We treat any and all concerns with respect and in confidence.
peopleteam [at] bto.org (Contact us)
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