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EVSL in Kenya 

Standards and
Codes

The Kenya National Values Standard (KNVS)

Embrace, working pro bono under MoU with the Government of Kenya, developed the Kenya National Values Standard to operationalise and institutionalise the national values set out in Article 10 of the Constitution of 2010.  It is anticipated that the Standard, as formal government policy, will become operational and fulfil its great potential for focusing citizens, organisations, and institutions on their rights and duties. Kenya's national values can be a powerful positive influence in building cohesion, unity, and peace-building.  

Embrace can develop analagous programmes appropriate to different entities including business membership organisations (BMOs), public,  private, and civil society organisations.

Standards

Embrace has know-how and experience as a Developer and Implementer of Codes of Practice, Conduct, and Ethics, in the operation of Accreditation Schemes relating to gender, disability, racial equality, values and formal Standards, including the Kenya National Values Standard (KNVS). This expertise is central to our work on organisational change management and business improvement, providing structure, objectivity and clarity of purpose.

Standards 

Standards provide consistency, interoperability and repeatability and can be an important enabler of collaboration, innovation and economic development at international (ISO), national, and sectoral levels. Standards provide a reference framework composed of requirements, specifications, guidelines and characteristics that can be applied to ensure that processes and services are consistent and fit for their purpose. Standards are formulated through a process of agreement around common understanding and established practices and operated under the provision of trusted authority. Embrace has applied its knowledge and experience of standards in all its programmes.

Organisational Ethos and Blueprint 

Embrace draws together the strands of its work on national values, codes of ethics, standards, organisational change and business improvement into a powerful, integrated system which has clear meaning and relevance to all stakeholders. It comprises two complementary strands:

  • the organisational ethos which provides a unifying focus for all stakeholders, and

  • the blueprint which sets out the framework and approach to actualising the ethos

For a forward-looking organisation, these are meaningful and valuable artefacts designed to inspire, guide, nurture, and deliver positive change.

Codes 

Codes have important similarities in providing the essential conceptual, technical and structural framework needed to deliver consistent, replicable, and measurable change. Codes of Ethics, of Conduct, and of Practice each have their role to play in different contexts. They may address the aspirational and the practical, individual and collective actions and behaviours, and be applicable to specific sectors, professions, trade associations or communities.

Embrace develops appropriate codes to meet their needs and requirements of an organisation, including monitoring, enforcement, and the sactions that may be imposed in the event of violations.  While the precise form and function will vary according to the individual organisation ethics, conduct and practice will be addressed.

Codes of Ethics establish the framework within which members of the organisation should operate. It sets out the organisation's guidelines and required practices which will promote professionalism based on ethical behaviour and choices. The consequence will be to instill honesty and integrity in the individual and the collective entity.  An organisation's ethical code may incorporate legislation and regulations, and include established de facto norms of expactations of behaviour in a given sector or community. 

Codes of Conduct, while organisational in defintion, scope, and application, are framed around the individual and the choices and actions they take. They are very useful in establishing the individual's role and contribution to consistency and compliance in an organisation's operational and professional context. Centred on choices, actions, and interactions with others they equip the individual and the collective with the abilities to recognise and understand the importance of their conduct and how it can be ethically intelligent and values-led.  

A Code of Practice is formulated around the specific characteristics and activities of an organisation, its activities and its interactions.  The code of conduct may also draw upon, external sources, norms of behaviour, defined ethical standards, legislation, or the regulations of professional bodies and trade associations.  

Embrace has experience in developing codes that are effective, practical and achievable, and preparing the communication plans and training programmes that put them into practice.