Code of ethics

 This code of ethics is designed to guide my behaviour in day-to-day situations and create a business that leaves the world better than I found it.

Who does it apply to?

As a one-woman business, the code mostly just applies to me. Where I work with contractors and suppliers, I will share this code with them and ask that they consider their actions in relation to my business in line with this code. Though, truth be told, it’s unlikely I would work with someone who didn’t also value these traits.  

Beneath each value, you’ll find just one example of how I plan to put this into practice.  

1.      Honesty

I will be transparent about my business, my working practices, my strengths as well as my shortcomings.

In practice: I will practise wage transparency, recognise my privilege and support upcoming freelancers or copywriters.

2.      Recognition

I recognise that I’m lucky to be in the position I’m in and do the job I do. I aim to be positive while acknowledging that of course, life isn’t just sunshine and rainbows.

In practice: I will be thankful for every commission, like, follow and subscribe and will do my best to pay it forward.

3.      Inclusion

I will actively seek ways in which to level the playing field and support the creation of opportunities for those society does not always favour.

In practice: I will aim to hire diverse contractors. I will always pay at or ideally above industry benchmarks and guarantee a living wage to those I pay.

4.      Kindness

I will never act in a way that may upset or harm another person, be that client, contractor or competitor. I will conduct myself in a way that is considerate and respectful.

In practice: I’ll never shit-talk another copywriter’s work on Twitter.

5.      Balance

I will ensure I am always in the best possible condition to support my clients by making space for downtime and personal life away from work.

In practice: I will take Friday afternoons off and work four-day weeks in the summer.

6.      Progress

I will always seek new opportunities to learn and grow. I will recognise where I have failed or fallen short and make efforts to improve next time.

In practice: I will complete one new training course per year and apply my learnings directly to my client service offering.

7.      Sustainability

I will strive to always choose the sustainable option that leaves as little trace as possible on the environment.

In practice: I will operate a business that uses as little paper as possible. For more environmental policies, read my Social Responsibility Policy.

8.      Reliability

I will work with my clients’ best interests at heart. I will follow through on promised action and be a solid and approachable presence in any relationship or community.

In practice: I will respectfully decline work or opportunities where I am not certain I will be able to deliver my best.

9.      Generosity

I recognise that I am nowhere without community support and aim to give that back in kind to those around me.

In practice: I will support, promote and lift up members of the community as they have done for me.

10.   Privacy

I value the privacy of my clients and members of the communities I move in. I will do everything I can to respect this privacy.

In practice: My email newsletter is free from spy pixels so that my subscribers can open and click in complete privacy.

If you have any questions about anything you’ve read, email me at sally@lumenandfoxwords.com.