hera has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery. Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. Modern slavery is a term used to encompass slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking as per the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights Article 5 – Slavery / Forced Labour which corresponds to Article 4(1) and (2) of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

We commit to avoiding conflicts of interest and misusing our official position or public resources. We act lawfully, uphold proper personal conduct, and reject all forms of bribery and corruption, reporting any misconduct. We strive for openness and transparency while respecting confidentiality when needed. We promote non-discrimination and environmental responsibility in our work.

We share this Code with our partners and expect adherence. Violations must be reported, with protections in place for whistleblowers.

Our professional commitments include influencing health and development policy, building capacity for equitable healthcare access, integrating rights holders' voices, and valuing local knowledge and context.

In all its assignments, hera will pay particular attention to avoiding any conflict of interest. hera partners, associates, contracted consultants and staff need to be independent, objective and impartial and must demonstrate personal and professional integrity.

hera undertakes to make every effort to comply with applicable laws and regulations related to Personal Data protection in countries where hera operates and to protect the confidentiality of personal data collected in line with the European Regulation EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016.

The Data Protection and Information policy sets forth the basic principles by which hera processes the personal data of customers (clients and consultants), suppliers, business partners, employees and other individuals and indicates its responsibilities while processing personal data, and the security measures taken to protect this data.

This policy applies to hera partners, associates, employees and contracted consultants conducting business with the European Economic Area (EEA) or processing the personal data of data subjects within the EEA.

hera proactively works to reduce its environmental impact through sustainable practices, both internally and among its partners and consultants.

This includes responsible use of resources, CO₂ emission offsetting (e.g., through green energy and sustainable travel), digital-first operations, and promoting awareness and training on environmental issues.

To support this, hera encourages the use of environmentally preferred products and services, promotes efficient commuting, and conscious water and energy use.

hera is committed to protecting the well-being of everyone involved in or affected by its work, with a strong focus on preventing harm to children and at-risk adults. This policy applies to all hera staff, consultants, contractors, and partners, and aligns with relevant Belgian and EU legislation.

hera maintains zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, or neglect. All staff and associated personnel are prohibited from engaging in abusive or exploitative behaviour and are required to report any concerns. Preventative measures include staff training, rigorous recruitment, data protection, and accessible reporting mechanisms.

Concerns, even minor ones, must be reported to the Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@hera.eu. Whistle-blower confidentiality is protected, and retaliation is strictly prohibited.

At hera, we are committed to consistently enhancing our evaluation and research in the global health and broader development sector, while upholding the highest ethical standards. Through our responsible use of Artifical Intelligence (AI), we aim to contribute positively to the health and well-being of communities, while maintaining integrity in all our work.  
 
hera’s approach to the use of AI is guided by the following principles: 

• Non-Maleficence: We prioritize safety and work diligently to ensure that the AI applications we use do no harm to individuals or communities. 

• Responsibility and Accountability: We ensure that any AI tools are used appropriately and responsibly. 

• Transparency and Explainability: We are committed to maintaining transparency in disclosing how we use AI, how our AI tools operate, ensuring that their functions and outcomes are clear and understandable to all stakeholders.

• Justice and Fairness: We strive to eliminate bias in the AI tools we use, ensuring that our solutions are fair and equitable for everyone, regardless of background. 

• Respect for Human Rights: We respect and protect the privacy, security, and other fundamental human rights of individuals, ensuring that any AI tools we employ are designed and used in ways that uphold these values. 

hera is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct. This policy, grounded in hera’s Code of Conduct, ensures consistent and fair processes for reporting and investigating fraud, corruption, and misconduct. All staff, consultants, partners, and subcontractors sign and are expected to uphold the Code, and are encouraged to report any suspected breaches.

Whistleblowing is fully supported and protected at HERA. Concerns can be reported confidentially to the Safeguarding Team (safeguarding@hera.eu), and whistle-blowers are protected from retaliation. Reports are handled promptly, with safeguards for both the whistle-blower and the accused.

In line with a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, hera prohibits all forms of bribery, misuse of power, and conflicts of interest.

This policy is embedded across all operations and contracts, ensuring all parties are informed, protected, and held accountable.