Purpose
The credibility of HCC is carried by the people who act in its name. This code sets out the standards of professional and ethical conduct that everyone associated with HCC is expected to uphold.
Scope
This code applies to all HCC employees, auditors, technical reviewers, Shariah Board members, contractors, and representatives, in every activity carried out on behalf of HCC.
Professional standards
Act with competence. Undertake only work you are qualified to perform, keep your knowledge current, and base every finding on evidence rather than assumption.
Act with honesty. Report what you observe accurately and completely, never falsify or omit a finding, and do not sign off on what you have not verified.
Act with diligence. Follow the approved scheme criteria and procedures, document your work so it can be reviewed, and meet the commitments made to clients.
Conduct toward clients and the public
Treat clients, partners, and the public with courtesy and respect, and apply the same standards to every operator regardless of size or relationship.
Protect confidential information obtained in the course of your work, and never use it for personal advantage or disclose it outside the bounds permitted by the Confidentiality Policy.
Do not solicit or accept gifts, favours, or payments that could influence, or appear to influence, a certification decision, consistent with the Conflict of Interest & Anti-Bribery Policy.
Conduct of the Shariah Board
Shariah Board members exercise religious authority with independence and care. They base determinations on sound jurisprudence and the evidence presented, document their reasoning, and apply consistent positions across like cases.
Board members do not allow commercial considerations to affect a ruling and recuse themselves from any matter in which they have a personal or financial interest.
Raising concerns
Anyone bound by this code must report conduct that appears to breach it, or that threatens the integrity of a certificate. Reports may be made to HCC management and are treated confidentially and without retaliation against the person raising them in good faith.
Breaches are investigated and may lead to corrective action, including termination of employment or engagement, and referral under the relevant integrity and assurance policies.
Implementation, review & contact
All covered persons acknowledge this code on engagement and are reminded of it periodically. The code is reviewed at least annually by HCC management.
Questions about this code, and reports under it, may be directed to HCC at info@halalcc.org.
Questions about this policy?
Our team can clarify any point or direct your question to the right people at HCC.