This Code of Conduct applies to all CoST Board Members and all CoST International Secretariat staff, contractors (associated personnel) and sub-grantees (delivery partners).

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out the conduct expected of associated personnel and delivery partners whilst under contract to the organisation, and forms part of all contracts. An adapted Code of Conduct model will be proposed to the associated partners. The Code is applicable at all times. Breaches of the Code of Conduct are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Whilst recognising that local laws and cultures differ considerably from one country to another, CoST is an International Non-Governmental Organisation, and therefore the Code of Conduct is developed from international and UN standards. Associated personnel and delivery partners are expected to uphold local law wherever they operate, except where the Code of Conduct is more stringent, in which case the Code applies.

In addition, it is expected that all CoST Members, specifically the host organisation staff and contractors, and Multi-Stakeholder Group Members, consider this Code of Conduct and its relationship to any national and institutional regulations, policies, and requirements as part of their CoST programme.