SayPro Researcher Code of Conduct Agreement (signed)

SayPro Document Title:

SayPro Researcher Code of Conduct Agreement

SayPro Document Purpose:

To ensure that all SayPro researchers—whether internal staff, consultants, students, or partners—conduct themselves professionally and ethically during the planning, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of research activities aligned with SayPro’s mission.

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SayPro SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS

• SayPro – Refers to the South African Youth Project (SayPro), its affiliated research units, and data management teams.
• Researcher – Any individual conducting or contributing to research activities under SayPro’s name or funding.
• Participant – Any individual or group providing data or participating in research projects, including surveys, interviews, or focus groups.

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SayPro SECTION 2: GENERAL CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

As a researcher associated with SayPro, I agree to:

1. Maintain Professionalism
   • Act respectfully and professionally in all interactions with participants, communities, partners, and fellow team members.
   • Follow project timelines, communication protocols, and reporting requirements.
2. Respect for Persons
   • Obtain informed consent from all participants.
   • Respect participant privacy, dignity, and autonomy at all times.
   • Avoid coercion or manipulation.
3. Commit to Non-Discrimination
   • Conduct research without bias related to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

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SayPro SECTION 3: ETHICAL STANDARDS

I will uphold the highest ethical standards by:

1. Ensuring Informed Consent
   • Use SayPro-approved consent forms, translated when necessary.
   • Clearly explain the study’s purpose, methods, and any associated risks.
2. Protecting Confidentiality
   • Never disclose personal or identifiable information without consent.
   • Anonymize data and store it securely in accordance with SayPro’s Data Protection Policy.
3. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
   • Disclose any personal, financial, or institutional interests that could influence the research.
4. Preventing Harm
   • Immediately report any situation where participant safety or well-being is at risk.
   • Avoid research topics or methods that could traumatize or stigmatize participants.

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SayPro SECTION 4: RESEARCH INTEGRITY

I commit to:

1. Honest Data Collection and Analysis
   • Do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data.
   • Accurately record findings and results.
2. Proper Attribution
   • Give credit to collaborators and contributors.
   • Avoid plagiarism in all forms, including in reports, presentations, and publications.
3. Transparency
   • Disclose limitations of methods or results honestly in all reporting.
   • Report ethical breaches immediately to SayPro’s Ethics and Compliance Office.

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SayPro SECTION 5: CULTURAL SENSITIVITY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

As a SayPro researcher, I will:

• Respect cultural norms, languages, and customs in the communities where research is conducted.
• Engage local stakeholders in the design and dissemination of research findings when appropriate.
• Avoid exploiting or tokenizing community members.

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SayPro SECTION 6: LEGAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMPLIANCE

I agree to:

• Comply with SayPro’s internal policies, including:
  • The SayPro Ethics Policy
  • The SayPro Data Protection and Privacy Policy
  • The SayPro Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy
• Abide by all applicable laws, including:
  • South African Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), where applicable

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SayPro SECTION 7: BREACH AND ENFORCEMENT

• Violations of this Code may result in:
  • Immediate suspension or termination of research duties
  • Loss of SayPro affiliation or access to SayPro data
  • Legal action where applicable

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SayPro SECTION 8: DECLARATION AND SIGNATURE

I, the undersigned, confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the SayPro Researcher Code of Conduct. I understand that failure to adhere to these principles may result in disciplinary action and termination of research responsibilities.

Full Name	_______________________________________
Position/Role	_______________________________________
Project Name	_______________________________________
Start Date	_______________________________________
Signature	_______________________________________
Date Signed	_______________________________________

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For SayPro Internal Use:

Approved By (HR/Manager)	_______________________________________
Signature	_______________________________________
Date Received	_______________________________________

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📎 Notes:

• A digital or printed version of this signed document must be stored in the employee’s or contractor’s personnel file.
• This Code of Conduct is reviewed annually and may be updated to reflect best practices.

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