Core Values

What are Core Values?

The Core Values are at the heart of the Murad Code Competency Framework and underpin all of the technical competencies. These values reflect the ethos and culture driving the need for the Code and its intended impacts. Values, and their influence on attitude and approach, are fundamental in determining how we do the work. For example, if we have no sense of responsibility or duty towards survivors, or if we do not start from a place of humanity, dignity and empathy, then the knowledge and demonstrated skills set out in the Technical Competencies become hollow and are unlikely to be demonstrated/delivered in safe, trauma-informed and survivor-centred ways.

The four Core Values have been chosen based on their specific relevance and alignment with the Murad Code itself.

Are there other important values in addition to the Core Values?

Yes, there are other values which are commonly found and described in other competency frameworks which are also relevant and significant for Murad Code competencies. These are not included in this Competency Framework as they are more generic and are well-described and understood in other resources. These include:

Integrity and Transparency: acts with integrity, fairness and honesty, takes a safe, ethical and legal approach in all aspects of their work, and displays openness and transparency towards others. A good resource for this value can be found in the UN’s Values and Behaviours Framework which was launched in October 2024 and the older UN Competency Framework.

Trustworthiness: consistently demonstrates honesty, trustworthiness and reliability by doing what they said they would do, fosters confidence that others can rely on what they say and that they will honour their commitments, and ensures realistic expectations of those they engage with. This can be found included within Integrity and Transparency or in the UN Competency Framework as ‘Building Trust’ as a managerial competency.

Non-discrimination, Inclusion and Respect for Diversity: recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion, considers other people’s perspectives and values diversity, opposes any form of discrimination, including stigma or bias, and seeks accessible, universal, flexible design and methodology with reasonable accommodation to maximise access and inclusion.  A good resource for Inclusion can be found in the UN’s Values and Behaviours Framework and ‘Respect for Diversity’ in the older UN Competency Framework.

Coordination and Collaboration: works to understand the other actors and work being done in the context, when possible reaches out to others to become part of coordinated networks or partnerships which enhance safety and reduce risks, and explores opportunities to collaborate to enhance survivor rights and well-being. Good resources for this value can be found in the old UN Competency Framework as ‘Building Partnerships’ as a managerial competency, and in the Core Humanitarian Competency Framework as ‘Working with Others’ as a managerial competency.