Ethics Charter

As the Ross Trust marks its 50th year of values-driven grantmaking, the Trustees have set our decision-making and operational processes in a formal ethical framework: an Ethics Charter. 

We recognise that every commercial decision an organisation takes involves a social consequence. We therefore commit to addressing those consequences in the way we responsibly manage our land, assets and operations, for the long-term benefit of the community to which we belong. 

The Charter applies the ‘ethical lens’ through which we view and achieve this.

We are always conscious that our social licence to operate as a trust comes from our doing the right thing by the Victorian communities in which we operate. This Charter guides the Trust as we continue our work over the coming decades.

Guiding principles

The Charter applies four Guiding Principles to ensure we act responsibly, appropriately, and ethically in all facets of the Trust’s operations, funding sources and grant-making:  

• Prioritising social responsibility: focusing on being socially responsible in the way it conducts its operations 
• Delivering community benefit: ensuring community benefit is given the highest priority 
• Enhancing our environment: ensuring responsible management of the land and assets it owns, while enhancing the environment through targeted and considered initiatives
• Achieving positive social impact: achieving long-term social impact for the most vulnerable members in our community.

You can download a copy of the Ross Trust Ethics Charter here.