Shared principles for the corporate responsibility network FIBS
The rules of FIBS, the largest corporate responsibility network in the Nordic countries, have always emphasized the importance of ethical conduct and practices. This commitment to ethical ways of working was further clarified and deepened through the development of shared principles for the network. Drafting these shared principles – for the first time in the network’s history – was seen as an opportunity to make values visible and to create a common foundation for the entire network, guiding both day-to-day decision-making and strategic work.
Code of Conduct Company had the pleasure of partnering with FIBS on this journey to clarify the network’s shared principles. Our role was to facilitate the process and support the articulation of what kind of foundation could genuinely unite the entire network.
The process was built on open dialogue. Together with FIBS and its members, Code of Conduct Company facilitated discussions through which the content and purpose of the principles were shaped. The work was carried out across four workshops, covering everything from defining the purpose, scope, and applicability of the principles to content development and planning how to communicate them. The wider network was also engaged through a member survey. The aim was not to create a detailed rulebook, but rather to define high-level principles that encourage continuous improvement.
In autumn 2025, FIBS approved the principles at its annual meeting. They became part of FIBS’ rules and thus a shared commitment to responsible conduct across the network. Rather than a detailed list of requirements, the principles serve as an invitation for each organization to develop its own sustainability work, taking into account the diversity of members and varying levels of resources.
As part of the collaboration, the principles were developed into a visually engaging guide. The guide explains the shared principles and provides FIBS members with practical support for developing ethical business practices and organizational culture within their own organizations. The principles form a foundation that guides the network toward more sustainable and impactful business.
“Creating principles for such a diverse membership was not simple. Now we have the first version—a bold attempt to start somewhere so that we can improve going forward. The guide created to support the principles can be used by our members in many ways: as a source of inspiration, as a conversation starter, or as a tool for development.”
– Kimmo Lipponen, CEO
In addition to the development of the principles, Code of Conduct Company has served as a partner in the FIBS Partner Program during 2025–2026. As part of this collaboration, we have delivered webinars and workshops for FIBS members focused on developing ethical business practices and organizational culture.
