Sauna from Finland – Code of Ethics

Sauna from Finland has drawn up a code of ethics based on the association’s rules, mission, values ​​and good governance.

The code of ethics describes the general operating principles of the association. The association’s operations aim to ensure the safe and pleasant operation of every operator in the association.

Sauna from Finland is a network. The code of ethics has two main goals:

1. To enable every operator to participate equally, safely and pleasantly in the network’s activities.

2. To protect the operation, development and strengthening of the network.

Sauna from Finland

Sauna from Finland is a network that promotes the authentic Finnish sauna experience in a responsible and expert manner by networking and enabling commercial collaborations. The network is based in Finland, but we welcome all operators who want to promote the Finnish sauna experience to our network.

We are an expert, approachable, transparent and leading sauna industry network. We cooperate with selected operators in Finland and internationally.

Network-based approach

The association operates as an international network and promotes a network-based operating culture in all its activities. Network-based approach is based on openness, trust, mutual respect and a common purpose.

The association strengthens the network by creating connections between actors, enabling cooperation and sharing information, expertise and resources. It supports active interaction, transparent communication and clear operating methods that promote equality and joint success.

The aim of the network is to create value for all actors: to increase visibility, create new partnerships and projects, strengthen expertise, increase impact and support the sustainable success of members and stakeholders. The association encourages its members to cooperate, be responsible and actively participate in the development of the network.

Network Trust Protection Principle

The central foundation of the association’s operations is the internal and external trust of the network. Trust enables open cooperation, information sharing, the creation of partnerships and the impact of the network in an international operating environment.

The association and its members commit to acting in a manner that strengthens the reliability, reputation and mutual trust of the network. A member may not intentionally or grossly negligently harm the network’s operational capacity, reputation or trust between members in situations where:

• the activity is related to the association’s events, projects or communications

• the cooperation has arisen through the association’s network

• the association’s name, position or network is utilized in building trust

• the activity is otherwise connected to the context of the association

The association does not act as a dispute resolution agent for business relationships between its members. However, if the member’s actions significantly undermine the trust of the network, damage the reputation of the association or are clearly in conflict with the values ​​of the association, the board may assess the matter in accordance with the association’s rules.

The assessment takes into account:

• the connection of the action to the association

• the impact of the action on the trust and reputation of the network

• the seriousness and repetition of the action

• possible illegality or violation of good business practice

Possible measures may include a warning, a warning, restriction of participation rights or an assessment of membership in accordance with the association’s rules.

The purpose of this principle is not to restrict the independent business activities of members, but to safeguard the network’s trust-based operating environment and the association’s international credibility.

Prevention of harassment and inappropriate treatment

The association does not accept any kind of harassment, discrimination, bullying, inappropriate treatment or other behavior that violates human dignity in its activities. This applies to all activities of the association, including meetings, events, communication channels and international cooperation.

Harassment refers to, among other things, verbal, physical or digital behavior that violates the human dignity of another person or creates a threatening, hostile, degrading or humiliating atmosphere. Sexual harassment and harassment based on gender, age, ethnic background, nationality, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics is strictly prohibited.

The association is committed to:

• promoting a safe and respectful operating environment

• promptly addressing any harassment that comes to its attention

• handling reports confidentially and appropriately

• protecting the person making the report from retaliation

Everyone participating in the association’s activities has a duty to promote a fair and respectful atmosphere and to report any inappropriate behavior they observe.

Sustainability and responsibility

The association is committed to ecologically, socially and economically sustainable operations. It takes into account the environmental impacts of its operations and strives to reduce them.

The association promotes equality, respect for human rights and non-discrimination in all its activities. Care, transparency and long-term sustainability are observed in economic operations.

The association acts responsibly in relation to its members, partners and society and strives to strengthen positive and sustainable impact in its operating environment.

Copyright

The Sauna from Finland logo is a globally registered trademark. Sauna from Finland owns all its own logos and is not permitted to use them. Sauna from Finland members have their own network logo, which can be found here.

Members are not entitled to use the logos or trademarks of other organizations and companies in the network without the permission of the rights holders.

Code of Ethics for Events

This guideline applies to all events, meetings, seminars and networking events organized by or on behalf of the association, including related digital communications.

1. A safe and respectful atmosphere

All participants are expected to behave respectfully, appropriately and constructively at events. Everyone has the right to safe and undisturbed participation, regardless of nationality, language, gender, age, ethnic background, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics.

Inappropriate behaviour, harassment, discrimination, threatening behaviour or other actions that violate human dignity are prohibited.

2. Professional and network-strengthening activities

The purpose of the events is to promote cooperation, exchange of information and strengthening of the network. Participants are encouraged to:

• act openly and cooperatively

• respect different cultures and ways of working

• share their expertise constructively

• take into account language and cultural differences in communication

• Competing or critical views can be presented objectively and with respect for others.

Nothing is sold at events organized by Sauna from Finland without the organizer’s permission. Only in cases where the organizer has clearly given permission for sale is direct sales or the presentation of one’s own products allowed. For example, various trade fair and exhibition spaces are sold at the World Sauna Forum. An event participant who has not purchased and paid for a presentation space but presents or sells their products knowingly places the participants in an unequal position and violates good business practices. The products at the events are the property of the companies or Sauna from Finland and may not be touched without the owner’s permission.

Side events organized in connection with Sauna from Finland events may hinder the activities organized by the association, so it is good practice to ask for permission to organize side events.

3. Harassment at events

If a participant experiences or observes harassment or other inappropriate behavior during the event, they must report the matter immediately to:

• the person responsible for the event

• the association representative

• or a separately designated harassment contact person

Reports will be handled confidentially and without delay.

The event organizer has the right to:

• point out inappropriate behavior

• issue a warning

• remove a person from the event without compensation

• take other measures in accordance with the association’s rules

In serious situations, local authorities may be contacted.

4. Responsibility in communications and digital channels

The guidelines also apply to online communications, social media and digital platforms related to the event. Participants must:

• respect confidentiality

• refrain from offensive or misleading communications

• respect agreed filming and recording practices

5. Shared responsibility

Each participant is responsible for building a safe, open and network-strengthening atmosphere. The events are based on mutual trust, professionalism and a common goal to promote the network’s activities.

Interventions

If concerns regarding inappropriate behavior are brought to the attention of the association, the board may review the matter and determine appropriate next steps in accordance with the association’s rules and values.

Any actions taken will be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the situation and aimed at maintaining a safe, respectful, and trust-based operating environment.

Actions may include:

• Informal discussion or guidance
• Warning or formal notice
• Restriction of participation in events or activities
• Assessment of membership in accordance with the association’s rules

The purpose of these measures is not punitive, but to support a fair, respectful, and well-functioning network.

Scope of ethical principles

These ethical principles apply to the association’s institutions, members and participants when they act in the name of the association, at the association’s events, in the association’s communication channels or otherwise in a context related to the association’s activities.

The association does not act as arbiter of business relationships or contractual disputes between its members when the matter is not related to the association’s activities.

However, if a member’s actions seriously violate the association’s values, damage the association’s reputation or significantly weaken the trust of the network, the association’s board may assess the matter in accordance with the association’s rules.