Policy Commitments
The following documents form part of CERN’s legal framework.
In line with other international organisations, some of CERN’s internal rules are not publicly available.
Ethics and integrity
CERN is committed to pursuing its mission of research, innovation, training and collaboration while respecting the highest ethical standards of behaviour. The CERN Staff Rules and Regulations is the overarching document for defining the roles and responsibilities of the Organization and its personnel. In addition, the Organization has a full-time ombudsperson and a Diversity & Inclusion office. The CERN Code of Conduct builds on CERN’s values, namely integrity, commitment, professionalism, creativity and diversity, as common basic standards of behaviour to help its staff understand how to conduct themselves, treat others and expect to be treated. It applies to anyone on the CERN site, whether personnel or visitors.
This is part of a comprehensive framework that underpins the Organization’s duty of care and is complemented by relevant bodies and structures to ensure the wellbeing and support of all personnel. This framework covers employment-related rights, safety at CERN as well as institutional due diligence.
Relevant documents
The objective of CERN’s Safety Policy is that the Organization’s scientific and technical excellence be matched by excellence in matters of Safety
Defines the roles and responsibilities of the Organization and its personnel
Not publicly available
Principles and procedures governing complaints of harassment
Principles and procedures governing investigation of fraud
The processing of personal data at CERN
The Internal Audit Service provides an independent and objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve the operations of CERN
CERN Audit Committee Terms of Reference
Internal and external audit procedures
General Conditions Applicable to CERN Experiments
Defines CERN’s role as Host Laboratory and sets out the organisational, financial and other rules and procedures applicable to Collaborations and Collaborating Institutions
Built on a set of core CERN values, it sets a common basic standard of behaviour to help CERN’s personnel understand how to conduct themselves, treat others and expect to be treated
The CERN Ombud may help to resolve disputes in a consensual and impartial manner
Based on the three principles of appreciating differences, fostering equality and promoting collaboration
CERN Conflict of Interest Policy
To ensure that the best interests of CERN are served, and to avoid possible suspicions of bias and partiality in performing their professional duties, CERN contributors are required to recognise situations that could give rise to a conflict of interest or the perception of same
All CERN contributors have a key role to play in the prevention and detection of fraud and, as such, have the responsibility to report suspicions of fraud in good faith
CERN Environmentally Responsible Procurement Policy
Policy implemented to minimise the environmental impact throughout the lifecycle of the goods or services that are purchased by the Organization.
Other Safety & Environment Policies
Other policies applicable to Safety and the Environment
General Conditions of CERN Contracts
Defines the conditions for standard contractual situations, and reflects CERN’s long experience in procurement
Increase the proportional gender representation across CERN’s employed members of personnel to 25% women by 2025
The CHIS Rules specify the social insurance measures provided by the Scheme and the associated terms and conditions. Among other things, it includes the benefits, conditions, procedures and contribution levels defined by CERN.
Pension Fund Rules and Regulations
Details provisions, governance, contributions, and benefits for the CERN Pension Fund
To be eligible for CERN business, suppliers must acknowledge and adhere to this Code that outlines what CERN expects of its suppliers and the principles that apply to them, which place emphasis on ethical, sustainable and responsible business practices.
CERN’s ethics-related framework addressing individual conduct in the workplace.
Fundraising at CERN: ethical policy
This Policy sets out the spirit and principles under which CERN will exercise its fundraising activities for CERN & Society, with commensurate levels of due diligence.
