Our Fundamental Principles

Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Limited is one of the leading organisations for the benefit of the public across the world, and in particular for the benefit of women and girls to advance their status, position and role in society where currently unequal or disadvantaged.

The Trustees confirm that they comply with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on Charities and Public Benefit, as well as adhering to the Companies Act 2006.

To take a continuous approach to research to inform our strategic direction and to enable decisions about issues and opportunities, as they arise, that will have the greatest impactbon long-term success.

Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Limited, is an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls.  As such, we welcome all women to join our organisation.

As a global organisation, SIGBI values the contributions of members of all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, colour, ability, religion, socio-economic status, culture, sexual orientation or gender identity. We believe that a diverse community of members is essential to our ability to achieve our mission to create a more equitable future.

We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view and know that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative environment to serve our members and achieve our mission for gender equality.

SIGBI is a company limited by guarantee and registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales. Our charitable objects are to promote either directly or by the encouragement and support of others, including clubs:

1. the advancement of education;
2. the advancement of health and saving lives;
3. the relief and/or prevention of poverty;
4. the advancement of good citizenship and community development;
5. the advancement of equality and diversity;
6. the advancement of human rights throughout the world;
   for the benefit of the public and in particular for the benefit of women and girls to advance their status, position and role in society where currently unequal or disadvantaged.

In order to succeed we will demonstrate (Based on the Charity Commission’s Code):

1. Organisational purpose;
2. Leadership;
3. Integrity;
4. Diversity;
5. Openness;
6. Accountability.

In order to guide our behaviour and activities we will observe and apply the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and, in particular, the Convention to End all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action plus the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

In order to succeed in these endeavours we will:

1. Treat all with dignity and respect;
2. Be non-sectarian;
3. Not have any party political affiliation;
4. Work with all who share our objectives.

For further information or advice please contact hq@sigbi.org

You can see all of Soroptimist International’s “Where We Stand” statements on the SI Website.