People and Programmes - Legal & Policies

CODE OF CONDUCT

StratVision Forum (SVF)

Last Updated: 21/09/2026

1. Introduction

StratVision Forum (SVF) is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, inclusive and responsible environment for everyone who participates in its activities.

SVF brings together researchers, academics, students, professionals, policymakers, practitioners, fellows, interns, volunteers, speakers, partners and members of the public through research, publications, events, training programmes, fellowships, internships, conferences, workshops and other activities.

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish the standards of behaviour expected from individuals who represent, work with, participate in, or engage with SVF.

The Code applies both to physical activities and, where relevant, to online interactions conducted in connection with SVF.

2. Who This Code Applies To

This Code applies, as relevant to their involvement with SVF, to:

Office-bearers and staff
Researchers
Fellows
Interns
Volunteers
Advisors and consultants
Speakers and panellists
Authors and contributors
Event participants
Project members
Representatives of partner organisations; and
Other persons formally participating in SVF activities.

Specific programmes may have additional rules where necessary.

3. Professional Behaviour

People associated with SVF are expected to conduct themselves professionally.

This includes:

Treating others with courtesy and respect
Communicating responsibly
Meeting agreed responsibilities and deadlines
Acting honestly
Respecting institutional procedures
Taking responsibility for one's actions; and
Cooperating with others in a constructive manner.

Professional disagreement is acceptable and can contribute to meaningful academic and policy discussion.

Disagreement should, however, be expressed respectfully.

4. Respect and Dignity

SVF expects everyone to treat others with dignity regardless of their background, academic status, profession, institutional affiliation, nationality, gender, age or other personal characteristics.

Individuals should not engage in behaviour that intentionally humiliates, intimidates, threatens or degrades another person.

SVF seeks to maintain an environment in which people can participate in discussion without fear of personal abuse or intimidation.

5. Harassment and Bullying

Harassment, bullying or intimidation is not acceptable in SVF activities.

This may include:

Repeated unwanted personal conduct
Threatening behaviour
Deliberate humiliation
Personal attacks
Persistent abusive communication
Unwanted sexual comments or behaviour
Intimidation; or
Other conduct that creates a hostile or unsafe environment.

A legitimate academic disagreement does not, by itself, constitute harassment.

6. Discrimination

SVF does not support discriminatory treatment of individuals participating in its activities.

People should not be excluded, humiliated or treated unfairly because of characteristics protected under applicable law.

SVF's programmes and activities should be conducted in a manner consistent with dignity, fairness and equal opportunity.

7. Academic and Intellectual Respect

SVF encourages debate, criticism and disagreement.

Participants may challenge research findings, policy positions, arguments and interpretations.

Such disagreement should focus on the subject or argument rather than becoming a personal attack on the researcher, author, speaker or participant.

Individuals should also respect the intellectual contributions and work of others.

8. Honesty and Representation

Individuals representing SVF must provide accurate information about their role and affiliation.

No person should falsely claim to be:

An SVF employee
An SVF office-bearer
An authorised spokesperson
An official researcher
An SVF fellow
An SVF representative; or
An authorised representative of an SVF partner.

Individuals must not use SVF's name, logo, letterhead, identity or institutional status to create a false impression of authority or endorsement.

9. Use of SVF Resources

SVF resources should be used responsibly.

Resources may include:

Documents
Research materials
Databases
Equipment
Accounts
Digital platforms
Funds
Institutional communication channels; and
Other resources provided for SVF activities.

Individuals should not use SVF resources for unauthorised personal, commercial or unlawful purposes.

10. Confidentiality

People associated with SVF may receive information that is not publicly available.

Such information should be treated responsibly and should not be disclosed to unauthorised persons.

Examples may include:

Unpublished research
Private correspondence
Internal organisational discussions
Application materials
Confidential participant information
Partner information; and
Information provided under an explicit confidentiality arrangement.

11. Personal Data

Individuals working with or representing SVF may have access to personal information belonging to researchers, applicants, participants, authors or other individuals. Such information must only be accessed and used for authorised SVF purposes and only to the extent necessary for assigned responsibilities.

Personnel must follow the SVF Privacy Policy, Data Protection Policy and applicable requirements under the DPDP Act and Rules. They must not unnecessarily copy, download, disclose, sell, repurpose or retain personal data.

Suspected personal data breaches must be reported promptly to the designated SVF Data Protection Contact.

12. Conflicts of Interest

Individuals should disclose relevant conflicts of interest where a personal, professional, financial or institutional interest could affect their responsibilities for SVF.

Conflicts should not automatically be treated as wrongdoing.

The purpose of disclosure is to ensure that potential conflicts can be managed appropriately.

Further requirements are provided in the SVF Conflict of Interest Policy.

13. Financial Integrity

Individuals handling SVF funds or financial resources must act honestly and responsibly.

SVF funds must not be used for personal benefit without proper authorisation.

Individuals should maintain appropriate records for financial transactions carried out on behalf of SVF.

Fraud, theft, misappropriation or deliberate misuse of SVF resources will be treated seriously.

14. Gifts and Benefits

Individuals should exercise caution when accepting gifts, hospitality or other benefits in connection with their SVF responsibilities.

A gift or benefit should not be accepted where it could reasonably create an expectation of favourable treatment or affect independent decision-making.

Where a potential conflict arises, the matter should be disclosed to the appropriate SVF authority.

15. Events and Public Programmes

Participants in SVF conferences, seminars, workshops, lectures and other programmes are expected to:

Follow event instructions
Respect speakers and participants
Allow others reasonable opportunity to participate
Avoid disruptive behaviour
Avoid personal attacks; and
Follow applicable venue or online-platform rules.

SVF may take reasonable measures to manage serious disruption.

16. Online Conduct

The Code also applies to online interactions directly connected with SVF.

This may include:

Online meetings
Webinars
SVF discussion platforms
Official communication channels
SVF-related social-media interactions; and
Digital collaboration spaces.

Individuals should not use these platforms to threaten, harass, impersonate, abuse or deliberately misrepresent others.

17. Social Media

Individuals may identify themselves as associated with SVF where that association is genuine.

However, unless authorised, individuals should not present personal views as official SVF positions.

Where necessary, individuals should make clear when they are expressing their own opinions.

18. Political and Public Expression

SVF is an independent and non-partisan organisation.

Individuals associated with SVF may have their own personal political, academic or professional views.

However, they must not use their SVF position or institutional resources to falsely represent a personal political position as an official SVF position.

19. Research and Publication Conduct

Individuals involved in SVF research and publications must follow the applicable research and editorial standards established by SVF.

Research misconduct, plagiarism, fabrication, falsification and deliberate misrepresentation are addressed under the SVF Research Ethics Policy and related publication policies.

20. Raising Concerns

Anyone who believes that this Code of Conduct has been seriously violated may raise the concern with SVF.

Concerns should provide sufficient information to allow SVF to understand the matter.

Code of Conduct Contact:
Email: info@stratvisionforum.org.in

SVF will seek to handle concerns fairly and responsibly.

21. Responding to Violations

Where a violation is established, SVF may take proportionate action depending on the nature and seriousness of the conduct.

Possible actions may include:

Informal guidance
Formal warning
Removal from an event
Restriction of participation
Suspension from a programme
Termination of an internship or volunteer engagement
Removal from an SVF role; or
Other appropriate action.

Serious matters may also be referred to the appropriate authorities where required.

22. No Retaliation

SVF does not support retaliation against a person who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

However, deliberately making false allegations or using the complaint process to harass another person may itself constitute inappropriate conduct.

23. Review

SVF may periodically review this Code to ensure that it remains appropriate for its organisational activities and programmes.

INTERNSHIP POLICY

StratVision Forum (SVF)

Last Updated: 21/09/2026

1. Introduction

StratVision Forum (SVF) provides internship opportunities to students, recent graduates and other eligible individuals who wish to gain practical experience in research, strategic affairs, international relations, public policy, defence and security, digital diplomacy, communications, civic development and related areas.

The SVF Internship Programme is intended to provide an opportunity to learn through practical work, research exposure, professional interaction and participation in appropriate organisational activities.

The programme is not intended merely to provide administrative assistance. Interns should receive meaningful learning and professional exposure appropriate to their role.

2. Objectives of the Internship Programme

The internship programme seeks to:

Provide practical exposure to research and policy work
Develop research and analytical skills
Improve academic and professional writing
Introduce interns to professional research environments
Encourage critical thinking
Develop communication and presentation skills
Provide exposure to seminars, conferences and policy discussions
Encourage responsible use of research sources and evidence; and
Help interns understand how research organisations operate.

3. Areas of Internship

Depending on SVF's requirements, internships may be available in areas such as:

Strategic affairs
International relations
Defence and security studies
Public policy
Governance
Digital diplomacy
Cybersecurity
Emerging technologies
Research and publications
Communications and media
Event management
Civic development
Sustainable development; and
Other areas connected to SVF's objectives.

The availability of specific areas may vary from one internship cycle to another.

4. Eligibility

SVF may consider applications from:

Undergraduate students
Postgraduate students
Research scholars
Recent graduates; and
Other individuals whose academic or professional background is relevant to the internship.

Specific programmes may establish additional eligibility requirements.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

5. Application and Selection

Applicants may be asked to submit:

Application form
Curriculum vitae or résumé
Educational details
Statement of purpose
Writing sample; and
Other information relevant to the position.

Applications may be evaluated based on:

Academic background
Research interests
Writing and analytical ability
Motivation
Relevant experience
Communication skills; and
The current requirements of SVF.

SVF may conduct an interview or additional assessment where appropriate.

6. Duration

The duration of an internship will be specified in the relevant internship announcement or offer letter.

Depending on the programme, internships may be:

Short-term
Project-based
Part-time
Full-time; or
Conducted in another format specified by SVF.

The expected schedule and working arrangements will be communicated to selected interns.

7. Internship Responsibilities

Interns may be assigned responsibilities such as:

Literature reviews
Research assistance
Data collection
Background research
Preparation of research summaries
Drafting or editing support
Event assistance
Documentation
Communication support
Policy monitoring
Administrative support related to projects; and
Other tasks appropriate to the internship.

Tasks should be reasonably connected to the internship's learning objectives and assigned responsibilities.

8. Learning and Supervision

Each intern should have an identified supervisor or coordinator where appropriate.

The supervisor may:

Explain assigned responsibilities
Provide guidance
Review work
Give feedback
Monitor progress; and
Help the intern understand professional expectations.

Interns are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification when they do not understand an assignment.

9. Professional Expectations

Interns are expected to:

Be punctual and responsible
Complete assigned tasks within agreed timelines
Communicate professionally
Maintain confidentiality
Respect colleagues and participants
Follow SVF's Code of Conduct
Follow research and publication standards where applicable; and
Use SVF resources responsibly.

10. Research Integrity

Interns involved in research must follow SVF's Research Ethics Policy.

They must not:

Fabricate information
Falsify data
Plagiarise
Misrepresent sources
Create false citations; or
Present another person's work as their own.

Interns should ask their supervisor if they are uncertain about research or citation practices.

11. Confidentiality

During an internship, an intern may receive access to unpublished research, internal documents, application information, contact information or other non-public material.

Such information must not be disclosed or shared without authorisation.

Interns must not use confidential SVF information for personal projects, publications or other purposes without permission.

12. Use of Personal Data

Interns may occasionally work with information relating to researchers, participants, applicants or other individuals. Such information must be handled responsibly and only for authorised purposes.

Interns must follow the SVF Privacy Policy, Data Protection Policy and applicable privacy and data-protection requirements. They must access only the information necessary for assigned work, must not copy or download personal data unnecessarily, must use approved storage and communication channels, and must not disclose personal data to unauthorised persons.

Interns must report suspected loss, unauthorised access or disclosure immediately to their supervisor or the Data Protection Contact. At the end of the internship, interns must return or securely delete personal data and confidential material when instructed, subject to SVF's lawful retention requirements.

13. Intellectual Property

Work created by an intern as part of an SVF assignment may be subject to SVF's applicable intellectual-property arrangements.

The intern should not independently publish, distribute, sell or commercially use work created specifically for SVF without appropriate permission.

Where an internship involves a separate intellectual-property agreement, that agreement will govern the relevant work.

14. Publications by Interns

Interns may be given opportunities to contribute to SVF publications where appropriate.

Publication is not automatic.

Any work submitted for publication must meet the applicable SVF editorial, research and author requirements.

Where an intern's work is published, appropriate authorship and attribution will be determined according to the contribution made and applicable publication standards.

15. Attendance and Communication

Interns are expected to follow the attendance and communication arrangements established for their internship.

If an intern is unable to complete an assigned responsibility or attend a required activity, they should inform the supervisor as early as reasonably possible.

16. Certificates

SVF may issue an internship certificate upon satisfactory completion of the internship, subject to the requirements specified for the programme.

A certificate may not be issued where an intern leaves without completing required obligations or where serious misconduct has occurred.

17. Performance and Feedback

SVF may provide feedback on an intern's performance.

Evaluation may consider:

Quality of work
Reliability
Research ability
Communication
Professional conduct
Ability to meet deadlines; and
Overall participation.

18. Early Termination

An internship may be ended before its scheduled completion where:

The intern repeatedly fails to meet agreed responsibilities
There is serious misconduct
Confidential information is misused
Research integrity is seriously compromised
The intern repeatedly fails to communicate; or
Other significant circumstances make continuation inappropriate.

Where reasonably possible, the intern will be informed of concerns before termination.

19. No Guarantee of Employment

An internship with SVF does not create an entitlement to employment, consultancy or future appointment with SVF.

Interns may apply for future opportunities if they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

19A. Data Protection Responsibilities

Where an internship, fellowship, volunteer assignment, event or other SVF programme involves personal data, the relevant coordinator must ensure that appropriate information is provided at the point of collection, only necessary data is collected, access is limited, and information is retained and deleted in accordance with the SVF Privacy Policy and Data Protection Policy.

20. Questions and Concerns

Questions regarding internships may be directed to:

StratVision Forum (SVF)
Internship Coordinator: CPO
Email: info@stratvisionforum.org.in

21. Policy Review

SVF may revise this Policy when its internship programme or organisational requirements change.

VOLUNTEER POLICY

StratVision Forum (SVF)

Last Updated: 21/09/2026

1. Introduction

StratVision Forum (SVF) welcomes individuals who wish to contribute their time, knowledge, skills and experience to SVF's activities.

Volunteers can support SVF's work in areas such as research, events, communications, digital initiatives, civic-development activities, outreach and other projects.

This Volunteer Policy explains how SVF manages volunteer participation and the standards expected from individuals who volunteer with the organisation.

2. Objectives of the Volunteer Programme

SVF's volunteer programme seeks to:

Encourage civic and professional engagement
Provide individuals with opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects
Support SVF programmes and activities
Encourage knowledge-sharing
Develop practical skills
Build connections between students, professionals and researchers; and
Support community and public-interest initiatives.

3. Who Can Volunteer

SVF may consider volunteers from different backgrounds, including:

Students
Researchers
Professionals
Academics
Practitioners
Retired professionals
Community members; and
Others with relevant skills or interest.

Specific volunteer opportunities may have their own eligibility requirements.

4. Areas of Volunteering

Depending on SVF's requirements, volunteers may contribute to:

Research assistance
Event coordination
Conference and seminar support
Communications
Social-media support
Digital initiatives
Documentation
Outreach
Community-development activities
Translation
Design
Technical support
Administrative activities; and
Other appropriate projects.

The availability of volunteer roles may change according to SVF's programmes.

5. Application and Selection

Individuals interested in volunteering may be asked to provide:

Name and contact details
Educational or professional background
Relevant skills
Areas of interest
Availability; and
Other information necessary to identify suitable opportunities.

SVF may select volunteers according to the requirements of particular projects.

Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.

6. Nature of Volunteer Participation

Volunteering with SVF is generally based on an individual's willingness to contribute time and skills to an agreed activity.

The specific responsibilities, duration and expected time commitment should be communicated before the volunteer begins an assignment.

A volunteer should not be expected to perform responsibilities that were not reasonably communicated or agreed upon.

7. Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers are expected to:

Carry out agreed responsibilities responsibly
Respect deadlines where applicable
Communicate when they are unable to complete an assignment
Treat others respectfully
Follow SVF's Code of Conduct
Protect confidential information
Use SVF resources responsibly; and
Follow relevant organisational policies.

8. Training and Guidance

Where necessary, SVF may provide volunteers with guidance or basic training relating to their assigned responsibilities.

The level of training will depend on the nature of the volunteer role.

Volunteers should ask for clarification if they are uncertain about an assignment or instruction.

9. Confidentiality

Volunteers may encounter information that is not publicly available.

Such information must not be shared outside the authorised purpose.

Examples may include:

Internal documents
Unpublished research
Contact information
Applications
Event information
Partner information; and
Other confidential material.

Confidentiality responsibilities may continue after the volunteer's engagement with SVF ends.

10. Personal Data

Volunteers may have access to personal information while carrying out their responsibilities. Such information must only be accessed and used for authorised SVF purposes.

Volunteers must follow the SVF Privacy Policy, Data Protection Policy and applicable privacy and data-protection requirements. Personal data may be accessed only when necessary for assigned responsibilities and must not be copied, shared, disclosed or retained for unrelated purposes. Suspected loss, unauthorised access or disclosure must be reported promptly. When a volunteer engagement ends, personal data and confidential material must be returned or securely deleted when instructed, subject to SVF's lawful retention requirements.

Volunteers must follow SVF's applicable privacy and data-protection requirements.

11. Intellectual Property

Volunteers may create documents, photographs, graphics, research material, communications content or other work as part of their volunteer responsibilities.

The ownership and permitted use of such work will depend on the nature of the assignment and any agreement between SVF and the volunteer.

Volunteers should not independently publish or commercially use work created specifically for SVF without appropriate permission.

12. Representation of SVF

Volunteers must not represent themselves as official SVF spokespersons or authorised representatives unless SVF has specifically given them that authority.

A volunteer may identify themselves as an SVF volunteer where that description is accurate.

However, personal opinions should not be presented as official SVF positions.

13. Events and Public Activities

Volunteers assisting with SVF events are expected to follow instructions provided by the event coordinator.

Depending on the role, volunteers may assist with:

Registration
Participant coordination
Venue arrangements
Documentation
Communication
Technical support; and
Other event-related responsibilities.

Volunteers should treat speakers, participants and other members of the public with courtesy and professionalism.

14. Expenses

Unless specifically agreed in advance, volunteering with SVF does not automatically create an entitlement to reimbursement of expenses.

Where SVF agrees to reimburse an expense, the applicable conditions and documentation requirements should be communicated before the expense is incurred.

15. Recognition

SVF may recognise volunteer contributions through:

Certificates
Letters of appreciation
Public acknowledgement
Volunteer profiles; or
Other appropriate forms of recognition.

Recognition is subject to the nature and duration of the volunteer's contribution.

16. Ending a Volunteer Engagement

A volunteer may choose to end their involvement with SVF by informing the relevant coordinator.

SVF may also end a volunteer engagement where:

The project has been completed
The volunteer's role is no longer required
The volunteer repeatedly fails to meet agreed responsibilities
Confidential information is misused
There is serious misconduct
The volunteer violates SVF policies; or
Other circumstances make continuation inappropriate.

Where reasonably possible, SVF will communicate the reason for ending an engagement.

17. No Employment Relationship

Unless expressly established through a separate employment agreement, volunteering with SVF does not create an employment relationship.

Volunteers are not automatically entitled to salary, employment benefits or other employee rights solely because they participate in an SVF volunteer programme.

18. Health and Safety

Volunteers participating in physical events or field activities should follow reasonable safety instructions provided by SVF and the relevant venue or activity coordinator.

SVF will seek to organise activities responsibly and identify relevant risks where reasonably practicable.

Volunteers should report safety concerns promptly.

18A. Data Protection Responsibilities

Where a volunteer role involves personal data, the volunteer coordinator must provide appropriate instructions on permitted use, access, storage, disclosure, breach reporting and return or deletion of information. Volunteers should not be given access to personal data unless reasonably necessary for the assigned role.

19. Raising Concerns

Volunteers may raise concerns regarding their role, responsibilities, conduct or treatment with:

Volunteer Coordinator, StratVision Forum
Email: info@stratvisionforum.org.in

Concerns will be considered responsibly and, where appropriate, confidentially.

20. Code of Conduct

All SVF volunteers are expected to comply with the SVF Code of Conduct.

Serious violations may result in suspension or termination of volunteer participation.

21. Policy Review

SVF may periodically review and update this Volunteer Policy to reflect changes in its programmes and organisational requirements.