Standards

The Trust is committed to delivering the highest quality research and services to benefit people with Down syndrome.

Our work is guided by the following principles and values.

We abide by a clear code of conduct.

Honest, evidence-based information

You can rely on us for up-to-date, reliable, evidence-based advice and information. Read more about our commitment to honesty...

Code of conduct

We deliver our activities according to the standards laid down in our code of conduct. Find out more...

Guiding principles

Five key principles guide how we work to achieve our mission: knowledge, honesty, excellence, understanding, accountability:

1. Knowledge through research
   Everything we do is underpinned by our scientific understanding of the development of children and young people with Down syndrome. Our first priority is the further advancement of high quality research that yields practical outcomes. Find out more...
2. Honesty through evidence-based advice and expertise
   We always offer honest advice and information. We make clear the reasons for our advice and the evidence that supports it. Find out more...
3. Excellence from independent, professional experts
   Our services are led by qualified professionals, directly employed by the Trust and focused on the needs of young people with Down syndrome and their families. Our professional team are members of the appropriate professional bodies. Find out more...
4. Understanding individual needs
   We recognise that every child and every family is unique. We will always offer advice relevant to all levels of ability and that respects individual differences. Find out more...
5. Accountability to clients and donors
   We will be accountable to our clients and our donors about how we manage, direct and deliver all that we do. Find out more...

Our core values

• Equality
  Everyone is of equal worth, regardless of their race, gender, social or religious background, or abilities.
• Opportunity
  Everyone should be offered the support they need to achieve their full potential.
• Inclusion
  There is no justification for excluding anyone from participating in their local community life, nor the wider social and economic world.
• Independence
  Everyone has the right to live with independence, dignity and security and the right to exercise control over their lives.
• Respecting families
  Families, in all their forms, play a pivotal role in the lives of children. Families possess unique understanding of their children and their particular needs, and this should always be respected.