The Informed Leadership Charter

A shared commitment to responsible leadership

The Informed Leadership Standards exist to raise the standard of leadership across organisations, communities and movements.

All leaders who join ILS agree to uphold this charter as a reflection of the values and responsibilities of informed, ethical leadership.

This is not about perfection. It is about responsibility, awareness and integrity in how leadership is practised. By joining the Informed Leadership Standards, I commit to the following principles:

1. Responsibility for how I lead

I recognise that leadership carries influence and impact and take responsibility for how my behaviour, decisions and communication affect others. I commit to leading with awareness, care and accountability, not just authority or performance.

2. Ethical use of power and influence

I understand that leadership involves power. I commit to using that power responsibly, without manipulation, coercion or harm. I will consider the impact of my leadership on individuals, teams, communities and wider systems.

3. Self leadership and self awareness

I commit to ongoing reflection and development as a leader and take responsibility for my behaviour, emotional responses and patterns that may influence others. I will remain open to learning, feedback and continued growth.

4. Relational and respectful leadership

I commit to leading people with respect, dignity and fairness and seek to create psychologically safer environments where people feel able to contribute, speak and grow. I will approach difference, challenge and conflict with curiosity and responsibility rather than avoidance or harm.

5. Integrity and honesty

I commit to integrity in how I represent myself as a leader. I will not knowingly mislead or overstate my leadership authority and will lead in a way that builds trust rather than erodes it.

6. Responsibility for impact

I recognise that leadership decisions can have lasting consequences and commit to considering both short-term and long-term impact in how I lead. Where harm or misjudgement occurs, I seek learning, act with integrity and will take appropriate responsibility for any harm caused (unintentional or otherwise).

7. Commitment to continued development

I recognise that responsible leadership is an ongoing practice, not a fixed identity and commit to continued reflection, learning and integration of the Informed Leadership Standards. I understand that certification represents a standard to be upheld in practice.

8. Contribution to a responsible leadership culture

I commit to contributing to a culture of responsible leadership within my organisation, community or sphere of influence. Where appropriate, I will support conversations and practices that raise the standard of leadership for the benefit of people and the future.

Our shared intention

This charter exists to ensure that the Informed Leadership Standards remain meaningful, trusted and aligned with their purpose.

It reflects a shared intention:

To lead with responsibility.
To use influence with care.
To create leadership that can be trusted, now and in the future.

By joining the Informed Leadership Standards, I confirm my commitment to this charter and to practising leadership in alignment with these principles.