NGO Accountability: Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards

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NGO Accountability Code of Ethical Principles
and Minimum Standards

• Presented by
• Mr. Ngo Sothath
• Development Issues Programme Coordinator
• NGO Forum on Cambodia

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NGO AccountabilityCode of Ethical Principles
and Minimum Standards

• NGO Good Practice Project
• (NGO GPP)
• Cooperation Committee for Cambodia
• (CCC)

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NGO AccountabilityCode of Ethical Principles
and Minimum Standards

• NGO Good Practice Project (NGO GPP)
• Phase 1 July 2004 Feb 2006
• Development of Code (Lit. review consultations)
• Dissemination and Capacity Building
• Phase 2 Mar 2006 Dec 2007
• Finalize the Code
• Develop/Pilot the Certification System
• Dissemination and Capacity Building
• Phase 3 Jan 2008 Dec 2010
• Apply the Certification System
• Dissemination and Capacity Building

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Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards

• Ethical Principles 9 Principles
• partnership independence cooperation
  transparency accountability non-political
  affiliation no discrimination non-violence
  respect for human rights and communities
• Minimum Standards 25 standards/indicators
• 1. Mission and Values 5 standards
• 2 Governance 4 standards
• 3. Relationships/Communication 5 standards
• 4. Finance 2 standards
• 5. Accountability and Transparency 2 standards
• 6. Quality 2 standards
• 7. Human Resources 5 standards

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What is NGO Certification System?

• is voluntary basis
• is based on compliance with code of ethical
  principles and minimum standards.
• initial review
• in-depth review
• field visit and
• certificate approval
• provides a model for how well-managed and
  accountably-governed NGOs operate.

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Why NGO Certification System?

• The NGO sector in Cambodia is growing, so NGOs
  also have a growing responsibility to be
  accountable to their stakeholders.
• Issues have arisen in some organizations due to
  lack of transparency, accountability, good
  management and good governance.
• NGOs committed to NGO good practice can serve as
  good models for change and accountability.

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Objectives of NGO Certification System

• To maintain and enhance standards of good
  organizational practice throughout the NGO
  community
• To ensure public trust in the integrity of the
  individuals and organizations in the NGO sector,
  and the effectiveness of NGO programs

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NGO Certification System Process
Pre-requisite Assessment by NGO GPP
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NGO Certification SystemField Assessment Process
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Benefits of the NGO Certification System

• This system is designed for reward not
  punishment
• recognition of accountability and transparency
• symbol of trust for donors and stakeholders
• safeguard against improper behavior
• affirmation of good work
• method of self-Improvement
• measure for good practice
• framework for a sustainable organization