NGO Accountability:

Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum

Standards

Presented by

Mr. Ngo SothathDevelopment Issues Programme Coordinator

NGO Forum on Cambodia

NGO Accountability:Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum

Standards

NGO Good Practice Project

(NGO GPP)

Cooperation Committee for Cambodia

(CCC)

NGO Accountability:Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum

StandardsNGO 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

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 standards2 Governance 4 standards3. Relationships/Communication 5 standards4. Finance 2 standards5. Accountability and Transparency 2 standards6. Quality 2 standards7. Human Resources 5 standards

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.

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.

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

NGO Certification System – ProcessCCC/

NGO GPP

Working Group Desk Review

NGO GPP Field Check

Pre-requisiteAssessment by NGO GPP

NGO Code Compliance Committee

Standards not metStandards metCapacity Building

Approved

Mandatory requirements met

Certification valid 3 years Reapply

Eligibility requirements not met

Pre-requisiteAssessment by NGO GPP

NGO Certification SystemField Assessment Process

Prerequisite Desk Review by NGO GPP

Desk Review of

application Field Assessment

Internal Governance

Financial Management

Programme Delivery

Assess financial

policy and

procedures

Discus-sion with Staff

Discussion with Donors

Assess Policy Docs

Discussion with Board

Members

Discussion with

Staff

Target Comm. Feed-back

Visit field acti-vities

Assessment Report

Compliance Committee decision on certification

application

Assessment Report

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