NGO Accountability: Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards Presented by Mr. Ngo Sothath Development 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 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

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

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 – Process CCC/ NGO GPP Working Group Desk Review NGO GPP Field Check Pre-requisite Assessment by NGO GPP NGO Code Compliance Committee Standards not metStandards met Capacity Building Approved Mandatory requirements met Certification valid 3 years Reapply Eligibility requirements not met Pre-requisite Assessment by NGO GPP

NGO Certification System Field Assessment Process Prerequisite Desk Review by NGO GPP Desk Review of application Field Assessment Internal Governance Financial Management Programme Delivery Assess financial policy and procedure s Discus- sion with Staff Discussi on with Donors Assess Policy Docs Discussio n with Board Members Discussi on 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