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.
2
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Mission and Values

5 standards
Governance
4 standards
Relationships/Communication 5 standards
Finance 2 standards
Accountability and Transparency
2 standards
Quality 2 standards
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

CCC/
Process
NGO GPP
Eligibility requirements
not met

Pre-requisite
Assessment by NGO GPP
Mandatory requirements met
Working Group
Desk Review

NGO GPP
Field Check

NGO Code Compliance Committee

Standards met

Standards not met

Capacity
Building

Approved

Certification valid 3 years

Reapply

NGO Certification System

Field Assessment Process
Assessmen
t Report

Desk Review
of
application
Financial
Management

Assess
financial
policy
and
procedur
es

Discussion
with
Staff

Discussi
on with
Donors

Prerequisite Desk
Review by NGO GPP
Field
Assessment
Internal
Governance
Assess
Policy
Docs

Discussi
on with
Board
Member
s

Assessment Report
Compliance Committee
decision on certification

Programme
Delivery
Discuss
ion with
Staff

Target
Comm.
Feedback

Visit
field
activities

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