We should be held responsible for our actions and achievements. We strive to accomplish this: by having a clear mission, organizational structure and decision-making processes; by acting in accordance with stated values and agreed-upon procedures; by ensuring that our programs achieve outcomes that are consistent with our objectives; and by reporting on these outcomes in an open and accurate manner.
Good Governance
The governing structure of each of our local organizations is transparent and conform to relevant laws. We seek to follow the principles of best practices in governance. Each of our ordinary members must have at least:
- A governing body which supervises and evaluates the chief executive, and oversees program and budgetary matters. It defines overall strategy, consistent with the organization’s mission, ensure that resources are used efficiently and appropriately, that performance is measured, that financial integrity is assured and that social commitment is maintained;
- Written procedures determining the appointment, responsibilities and terms of members of the governing body, and preventing, as well as managing conflicts of interest;
- A regular general meeting with the authority to appoint and replace members of the governing body.
Professional Management
We manage our organizations in a professional and effective manner. Our policies and procedures seek to promote excellence in all respects.
- Financial Controls: internal financial control procedures ensure that all funds are used effectively and minimize the risk of funds being misused. We follow principles of best practices in financial management.
- Evaluation: we seek to improve our effectiveness on an ongoing basis. We have defined evaluation procedures for our boards, staff, programs and projects on the basis of mutual accountability.
- Partners: our organizational integrity includes ensuring that our partners also meet the highest standards of honesty and accountability, and that they take all possible steps to ensure that they have no dealings with organizations, or persons involved in illegal or unethical practices.
- Human Resources: our performance and success reflect the quality of our staff and volunteers and management practices, and we are committed to investing in human resource development.
Remuneration and benefits should strike a balance between public expectations of nonprofit organizations and the need to attract and retain the staff that we need to fulfill our mission. Our human resources policies seek to conform fully with relevant international and national labor regulations, in addition to applying the best voluntary sector practices in terms of employee and volunteer rights and safety, health and hygiene at work and work/life balance. Human resources policies include procedures for evaluating the performance of all staff on a regular basis. - Bribery and Corruption: human resources policies specifically prohibit acts of bribery or corruption by staff or other persons working for, or on behalf of, the organization.
- Whistle-blowers: staff members are encouraged to draw management’s attention to activities that may not comply with the law or our mission and commitments.