INGO Accountability Charter

Wednesday, 03 December 2008

Corpobligation: Responsibility and obligations extend to international non-governmental organizations (INGO). These obligations to donors and other stakeholders include transparency, independence, and commitments to promoting human rights and equality.

INGO Accountability Charter created in 2006 by leading INGOs
The "Charter outlines our common commitment to excellence, transparency and
accountability. To demonstrate and build on these commitments, we seek to:
· identify and define shared principles, policies and practices;
· enhance transparency and accountability, both internally and externally;
· encourage communication with stakeholders; and
· improve our performance and effectiveness as organisations."

Principles

Guts of the Charter: "Our first responsibility is to achieve our stated mission effectively and transparently, consistent with our values."

Respect for Universal Principles,
Independence,
Responsible Advocacy,
Effective Programmes,
Non-Discrimination,
Transparency,
- Reporting,
- Audit,
- Accuracy of information,
Good Governance,
Ethical Fundraising,
- Donors,
- Use of Donations,
- Gifts in kind,
- Agents,
Professional Management,
- Financial controls,
- Evaluation,
- Public Criticism,
- Partners,
- Human Resources,
- Bribery and Corruption,
- Respect for Sexual Integrity,
- Whiste-blowers.

Reporting

All Charter signatories are required to submit an Annual Report outlining their organisation's goals, activities and achievements. No standard format for reporting is required. However, the Annual Report should at least describe each organisation%u2019s:

Mission and values;
Objectives and outcomes achieved in programme and advocacy;
Environmental impact;
Governance structure and processes, and main office bearers;
Main sources of funding from corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals;
Financial performance;
Compliance with this Charter; and
Contact details.

Implications for NGOs and CSR

NGOs, even more than corporations, depend on their reputations of integrity and good works.The INGO Charter provides an independent basis for evaluating NGOs, and thus allows them to protect their reputations. In a time where governments fail to provide social services and respond to crises, NGOs play a huge role amongst the most vulnerable communities of the world. We can rest a little easier when NGOs are taking on the obligations that they often advocate for corporations.