Julie Bishop address to Council 2010
About the Code
Why an ACFID Code of Conduct?
For more than 14 years, members of ACFID have used the Code of Conduct for self-regulation to ensure effective development outcomes and enhanced public trust. ACFID comprehensively reviewed the code in 2010 and it now includes more than 50 Principles and more than 150 binding Obligations.
The code is a voluntary, self–regulatory sector code of good practice. It aims to improve international development outcomes and increase stakeholder trust by improving the transparency and accountability of signatory organisations.
What is in the ACFID Code?
The code sets out standards in three areas of accountability:
- program principles, including obligations for effectiveness in aid and development activities, human rights and working with partner agencies
- public engagement, including obligations to be ethical and transparent in marketing, fundraising and reporting
- organisation, including obligations for governance, management, financial controls, treatment of staff and volunteers, and complaints
How does it operate?
The ACFID Code is one of only 27.5% of international codes of conduct operating worldwide for civil society organisations that have a system for ensuring compliance (One World Trust briefing paper 127, July 2010 (PDF)).
Current compliance mechanisms include:
- checking of documentation upon membership application (governing instrument, policies),
- an annual statement of commitment to the code,
- review of annual and financial reports by a qualified accountant against the reporting requirements of the code,
- annual self– assessment against every principle of the code signed by the signatory governing body and reviewed by the Code of Conduct Committee,
- random audits of fundraising material during an emergency and an external complaints mechanism.
How is it governed?
An independent, voluntary Code of Conduct Committee monitors adherence to the code and investigates complaints, which may be brought by any member of the public. The primary focus, if a breach occurs, is to work with signatory organisations to improve standards and reduce the risk of recurrence. If a breach is more serious, or the signatory does not respond appropriately, disciplinary action may be considered. The committee may require the signatory to provide information to donors, notify AusAID, and ultimately suspend code membership.
A small team is located within ACFID that undertakes compliance activities and investigates complaints, which are confidential to the Code Committee.
How do I know if an organisation is a signatory to the Code?
Organisations that are signatories to the Code display the Code logo.
Does it link to AusAID accreditation?
The Code has been devised for the international aid and development non-government sector by ACFID members and reflects an agreed standard of good practice.
Adherence to the Code is a requirement of AusAID accreditation. While compliance with both AusAID accreditation and the Code takes different forms, the two systems reinforce and strengthen each other to ensure a high level of aid effectiveness.
