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Why a Code of Conduct?Checking whether a charitable organisation in Australia is reputable has always been a complicated task. The range of legislation and standards across Australia relating to charities varies widely. Making financial comparisons between aid organisations has been impossible as no accounting standard exists for financial reporting.
To address this issue in relation to Australian overseas aid agencies, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) actively consulted with its member organisations, as well as other non-member organisations, to develop the set of principles and standards that the Code of Conduct sets out.
What is the Code?The Code aims to enhance standards of operation throughout the international development community to ensure that public confidence is maintained in the use of community contributions to overseas aid.
The Code of Conduct sets out standards in the fields of:
- organisational integrity
- governance
- communication with the public
- finances
- personnel and management practice.
The scope and implementation of the Code is regularly reviewed by the Code of Conduct Committee and the international development community through ACFID. Seminars and workshops are conducted every year to train and inform personnel of the requirements of the Code and how the standards are applied to everyday practice.
Internally, signatory agencies can use the Code to measure and improve their operations, systems and guiding principles. The Code identifies standards which when adhered to, enhance the integrity, transparency and accountability of organisations and their activities.
As a self-regulatory and sector wide Code, the signing on by international development organisations is voluntary, although it is a requirement of ACFID membership. Compliance to the standards is tested predominantly through compliance monitoring of annual and financial reporting requirements, annual self assessment and the investigation of complaints.
The Code is currently undergoing a comprehensive review. The revised Code will be voted on at Council 2010 by ACFID members.
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