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FAQs


1. What is the Code of Conduct?

The Code of Conduct is a voluntary, self-regulatory industry code for non-governmental development organisations (NGDOs). It provides standards of best practice and requirements for Code signatories that are assessed for compliance in the fields of:
  • organisational integrity;
  • governance;
  • communication with the public;
  • finances; and
  • personnel and management practice.
The Code represents the active commitment of its signatories to conduct their activities with integrity, transparency and accountability, and acts as a mechanism through which public concerns about the conduct of an agency can be addressed. Over 100 agencies are currently signatories to the ACFID Code of Conduct.

2. Why was the Code developed?

The Code was created to:
  • increase public trust and confidence;
  • raise standards of internal operations and systems of signatory agencies;
  • standardise annual and financial reporting for donors and enable comparability.
In February 1998, the Code of Conduct was officially launched by the then Governor-General, Sir William Deane. For a brief history of the Code, see Code of Conduct history.

3. What are some of the benefits of being a signatory to the Code of Conduct?

For Code signatories, benefits include:
  • being part of a publicly listed group of organisations that can be identified as being accountable and transparent;
  • ability to use the Code of Conduct to measure and improve internal operations, systems and guiding principles;
  • being aware of Code responsibilities;
  • being able to access support to comply with the Code, annual report and financial statement requirements, and any other area of the Code;
  • ability to display the Code logo on websites and annual reports.

Code signatory status is also an AusAID accreditation and ACFID membership requirement.

For donors and the public:
  • standardised annual and financial reports;
  • increased confidence in the way that their donations are being used.


4. How do I become a signatory to the Code of Conduct?

To become an ACFID Code of Conduct signatory, agencies need to be Australian (i.e. incorporated in Australia) and be a voluntary and a not-for-profit organisation. Agencies also need to conduct activities in the fields of international relief and development, development assistance, development education and/or related services in Australia that are consistent with and supportive of the objectives and purposes of ACFID, and the ACFID Code of Conduct values.

Application forms are available at Becoming a signatory.

5. What are the ACFID Code of Conduct values?

Code of Conduct signatories aim to build strong and trusting relationships with people of developing countries and:
  • give priority to the needs and interests of the people they serve;
  • encourage self-help and self-reliance among beneficiaries and thus avoid creating dependency;
  • involve beneficiary groups as much as possible in the design, implementation and evaluation of work that an Australian agency supports overseas;
  • respect and foster internationally recognised human rights, both socio-economic and civil-political;
  • seek to enhance gender equity; and
  • are based on an understanding of the history and culture of the people served.


6. Do I have to be a signatory of the Code to be an ACFID member?

Yes. Code signatory status is one of the prerequisites for ACFID membership.

7. How is compliance with the Code of Conduct monitored?

The Code of Conduct Committee monitors adherence to the Code and investigates complaints. Currently, compliance with the Code is monitored in three ways:
  • annual assessment of signatory annual reports;
  • investigation of inquiries and complaints;
  • ad hoc monitoring in the wake of natural disasters.


8. What if I think a signatory has breached the Code of Conduct?

If you think a signatory has breached the Code of Conduct, it is important you let us know. In line with the complaints handling process outlined in Section 8 of the Code, you need to submit your complaint form in writing. Complaint forms are available at Complaints and compliance monitoring.

9. What if a signatory is found to be in breach of the Code?

If a signatory is found to be in breach of the Code, and has not resolved the situation, the agency will be removed as a signatory. The agency’s name will also be published in the Code section of the ACFID Annual Report.

10. What does NGDO stand for?

NGDO is the acronym used for non-governmental development organisation. That is, non-profit agencies that are working in overseas development.

11. How do I know if the agency that I donate to is a signatory to the Code?

Over 100 agencies are currently signatories to the Code. One of the easiest ways to tell if an agency is a Code signatory is if it displays the Code logo on its website or publications such as in its annual report. For a list of current signatories see Current signatories. Signatory agencies are also listed in the ACFID Annual Report. Code of conduct logo