What is NGO GPP?
NGO GPP is NGO Good Practice Project, one of the CCC’s projects, and initiated by NGO and for NGO. NGO GPP has been starting since July 2004 and aims to strengthen the NGO sector in Cambodia by encouraging and promoting NGO accountability and good organisational practice. The objectives of NGO GPP are

When was the Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia launched?
The Code was officially launched in June 2007. By the end of September 2007, NGO GPP had awarded the certificate of compliance to Mithsamlanh and Salvation Centre Cambodia (SCC) that complied with all 25 standards in the NGO Code. 

What are the benefits for those NGOs who become certified for complying with the Code? And what are the benefits for those who are not members of the Code?
The Code aims to maintain and enhance standards of good organisational practice throughout the NGO community.  It aims to ensure public trust in the integrity of the individuals and organisations that make up the NGO sector, and in the effectiveness of NGO programmes.  So this means that every NGO can benefit from the Code as a member or not. The code is being developed along with the guidance document to explain and support the standards, so people will know how to apply the standards.  This is being promoted publicly and made available to everyone.

Who or which institution enforces the Code of Conduct and ensures its effectiveness?
An independent Code Compliance Committee was by NGO GPP and the Working Group, according to agreed terms of reference.  The current committee members are 7 people, selected among those individuals with a commitment to this initiative, who are prominent and respected in the Cambodian development community, and represent different sectors.  The committee's role is to review NGO applicants' desk and field assessment results, and make a decision about whether the NGO is compliant or not with the minimum standards in the Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia. 

What examples are there of how codes address accountability to “beneficiaries”?
The code encourages applicant NGOs to be accountable to their beneficiaries.  In the code there are three important standards that address and promote accountability to beneficiaries: standards 5.1, 6.1, and 6.2 where it is stated that NGOs must provide accurate information, to monitor and evaluate their organisation and program, and also ensure the participation of the beneficiaries in development processes.

How appropriate are NGO codes for the development/mobilisation of local groups and associations?
As we have recognised, there is a diversity of NGOs in Cambodia: international, local, community-based organisations, and associations.  The focus of the new code is only on NGOs (but both international and local).  Through the code, NGO GPP aims to bring interested NGOs together to discuss, share, define and establish a common set of principles and standards for their organisations and work.   The code and guidance document could be helpful, though, to other organisations such as CBOs and associations, if they are interested to learn from them. 

Should there be different levels of certification?
It was decided by Working Group member to having only level of certification called “Certificate of Compliance”. The certificate is valid for 3 years and then the certified NGOs must reply. NGO GPP will be decertification from any certified NGO that does not maintain and adhere to the standards in the Code.

Will CCC provide a role model NGO for us?
It is not easy to identify appropriate role models.  However, NGO GPP developed good practice guidelines and requirements regarding the standards, and those NGOs who become certified could then serve as good role models, possibly.

What is future plan of NGO GPP?
The NGO GPP will continue to implement phase 3 (2008 – 2010) to strengthen the NGO sector in Cambodia by encouraging and promoting NGO accountability and good organisational practice. The voluntary certification system will be the focal point of the NGO GPP – Phase 3 project. In phase 3, NGO GPP seeks to promote the benefits of the certification and to work with organizations that are committed to implementing the standards for enhanced organizational accountability and good practice.

Bact to top

Website design and maintenance
Mr. Sam Sophal,
Communication and Information Officer