Cooperation Committee for Cambodia

NGO Governance & Professional Practice (NGO GPP)

Terms of Reference for NGO Code Compliance Committee (NCCC)

January to December 2011

Background

In July 2004, CCC started a project, the NGO Good Practice Project (NGO GPP) that aimed to improve NGO governance and accountability.  This started with a review of the Code of Ethics for NGOs in Cambodia (first drafted in 1995), and the development of a set of Minimum Standards that would put the principles of the revised Code into Practice. In 2007, a Voluntary Certification System based on the Minimum Standards was  also developed, and all NGOs were encouraged to apply for certification The NGO code and NGO Voluntary Certification System are now recognized as tools to be used to promote NGO good practice, and improve partnerships between NGO community, government and target populations in the development of Cambodia. There is widespread interest both locally and internationally, with the Code, Standards and the VCS being cited by the Council for the Development of Cambodia, the Accra Agenda for Action on Aid effectiveness, as well as by key donors.  The Code and the VCS are also listed in a global database of NGO self-regulation initiatives.  It is only one of two NGO certification systems in the whole of South-East Asia.

Moving into 2011, in its seventh year of existence, NGO-GPP has undergone a re-branding, to de-emphasize “project” and focus more on the core elements of good governance and professionalism in the NGO sector. Thus, while the acronym “NGO GPP” is retained, the meaning has now changed to “NGO Governance and Professional Practice”. The Voluntary Certification System will continue to be steered by NGO GPP, and hosted by the CCC.   A new revision (the third) of the Minimum Standards, Guidelines and Indicators was also approved by the NGO sector and is in effect commencing December 16, 2010.

From 2011-2013, NGO-GPP will continue to carry out its main activities including promoting good governance and accountability, screening and certification, monitoring and evaluation, learning and development for NGOs, setting up of independent center and cost recovery.

The credibility, integrity and recognition of the VCS hinges on the two volunteer and independent committees – the Working Group and the NCCC.  They are involved in the screening of applications, assessing compliance, advising the NGO GPP certification staff and awarding of certification status.  NGO senior management, certified NGO representatives, and qualified and experienced leaders from the non-profit sector are invited by their peers to serve for a fixed term either as an NCCC or a WG member.

NGO GPP aims

To strengthen the NGO sector in Cambodia by encouraging and promoting NGO accountability and good organisational practice

Purpose:

NGOs commit to participating in a voluntary self-regulation system based on compliance with the Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia

Objectives:

1. Encouraging and improving the quality and accountability of organisational development and programme delivery of NGOs in Cambodia.
2. Widely promote the application of a voluntary NGO certification system based on compliance with the “Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia”.

Purpose of the NCCC

The purpose of NCCC is to review NGO applications, and provide final approval and recommendations to applicant NGOs based on compliance with the Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia.

Selection Process of NCCC Members

• NGO GPP invites interested and qualified candidates/persons to participate in the NCCC
• The potential candidates will be discussed with existing NCCC members
• NGO GPP will meet with individuals nominated to discuss NGO GPP, the VCS, the roles and responsibilities as well as expected time commitments, and determine if they are suitable based on selection criteria and their commitment to the project
• The list of selected NCCC members will be posted on CCC website and other key NGO GPP documents

Selection Criteria of NCCC Members

The following criteria will be used to assist in the selection of NCCC members:

• Command respect from NGO community and public
• Have demonstrated commitment and explicitly shown involvement in benevolent work in promoting professionalism and good practices in organisation and program delivery
• Hold at least 5 year working experience in senior management or a leadership position
• Possess in depth experiences in organisational development, law, human resource management, financial management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Fully conversant with NGOs and Civil Society in Cambodia NGO Code, various mechanisms of NGO Self Regulation System, and certification system.

Tasks of the NCCC

• Meet bi-monthly from January 2011-December 2011 (schedule to be agreed)
• Participate in biannual meetings with Working Group members to continue to develop and strengthen the Code and certification system
• Receive briefings from the NGO GPP Team Leader and other NCCC members.
• Review results and recommendations of desk review and field check for certification through meetings or by emails so as to ensure collective accountability on decision making.
• Approval of NGOs complying with the minimum standards as defined in the NGO Code
• Providing recommendations for follow up to NGOs that meet at least 80% of the minimum standards
• Issue certificate to the successful NGOs for 3 year validity
• Provide feedback to ensure the effective application of NGO Code and quality of the NGO Voluntary Certification System
• Participate in milestone events organised by NGO GPP to speak and listen to feedback from NGO community, donors, government, public and other stakeholders.
• Act as an Advisory sounding board for the NGO GPP when required.

Term of Appointment

NCCC members would be appointed for a one year term, with possibility of extension.

Ground Rules of the NCCC

• The NCCC will be made up of 9-12 people with quorum of 3  for decision making for awarding the certificate and signing off on certifications.
• Participation of the NCCC members is on VOLUNTARY and UNPAID basis
• NCCC members should declare any potential conflicts of interest (for example, a close relative may be the director of an applicant NGO; the NCCC member might be on the governing or advisory board of an applicant NGO, or might be a funding partner).  They must be willing to exclude themselves from discussion of particular applications in such cases.
• Each member of the NCCC members should commit their time to participate in this committee for at least 12 months
• NCCC members must ensure confidentiality of all applications and information provided by applicant NGOs
• Members who miss 3 consecutive meetings will be automatically withdrawn from the NGO Code Compliance Committee

General

Agenda and relevant information/materials will be distributed to NCCC members at least one week prior to each meeting, to be read before the meeting.

The agendas, facilitating of meetings and preparation of minutes will be the responsibility of NGO GPP staff

Current NGO Code Compliance Commitee Members