Cooperation Committee for Cambodia

NGO GPP Working Group (WG)

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.

The NGO GPP aims:

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

Project 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 Working Group (WG)

With the facilitation and support of the NGO GPP team, the WG members take the leading role in development and revision of the Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia, participate in desk reviews of the applicant NGOs, and provide recommendations to support the field check team.

Selection Process of Work Group Members

• NGO GPP invites interested candidates/persons to participate in the NGO GPP WG
• The potential candidates will be discussed with existing WG members
• NGO GPP will meet with individuals interested to discuss NGO GPP, and determine if they are suitable based on selection criteria and their commitment to the project
• The list of selected WG members will be posted on CCC website and other key NGO GPP project documents

Selection Criteria of Work Group Members

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

• Representative sample from small, medium and large size organisations
• Senior representatives from NGOs who have a specific interest in NGO good practice and/or have had significant experience in facing issues and challenges related to NGO accountability and governance
• Representatives from LNGOs, INGOs, research institution, universities and law associations.
• Representatives with backgrounds/experience in key areas such as: Organisational Development, Law, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, working with local NGO partners

Tasks of the Working Group

• Meet bi-monthly  from January – December 2011 (schedule to be agreed)
• Review/revise/develop the Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia as required.
• Participate in biannual meetings with WG and NGO Code Compliance Committee to continue to develop and strengthen the Code and certification system, and look for possibilities to develop additional standards for program level.
• Participate in selecting the NGO Code Compliance Committee for certification review and final decision making.
• Participate in desk review of applications from NGOs to review the quality of the NGOs’ documents and produce recommendations for the field check team.
• Give input to/feedback on a Guidance Document for NGO Code and Certification System that will be developed by NGO GPP to support applicant NGOs to apply the standards in the NGO Code.
• Receive feedback and assist NGO GPP to respond to the queries on the NGO Code and 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.

Term of Appointment

NCCC and WG members would be appointed for a three year term, with possibility of extension; there was discussion about WG members being invited to join the NCCC; (it was not clear when these dates of the appointment would start, whether this would be starting in 2010 or retroactively).

Ground Rules of the Working Group

• The WG will be made up of 10 - 14 people and decision making must be based on 50% + 1 for final approval. Two working group minimum can review the application.
• Participation of the WG members is on VOLUNTARY basis.
• Each member of the WG members should commit their time to participate in this group.
• Working Group members must ensure confidentiality of all applications and information provided by applicant NGOs and declares the conflict of interest, please see below.
• In the absence of WG members, substitute persons of the absentee shall not be encouraged to attend in the WG meeting
• Members who miss 3 consecutive meetings will be automatically withdrawn from the working group

Conflict of Interest

Any Working Group member who has a relationship with an applicant organisation (eg the organisation is a partner, they have a relative, they are a board member, or a funder, etc) must declare that relationship and be willing to excuse her/himself from processing the application if appropriate.

General

Agenda and relevant information/materials will be distributed to Working Group 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 Working Group Members