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Quality Principle 7:
Governance

Development and humanitarian organisations are governed in an accountable, transparent and responsible way.

Rationale

Quality Principle 7 recognises the importance of building trust with all stakeholders through compliance with standards and through ethical and sound decision-making. It covers all aspects of good governance, extending beyond the establishment of a formal governing body and associated mechanisms, and including core organisational Commitments to governing responsibly, accountably and transparently. Quality Principle 7 incorporates obligations covering governing instruments, governing body policies, transparency, annual general meetings, conflicts of interest, legal requirements and complaints handling.

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To foster public trust and ensure good conduct in aid and development work, ACFID’s members have the responsibility to promote legal and ethical behavior, and to monitor the actions of staff and partners to ensure no wrongdoing or impropriety. In some contexts in which our members operate, there is a heightened risk of corruption, fraud or bribery, and members should act, and be seen to act, in a way that is honest and transparent. Voluntary governing bodies of member organisations are expected to be ‘responsible persons’ of integrity and able to make independent and objective decisions focused on achieving aid and development objectives. Member organisations have a duty to carefully manage any real or perceived conflicts of interest because reputational damage can affect the whole sector.

The language and requirements of this Principle are aligned with ACNC requirements which have come into effect since the Code was last revised. There was broad endorsement for this Quality Principle during consultations.

The ACFID blog “Governing accountably, transparently and responsibly” elaborates on this quality principle, exploring aspects of good governance and recognising the role it plays in building trust with stakeholders. In this video, we interview Steven Meredith, Chair of The Leprosy Mission Australia , to understand how this ACFID member practices good governance.

Quality Principle 7 is implemented through four Commitments by ACFID Members.

Commitments

COMMITMENT 7.1

We are not-for-profit and formed for a defined public benefit.

COMMITMENT 7.2

We meet our legal and compliance obligations.

COMMITMENT 7.3

We are accountable to our stakeholders.

COMMITMENT 7.4

We have responsible and independent governance mechanisms.

About

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Annual Report 2022-23

Reporting on ACFID’s activities to ensure transparency and accountability

ACFID

ACFID is the peak body for Australian NGOs involved in international development and humanitarian action.

Our PARTNERSHIPS

ACFID works and engages with a range of strategic partners in addition to our members.

GOVERNANCE

ACFID is governed by its Board, ACFID Council, and various expert and governance committees.

Members

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Conference 2023

GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT 2.0
disruptive dynamics, inspired ideas

18-19 October 2023

Meet our Members

The ACFID membership is comprised of Australian NGOs that actively work in the international aid and development sector.

Become a member

Joining ACFID means joining an experienced and powerful mix of like-minded organisations committed to good international development practice.

Membership types & fees

ACFID has two types of organisational membership: Full Membership and Affiliate Membership.

State of the Sector

The State of the Sector Report provides a comprehensive and robust analysis of the state of the Australian aid and development sector.

NGO Aid Map

ACFID’s NGO Aid Map allows the Australian public and stakeholders to explore the work of ACFID Members around the world.

Development Practice Committee

The DPC is an expert advisory group of development practitioners leading good practice within the sector.

Our Focus

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Federal Budget 23-24 Analysis

Facts and figures on how aid is presented in this year’s annual budget

Strategic Plan

ACFID prioritises a robust response to climate change and pressure on civil society in developing countries, as well as other key priorities.

Emergency Aid

ACFID Members provide vital life-saving assistance in the immediate aftermath of an emergency.

Climate Change

Action on climate change is one of ACFID’s highest priorities, as it is an existential threat to humanity and our development.

Civil Society

Civil societies are a cornerstone of regional stability and ensure that the voices of the marginalised are heard.

Supporting NGOS

Supporting NGOs as Valuable Partners.

Inclusive & locally led development

Walking the talk on inclusive development.

Humanitarian Action

Taking humanitarian action for those in greatest need.

Elevating Development

Elevating Development to the Heart of Australia’s International Engagement.

PSEAH

Improving standards, practice and culture to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Code of Conduct

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2022-23 ACFID Code of Conduct Review

The ACFID Code of Conduct is periodically reviewed to ensure it continues to reflect good practice and the needs of ACFID and its members.

Code of Conduct

The Code is a voluntary, self-regulatory industry code of good practice.

About the Code

Find out more about the Code of Conduct and how it operates.

Good Practice Toolkit

Overview and practical resources, and examples to support the implementation of the Code.

Spotlight on the Code

Provides a thematic ‘deep dive’ into each of the nine Quality Principles in the Code

Compliance

This section outlines the responsibility to be taken by each Member to ensure compliance with the Code.

Complaints Handling

How to make a complaint and information on the Code’s independent mechanism to address concerns relating to an ACFID Members’ conduct.

Other Standards

Mapping the Code with other professional standards and principles in the humanitarian and aid sector in Australia and internationally

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