CSO Good Governance in Practice

As CODE-NGO and its member networks and base organizations demand accountability in public institutions, they remain to be committed to practicing good governance in their respective organizations. CODE-NGO’s Commission on Internal Reform Initiatives (CIRI) called for a campaign among members to demonstrate accountability and transparency by 1) continuing the signature campaign for the statement renewing commitment to the network’s Code of Conduct, 2) clarifying member networks’ targets to get certified by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) by 2014 and 3) defining and subscribing to the Minimum Standards for CSO Good Governance.

By the end of the fiscal year in July 2013, 563 member base organizations (MBOs) or 35% of CODE-NGO’s membership have signed the statement renewing their commitment to the network’s Code of Conduct. Member Network PHILSSA has also renewed its accreditation by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC), while CBD has already been visited by PCNC evaluators as they apply to renew their certification. CODE-NGO Executive Director Sixto Donato Macasaet’s election to the PCNC Board last May 2013 is also seen as a recognition of the network’s role in the campaign for good governance within the larger CSO community.

The CODE-NGO Board also approved the network’s Minimum Standards for CSO Good Governance. Among the indicators of good CSO practice as defined in this document are: Vision-Mission-Goal (VMG) statement that is understood by the organization’s Board, staff and partners; regular conduct and proper documentation of board meetings and membership assemblies; clear Board terms and election process; written organizational structure; written annual program and budget; programs that are consistent with VMG; annual audit by an independent CPA; enough personnel or volunteers to do the work of the organization and clear term of reference with them; and compliance with the legally mandated benefits for regular staff. An additional 120 member base organizations did a self-assessment of their governance practices using these standards, 72% of which declaring that they comply with all these indicators.

CODE-NGO also started a CSO Good Governance Roadshow with resource persons from Association of Foundations (AF) and PCNC, going around its member networks’ assemblies and project meetings to disseminate information about these campaigns and to host learning sessions on the role of non-profit boards and the value of PCNC certification.