Good Practice Library

Through our accountability reporting process, our Independent Review Panel identifies good practices from the reports sent by our members. Browse our library and get inspired by innovative CSO accountability practices!

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Plan International makes its global organisational chart visual

Educo established its own accountability and audit division

Educo’s Internal Control Department was replaced by an Accountability and Internal Audit Division. It is committed to two main activities: fostering a culture of accountability in both internal and external processes (Accountability Department), and ensuring compliance with policies, codes and the responsible use of resources (Internal Auditing Department).

Educo’s reporting schedule allows them to have a broader approach to accountability

The Accountability and Internal Audit Division is responsible for compiling the report. The report is compiled and disseminated in accordance with their Procedure and standards for external publications, and according to the following timeline: For this particular reporting year more qualitative feedback was included. The information was gathered in a systematised way through a general staff survey and focus groups, so that all program countries are reflected in the report.

Educo carries out its self-conducted performance reviews by the Board of Trustees

As established in the Code of Good Governance, the Board of Trustees commits to carrying out at least two reviews of its performance during its period of mandate, one at the halfway point and the other at the end. Likewise, Educo is currently in the process of preparing the first self-evaluation of the current Board, which will be carried out in the last quarter of 2015. The results of this review will enable to assess board effectiveness and establish a baseline for defining areas for improvement with respect to governance and for establishing new objectives.

CIVICUS: Accountability is a driver of quality

CIVICUS is acutely aware of the need for civil society to consistently practice and demonstrate accountability in all endeavours. While aware of the burden which reporting puts on small civil society organisations like themselves, the reporting framework nevertheless allows them to take stock of their performance against set indicators, using a widely recognised and trusted format. This challenges CSOs to think about the various components of what they do and allows them to reflect on their successes and failures.

ARTICLE 19 measures its risks and allocates responsibilities to address them

ARTICLE 19 maintains a risk register for their organisation that is reviewed on an ongoing basis by senior staff and the board at their twice-yearly meetings. The register includes physical, environmental, political and financial risks, each of which are assigned a mitigating action and a responsible party.

ARTICLE 19 benchmarks the salary structure of its staff members

In 2013, ARTICLE 19 initiated a review of its salaries, following indications that its pay spine and benefits package was falling short of market value and sector norms, especially in Brazil and other countries. On completion of this review steps were taken to address the significant salary shortfalls and recommendations were made to better align the salary and benefits packages on offer across ARTICLE 19. The Executive Director’s salary was excluded from the benchmarking exercise to simplify discussions with the International Board and ensure the ratio between the highest to lowest salary was closed and not increased.

Sightsavers builds strong and effective partnerships

In 2015, to accompany the Partnership Policy, a partnership framework was developed and rolled out. Designed to mirror and align with the project life-cycle, the framework outlines the three key stages that the majority of programme partnerships will progress through.

Sightsavers’ Council of Trustees are subject to key performance indicators

The Chair of the Council of Trustees is not an executive officer of Sightsavers. The most senior executive officer within Sightsavers is the Chief Executive, who reports to the Council. The roles of the Council and Strategic Management Team (SMT) are clearly defined and distinct from one another.

Oxfam breaks down its reporting to the organisational scale

Oxfam is a confederation of 17 organisations working together in more than 90 countries. All of Oxfam’s work is framed by their commitment to five broad rights-based aims: the right to a sustainable livelihood, the right to basic social services, the right to life and security, the right to be heard, and the right to an identity.

Greenpeace implements a 360 degree performance evaluation on its Board of Directors

The Greenpeace International Board of Directors Chair coordinates a 360 degree evaluation of the performance of the Board (as a whole) each year. This consists of three separate online surveys; one is sent to the Board members for a self-evaluation; one is sent to the Trustees; and the third is sent to the GPI Management. The results are collated and provided to the Trustees via the annual Board Report to Council submitted at each Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Educo listens to its employees and its executive team responds

Educo has different internal communication channels to facilitate the exchange of information across the entire organisation, thus contributing to improving efficiency in their work and encouraging staff to present their feedback and complaints to management.

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