Revising Code of Conduct Policy with Indian Civil Society Organisations
In 2017, the Voluntary Action Network India (VANI) went through a very intensive process of consultation with members and learning from global current experiences while revising the Code of Conduct (originally drafted 30 years ago). Almost 300 CSOs have already signed it.
To review the Code of Conduct, please go here (in Hindi).
The voluntary sector in India is passing through very challenging times. On one hand, there is high demand from voluntary organisations due to socio-economic realities at grass roots level, and changes in resource availability on the other. There have been numerous legal changes as well as interpretations of these laws by the enforcement agencies. Questions are also being asked about the accountability and transparency within the sector. The image of the sector plays a very important role in how people in the society think of CSOs. With new donors like corporate, government and individual resource providers becoming interested in the civil society sector, the need for more precise verifiable indicators of transparency, accountability and participation is felt right across the sector.
Tools
To view the Guidelines of the Code of Conduct to enable organisations to demonstrate their accountability and transparency, please click here
For a sample of a self declaration of responsible governance and management, please see here
How effective is the self-certification process? Review a study report of the process here
Contact
Harsh Jaitli, VANI (harsh@vaniindia.org, info@vaniindia.org)
Quote
"The development sector, across the globe, is currently facing extremely turbulent times. With our resources depleting, problems and expectations increasing, we are gradually heading towards a very uncertain future. So, we need to take action very soon. There is an urgent need to build a positive public narrative of the sector. This can be achieved by being proactive, accountable and transparent in our approach towards not just our own selves but across all our external as well as internal stakeholders. Adhering to highest standards of accountability and transparency, is not just the need of the hour but is the only way towards attaining a sustainable future in the long term."
Leave a Comment: