CIVICUS' LTA Policy

CIVICUS believes in the importance of publicly disclosing information and honestly reporting on its purposes, activities, structures and policies to its multiple stakeholders and to the public at large. Upholding the highest standards of transparency has become even more pertinent for civil society organisations.

Accountability lies at the core of CIVICUS' values. In our work we strive to help strengthen civil society and enable people to know and demand their rights, and to hold those in power to account. For CIVICUS to call for greater accountability from others, it is essential that we must be accountable ourselves. It means holding ourselves openly responsible, in ways that involve our key stakeholders, for what we believe, what we do and say we will do - and for showing what we have done compared to what we said we would do.
Accountability it vital for CIVICUS to maintain legitimacy and credibility in achieving our core mission to amplify the voices and opinions of ordinary citizens. CIVICUS must be trusted to be rooted in the lives of real people and communicating real voices.
One of the ways in which CIVICUS has sought to enhance our own accountability has been our involvement in the International NGO Accountability Charter. CIVICUS was among leading international NGOs that came together 5 years ago and established the INGO Accountability Charter.

The Accountability Charter was established in 2006 in response to this increasing scrutiny and questions of quality and legitimacy of INGOs. The Accountability Charter is an expression of commitment of leading international NGOs to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and accountability.

Signed by leading human rights, environmental, and development NGOs, the Accountability Charter sets out core values and operating principles for international NGOs. These include areas of good governance and management, fundraising and multi-stakeholder engagement. It also makes specific reference to respect for universal principles (such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), independence responsible advocacy, effective programmes, non-discrimination, transparency and ethical fundraising.

The Charter is significant and historic in many ways. It is the first time that the large international NGOs have publicly outlined, together, our shared principles and commitments. It is the first time we have set down the standards of accountability and transparency which we hold ourselves to, and which we will expect to be held to - by our staff, supporters and other stakeholders. We recognise that in a world where NGOs have a much greater voice, whether through campaigns, advocacy or sheer size, it is important that we are accountable to the public in our own markets and accountable to the people we are working to support elsewhere; partners, allies and beneficiaries. This is vital for public trust.

Compliance to Accountability Charter
The Accountability Charter is a strong INGO self regulation mechanism, with an established governance structure which includes an elected Board, a Secretariat and an Independent Advisory Panel.
CIVICUS has produced annual reports since 2006 on whether we have been fully compliant, or not, to the Charter standards. In 2010, measures were made to increase the credibility and authority of the reporting system by: 1) adopting the GRI reporting framework; 2) appointing an Independent Advisor Panel of experienced accountability experts to review reports and handle complaints.

Benefits of Accountability Charter
CIVICUS have experienced many external and internal benefits from being a signatory of the Accountability Charter:

• The Charter attracts positive media attention. Signing the Charter gives the message that we are committed to be transparent and accountable. It communicates our commitment to maintain and, where necessary, improve our performance, as well as our willingness to respond to our stakeholders.
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  Signing the Charter enables us to get feedback on what works and what doesn't, and what needs to be improved. This increases the likelihood of success in our work and enhances the sense of ownership among all stakeholders. It also reduces the potential for inefficient or misuse of the resources entrusted to us.
• In some situations, being a signatory of the Accountability Charter has demonstrated to donors CIVICUS' commitment to accountability and transparency that has been required to receive funding.
• One of the greatest values of the Charter is that it has stimulated discussion within the organization on how to improve compliance with our own stated policies.
• The internal benefits of signing the Accountability Charter are that it helps new and existing staff to understand the over-arching principles of the organization. It helps in the formulation and administration of polices on such diverse issues as: staff, campaigns and advocacy, financial management, fund-raising, relations with partner organizations, communication, and media. Where the relevant policies do not already exist, the charter provides a ready basis for developing what may be necessary.

Joining the Charter
CIVICUS encourages all international non-governmental and non-profit organisations to subscribe to the INGO Accountability Charter. We are happy to share experiences with you about how we have overcome challenges and improved internal compliance with the Charter. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CIVICUS' annual report publishes the organisation's annual financial statements. As a signatory/member to the INGO Accountability Charter, we also make our Charter Compliance Report publicly available. To see our report, click here.