Thread by @CSOHUBAfrica

#CSOSelfRegulation
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including nonprofits, charities, and community-based organizations, can engage in self-regulation to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical practices. Self-regulation allows CSOs to proactively demonstrate......./1

.... their commitment to good governance and responsible management. Here are some examples of self-regulation mechanisms and initiatives from around the world.../2

1). Codes of Conduct: CSOs can develop and implement codes of conduct that outline ethical standards, principles, and guidelines for their operations. These codes cover areas such as financial management, governance practices, program implementation, fundraising, and ..../3

.... conflict of interest. By adhering to a code of conduct, CSOs establish a framework for self-regulation and demonstrate their commitment to integrity and accountability..../4

Codes of conduct example: In the US, Independent Sector, a coalition of nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs, has developed a "Statement of Values and Code of Ethics" that provides guidance on ethical behavior for its members...../5
independentsector.org

2). Accreditation and Certification: CSOs can seek accreditation or certification from independent third-party organizations that assess compliance with specific standards and criteria..../6

...These assessments cover areas such as governance, financial management, transparency, and impact measurement. Accreditation and certification demonstrate a CSO's commitment to high standards and provide external validation of its practices...../7

Accreditation and certification example: The CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) Charity Standard in the United Kingdom assesses charities against a set of criteria, including governance, financial management, transparency, and impact...../8
cafonline.org

3). Self-Assessment and Reporting: CSOs can undertake self-assessment processes to evaluate their organizational practices and identify areas for improvement. These assessments often involve the use of self-assessment tools, checklists,...../9

... or frameworks that cover various aspects of organizational management. CSOs can then publicly report their findings and actions taken to address any identified gaps..../10

Self-Assessment and reporting example: Accountable Now offers a self-assessment tool called the Global Standard, which enables CSOs to evaluate their performance against a set of accountability principles...../11
accountablenow.org

4). Transparency and Disclosure: CSOs can enhance transparency by proactively disclosing information about their activities, governance, finances, and impact. This can include publishing annual reports, financial statements, impact reports, ...../12

....and details of key personnel. By providing this information to stakeholders, CSOs foster trust, enable informed decision-making, and invite scrutiny...../13

Transparency and disclosure example: Guidestar, an online platform in the United States, provides a comprehensive database of information on nonprofits, including financial data, mission statements, and program descriptions...../14
guidestar.org

5). Peer Networks and Networks of Practice: CSOs can form peer networks or join networks of practice to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and collectively develop standards for self-regulation..../15

...These networks provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and collective problem-solving, supporting CSOs in their efforts to improve governance and management practices..../16

Peer networks and networks of practice example: The Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) International is a global network of humanitarian organizations committed to enhancing accountability and quality management in humanitarian action....../17
pseataskforce.org/uploads/tools/…

6). Advocacy for Self-Regulation: CSOs can advocate for self-regulation within their sector or at the national level. They can engage in policy dialogue, promote best practices, and collaborate with government, funders, and others to develop guidelines or frameworks....../17

Advocacy for self-regulation example: In Canada, Imagine Canada advocates for strong and effective nonprofit and charitable organizations, including promoting self-regulation through initiatives like the Standards Program..../18
imaginecanada.ca/en

These examples demonstrate that CSOs can take proactive steps to regulate themselves and demonstrate their commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical practices...../19

... Self-regulation mechanisms and initiatives help build public trust, enhance organizational effectiveness, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of CSOs..../20

In Nigeria, there is the National Technical Committee (NTC) on Civil Society Self-Regulation driving the conversation and work on self regulation with a General Assembly of and Advisory Council on Civil Society Self-Regulation in Nigeria....21

This effort is supported by the @USAIDNigeria @EUinNigeria through USAID Strengthening Capacity and Local Engagement Activity, and European Union Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (EU-ACT) Programme @CSORoundtable @johnonyeukwu @OurNigerDelta #CSOSelfRegulation.../22

Stay connected with us for the latest updates on #CSOSelfRegulation #NonprofitsRegulation Help spread the word by liking and retweeting to ensure broader visibility and engagement....../23

TheEnd!