COOPERATION COMMITTEE FOR CAMBODIA(CCC)

NGO GOOD PRACTICE PROJECT (NGO GPP)

“Downward” Accountability: Some Experiences from the

CCC and the VCS

Prepared for:
the CIVICUS & Partners Webinar Series,
21 September 2010

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 Presentation Outline
1. CCC – An Introduction
2. “Downward” Accountability from an
Umbrella Organization’s perspective: the
Membership
3. “Downward” Accountability in the Minimum
Standards for Voluntary Certification

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 Cooperation Committee of Cambodia
(CCC)
 A membership organization of NGOs in Cambodia,
established in 1990
 Envisions a strong and capable civil society responsive
to Cambodia’s Development Challenges
 Currently has 115 members, 70% of whom are INGOs,
30% Local NGOs
 Recognized as a strong voice for NGOs by both the
government and the donor community

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 Cooperation Committee of Cambodia
(CCC)
 Facilitated the revision of the Code of Ethics and
Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia (2004-
2006)
 Organized and Hosts the Voluntary Certification
System for NGOs in Cambodia (2007-present), as the
NGO Good Practice Project (NGO-GPP)

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 CCC – accountable to its members
 Members pay annual dues depending on income
 Members elect the Executive Committee (Governing Board
of the CCC), approve strategic plans at the AGMs
 Bi-monthly membership meetings, with agenda determined
by members, addressing issues of common concern
 Bi-monthly Forums on Human Resources Management,
Financial management, and M & E
 Development of a “Customer Charter”
 Feedback from members through annual surveys

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 Voluntary Certification System (VCS) for
NGOs in Cambodia
 Based on the Code of Ethics and Minimum Standards for
NGOs in Cambodia
 Developed by the NGO sector and facilitated by the
CCC; Voluntary, No fees collected, three independent
bodies involved in the certification process
 NGOs apply, submit documents, and undergo a field
assessment
 Since 2007, 67 NGOs applied, 22 received certification;
40% increase in number of applicants in 2010

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 Voluntary Certification System (VCS) for
NGOs in Cambodia
 VCS included in the Global Database of CSO self-regulation
Initiatives (One World Trust)
 Cited in High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in
ACCRA Ghana one of Asia’s success story on NGO
accountability Road Map and success story
 Cited in CDC Aid Effectiveness Report as a progressive
move for NGO Community to reform itself
 At least two bilateral donors now include application for the
VCS as a “preference” for grants

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 Minimum Standards (25)

1- Mission and Value ( 5 standards)

2- Governance ( 4 standards)
3- Relationships/Communication ( 5 standards)
4- Financial ( 2 standards)
5- Accountability and transparency (2 standards)
6- Quality Assurance (2 standards)
7- Human Resources (5 standards)
Guidelines and Indicators for assessing the standards have
been developed as part of the Certification Process.

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 “Downward” Accountability in the
Minimum Standards
 Standard 5.1: The NGO provides the public, the target
population, donors and government with accurate
information about their activities, finances and other
relevant information
 Standard 6.2: The NGO ensures participation of the
target groups/population in development processes

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 Standard 6.2: The NGO ensures participation of
the target groups/population in development
processes
Guidelines:
 Proposals,Annual Reports and other relevant documents
should contain descriptions of how the NGO involves the
community
 Target beneficiaries participate in initial community needs
assessments and are involved in developing the program
 NGOs encourage beneficiary participation in program
monitoring

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 Standard 6.2: The NGO ensures participation of
the target groups/population in development
processes
Indicators:
 Target community participation is described in the annual report,
project proposal and minutes of meetings
 Beneficiaries can describe their involvement in development
processes
 (Proposed for revision) :beneficiaries can express satisfaction with
the NGO activities and results

VERIFICATION: Through field visits; beneficiaries are also

interviewed

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.
 Challenges to NGOs on their “Downward”
Accountability
 Beneficiaries often have little say or influence, compared to donors,
government or peer organizations
 Cambodia CSO operating environment and space for free expression is
perceived to be shrinking
 Accountability framework (ie upward/downward and sideways) needs
greater dissemination and discussions on the “Why”;
 Voluntary system , no direct sanctions/immediate benefits other than self-
improvement
 CSO development effectiveness consultations are one way to introduce
rationale and framework, as well as direct training and reflection ; the
“Accountability Web” is a great visual tool

Certified on: 15-

Jan-09
Vision: A strong and capable civil society, cooperating and responsive to Cambodia’s development challenges.