The Global Standard

The Global Standard is a reference standard that civil society organisations (CSOs) can adopt and implement to strengthen their accountability practices. Using 12 accountability commitments, it tries to capture a shared understanding of accountability from CSOs from all over the world and it embodies a dynamic approach to accountability by encouraging organisations to engage in a continuous two-way dialogue with stakeholders.
The Global Standard focuses on putting people at the centre of CSOs’ decision-making process. This is a starting point that will help the civil society sector become highly resilient, participative and responsive, generating trust on the ground and leveraging stakeholder contributions for greater impact. This is crucial to preserve and strengthen civic space and to build a just and sustainable world.

The 12 Commitments

The 12 Commitments of the Global Standard summarise the critical areas of good CSO accountability practices. They are organised into three clusters: what CSOs aim to achieve, how to approach change, and how to shift internal practices.

Cluster A

What we want to achieve

Justice & Equality

We will address injustice, exclusion, inequality, poverty and violence to create healthy societies for all.

Women’s rights and gender equality

We will promote women’s and girls’ rights and enhance gender equality.

Healthy planet

We will protect the natural environment and enhance its ability to support life for future generations.

Lasting positive change

We will deliver long-term positive results.

Cluster B

Our approach to change

People-driven work

We will ensure that the people we work with have a key role in driving our work.

Strong partnerships

We will work in fair and respectful partnerships to achieve shared goals.

Advocating for fundamental change

We will address root causes by advocating for fundamental change.

Open organisations

We will be transparent about who we are, what we do and our successes and failures.

Cluster C

What we do internally

Empowered, effective staff and volunteers

We will invest in staff and volunteers to develop their full potential and achieve our goals.

Well-handled resources

We will handle our resources responsibly to reach our goals and serve the public good.

Responsive decision-making

We will ensure our decisions are responsive to feedback from the people affected by our work, partners, volunteers and staff.

Responsible leadership

We will ensure our management and governing body are accountable.

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Guidance Material

To support organisations in adopting the Global Standard and its 12 Commitments, we have developed Guidance Materials and other resources that you can download and read to kick-start discussions in your organisation on how to align with the Global Standard.

Resources
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