The Global Standard Partnership

The Global Standard Partnership objective is to transform the work of civil society organizations for strengthened impact and resilience by becoming more transparent, responsive, and accountable towards the people whom they work for and with. The Partnership will enable civil society organizations (CSOs) around the world to use the Global Standard for CSO Accountability by promoting its implementation, endorsement, and application. It is based upon a new paradigm that put people at the core of the work and embraces new forms of dynamic accountability and permanent dialogue with all stakeholders.

The Global Standard Partnership recognises the many interconnected purposes that enable CSOs worldwide to thrive. Considering this broader spectrum, the Global Standard Partnership’s purposes include:
a) Enabling CSO’s around the world to use the Global Standard to strengthen their accountability practices.
b) Building and reinforcing trust in the CSO sector through enhanced accountability practices putting people at the centre of CSO’s work.
c) Confronting challenges to and enhancing civic space; and
d) Promoting the use, endorsement and application of the Global Standard in the practice of dynamic accountability with donors, governments, and international organisations.

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.

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.