NPO Code of Governance
Code of Governance for NPOs
The independent code of governance for non-profit organisations/companies in South Africa was introduced in July 2012 and consists of a set of principles, values and responsibilities intended to guide and inform the way civil society organisations are managed and conduct their affairs. It is also intended to serve as a standard of measure to assess performance, and guide members of governing boards and others who carry responsibility of governance. Frequently, the principles, values and objectives of a code are embodied in a board charter, to which each serving member is required to subscribe. The independent code envisages similarly that there should be a written voluntary commitment and undertaking of compliance signed on behalf of the Board, the members and the employees of the organisation concerned. Such a joint commitment should be reviewed and renewed at regular intervals.
The Sadrat Institute's Board of Directors have subscribed to the attached code of governance for NPOs.
The following are principles, values and responsibilities intended to guide and inform the way the SADRAT Institute are managed and conduct their affairs.
ENSURING ADHERENCE TO EIGHT BASIC VALUES:
- Fidelity to purpose
- Altruism and benevolence
- Integrity
- Optimising resources
- Conflicts of interest and self-dealing
- Equality and non-discrimination
- Democracy and empowerment
- Independence and impartiality
ENSURING GOOD LEADERSHIP IN SIX KEY AREAS:
- Vision, purpose and values
- Accountability and transparency
- Fundraising, sustainability and risk management
- Collaboration and synergy
- The board and other governance structures
- Procedural governance
ENSURING GOOD IMPLEMENTATION IN FIVE LEGAL AND FISCAL AREAS:
- Establishment and incorporation
- Administrative and procedural requirements
- NPO Act-consequences and benefits of registration
- PBO status – fiscal benefits and conditions