Bomb Techs Without Borders Signs NGO Code of Conduct
Developed through an initiative of the World for Ukraine Foundation, the Ukraine Focus, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, this Code of Conduct serves as a guide for transparency and anti-corruption for organizations operating in Ukraine.
Standing Shoulder to Shoulder
At the recent World for Ukraine summit in Rzeszów, Poland, key themes discussed included partnership, cooperation, and transparency. Bomb Techs Without Borders representatives had the opportunity to engage with many like-minded NGOs working in Ukraine, and we are proud to stand alongside dedicated organizations in signing an NGO Code of Conduct. This code is short and direct, asking organizations such as ours to publicly declare commitments to simple and effective measures towards increased transparency and greater impact.
The code was publicly co-signed by CEO Matthew Howard and CFO April Olsen.
Although we are still a small NGO, Bomb Techs Without Borders is committed to always working towards industry best practices and constantly improving our organization, our work, and our results.
CEO Matthew Howard and CFO April Olsen jointly signed the code alongside dozens of organizations committed to supporting Ukraine. In the coming weeks and months, we will be sharing more about our implementation of the principles we have pledged to uphold.
CFO April Olsen holding a certificate from World for Ukraine Foundation signifying our signing of the Code of Conduct and our commitment to implementing its principles.
Full Text of the Code of Conduct:
In an effort to ensure the efficiency of relief efforts and demonstrate their commitment to transparency, accountability and eliminating corruption, the signatories commit to the following points in relation to their respective activities in Ukraine:
Ensure transparency. Organizations should ensure that the names of their board members and executive leadership, and the history and age of the organization, is publicly available on their website.
Ensure independence from private stakeholders and avoidance of any conflicts of interest. All employees of the organization should work independently from any private stakeholder, such as donors or private companies. Organizations shall avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest that a Board member or major donor may have with respect to the organization and its activities and such member's or donor's private business or other commercial interests.
Introduce regular reporting. The organization shall have a formal audit of its finances and activities carried out by an independent third-party auditor at least every 24 months, and such audited report(s) and any related statements shall be made publicly available on the organization's website. If the organization operates in Ukraine through affiliates, an audit of the parent organization shall be sufficient. In addition, the organization should provide periodic updates relating to its projects and activities on its website and/or social media channels.
Regular consultation with stakeholders. To ensure the effectiveness of relief and reconstruction efforts, the organization should consult on a regular basis with stakeholders who are involved, whether directly or indirectly, in the organization's activities, including donors, partners, relevant public and private sector entities and the intended beneficiaries in the communities served by the organization.
Consider long-term impacts. Whenever feasible or practical, organizations should consider the long-term positive impact of their activities in critical areas such as education, health, infrastructure, water and economic development.
Cooperate with local authorities and other providers of aid. Organizations should work with local authorities and other relief and reconstruction organizations to identify priority interventions and avoid duplication of efforts.
Support efforts to expose corruption. Organizations should be active anti-corruption watchdogs and vigilant and vocal in exposing corruption