Members of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) – Australia’s peak body for overseas humanitarian and development not-for-profit organisations – have agreed on new standards which will help enhance transparency and improve accountability to the public and stakeholders.

During a special AGM in Melbourne, members backed changes to the sector’s Code of Conduct to give greater confidence in overseas humanitarian and development not-for-profit organisations and champion standards of good practice.

ACFID CEO, Marc Purcell said, “ACFID’s members enjoy the support of around 1.6 million Australians each year and depend upon their support in times of greatest need. We don’t take that support for granted. The new Code agreed today is shorter, clearer and more accessible, making it easier for donors and partners to hold members to account.”

“For our members, the new code enables simpler implementation and goes beyond compliance, providing a clear pathway for continual improvement and good practice,” he said.

“When Australians make a donation, they have a right to know their money is being well-spent. We would advise them to visit the ACFID website and check their chosen organisation is signed-up to the ACFID Code of Conduct.”