CODE OF GOVERNANCE / GOOD GOVERNANCE POLICY

Global Union of Changemakers (GUC)

Preamble

Global Union of Changemakers (GUC) is committed to exemplary governance, accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership in all aspects of its operations. This Code of Governance sets out principles, standards, and practices to ensure integrity, stakeholder confidence, and effectiveness in achieving GUC’s mission globally.

1. Governance Principles

1. Accountability – Board members, management, and staff are accountable to members, partners, donors, and stakeholders.

2. Transparency – Decisions, policies, and operations are open, documented, and communicated effectively.

3. Integrity & Ethical Conduct – All leaders and members act honestly, fairly, and in the organization’s best interests.

4. Inclusivity & Diversity – GUC promotes participation of all members, respecting geographic, cultural, gender, and professional diversity.

5. Rule of Law & Compliance – GUC operates within international, national, and local legal frameworks.

6. Responsiveness & Effectiveness – Governance processes support timely, informed, and effective decision-making.

7. Sustainability – Governance practices aim to ensure the long-term viability of GUC programs and operations.

2. Board & Leadership Responsibilities

• Approve strategic plans, budgets, and major organizational policies.

• Monitor compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies.

• Ensure fiduciary responsibility over assets, funds, and resources.

• Provide oversight of program implementation and impact.

• Appoint and evaluate Executive Director and senior management.

• Avoid conflicts of interest and act with independence.

3. Management Responsibilities

Execute Board-approved strategies and operational plans.

Maintain accurate financial and program records.

Supervise staff, volunteers, and program implementation.

Ensure reporting to Board, members, and stakeholders is timely and accurate.

Uphold organizational policies, ethical standards, and safeguarding protocols.

4. Committees & Advisory Bodies

Committees support governance by providing oversight, expertise, and recommendations.

All committees must operate under clear terms of reference approved by the Board.

Key committees include: Audit & Finance, Governance & Ethics, Risk & Compliance, Program Advisory.

5. Risk Management & Internal Controls

Establish and maintain robust risk assessment processes.

Ensure internal controls over finance, operations, and compliance.

Report significant risks to the Board with mitigation strategies.

Maintain safeguarding policies to protect staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

6. Transparency & Communication

Maintain open communication with members, partners, donors, and stakeholders.

Annual reports, financial statements, and audited accounts should be publicly accessible.

Key decisions, policies, and outcomes should be communicated promptly.

7. Ethical Conduct & Conflict of Interest

Board, staff, and members must declare personal or professional conflicts.

Abstain from decisions where conflicts exist.

Promote integrity in procurement, hiring, partnerships, and program execution.

Breaches of ethics may result in disciplinary action or removal from office.

8. Compliance & Legal Adherence

Adhere to international human rights, labor laws, and environmental standards.

Comply with national regulations in all countries of operation.

Maintain registrations, licenses, and certifications required for lawful operation.

9. Monitoring & Evaluation of Governance

Conduct annual governance reviews to assess effectiveness, compliance, and risk management.

Implement Board and management evaluations, including self-assessments.

Use review outcomes to strengthen policies, decision-making, and leadership capacity.

10. Adoption & Review

This Code of Governance is adopted by the Executive Council of GUC.