Policy health check

Checklist to identify gaps in your organisation’s policies

Having well-defined policies can help safeguard your organisation from foreign interference by promoting consistency, accountability, and effective decision-making.

Regularly reviewing your policies to ensure they are working effectively and strengthening them as needed helps maintain strong standards and helps protect your organisation.

The below information is adapted from Community Governance Aotearoa.

Check your policies

Key areas where established policies are essential

Define roles, responsibilities, process for governance changes and decision-making authority.

Require disclosure and management of any external interests that could affect impartiality.

Set standards for vetting, like background and criminal record checks.

Have clear processes to ensure decisions and funding sources are openly discussed and recorded.

Establish who can speak or negotiate on behalf of the organisation.

Have clear processes to review and update the constitution and/or charter as the organisation evolves.

Include formal channels for raising concerns about foreign interference or other concerning activity within your organisation.

Clearly set out how your community organisation will protect and manage any sensitive information and assets.

Check your code of conduct

Key areas your code of conduct should cover

Require members to declare any relationships or interests that could affect their objectivity.

Define the processes for handling gifts, favours, or donations, including clear limits.

Define how sensitive information should be handled and limit access to authorised individuals only.

Promote open communication and reporting of suspicious or unusual behaviour.

Ensure there are safe and confidential ways for individuals to raise concerns.

Emphasise commitment to the organisation’s values and mission.

Clearly outline expected behaviours that reflect integrity and accountability.

Clearly outline disciplinary measures for breaches of the code.

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