Our self-evaluation tool for charities operating overseas helps charities assess if they are meeting their obligations, and to identify any issues that might prevent them doing so.
This self-evaluation sets out questions, and prompts you to describe the practical steps your charity is taking to meet its obligations as set out in the ACNC External Conduct Standards. It also prompts you to list relevant policies and procedures your charity has.
This self-evaluation is specifically aimed at charities defined as operating overseas, and who are subject to the External Conduct Standards.
A more general self-evaluation focusing on how charities are meeting the ACNC Governance Standards is also available for use.
ACNC External Conduct Standards
The External Conduct Standards are a set of standards that govern a registered charity’s operations outside Australia.
All registered charities (including Basic Religious Charities) that operate outside Australia must comply with the External Conduct Standards.
The External Conduct Standards apply in addition to the ACNC Governance Standards. The External Conduct Standards operate in a similar way to the Governance Standards – both impose reasonable levels of oversight and standards of governance rather than specific steps for charities to take.
Before you start
Before starting work on your charity's self-evaluation, it is a good idea to consider its circumstances.
You should ask:
- What does your charity do? Consider its objects, the activities and programs it delivers, and where these services are delivered.
- Who is involved? Consider the people who come into contact with your charity, including beneficiaries, volunteers, employees and contractors.
- How is your charity run? Consider the mix of skills and experience of the Responsible People, how decisions are made, and how your charity is funded.
- What are the risks most relevant to your charity’s work? Consider your responses to the questions above to identify the risks your charity needs to manage.
Using the self-evaluation
This self-evaluation is a Word document. Download the document and then type your responses directly into the spaces provided – it is a good idea to save it as you go.
If you identify any areas in which your charity can improve, you should create an action plan to address those issues. The self-evaluation includes a template action plan to help you do so.
You do not need to submit this document to the ACNC. It should be kept on file so you can refer to it and make edits as required.
The questions and examples in the self-evaluation are intended as a guide only, not a comprehensive list of compulsory requirements. The self-evaluation should be used with the unique circumstances of your charity in mind.
And while answering ‘no’ to a single question doesn’t necessarily indicate that your charity is not complying, it should prompt you to consider whether this affects your charity's compliance with obligations.