Cases

The ASC was created for use as a self-assessment tool by NGOs for capacity building, enabling that NGOs in Japan to earn the public’s trust. The tool was developed through long consultations with various NGOs to incorporate their opinions. It is composed of 41 items in four different fields that were created in consideration of the situation and laws of Japan while also taking international standards into account.

NGOs in the field of international cooperation are the target for this tool, which allows organizations, big or small, and regardless of location or legal status, to promote accountability by assessing their activities.

Organizational Management Standards

1. Aim
2. Organization and Management
3. Finances
4. Staff Development
5. Protection and Sharing of Information

Project Implementation Standards

1. General
2. Planning
3. Implementation and Monitoring
4. Reporting and Evaluation

Accounting Standards

1. Basic Rules
2. Daily Accounts Processing
3. Budget and Settlement of Accounts

Information Disclosure Standards

1. General

Yes

Accountability Self-Check (ASC) : PDF

Yes

This is not, however, a conventional certification system in which the organization is evaluated by a third party. It uses the self-assessment method, based on the idea that the key to continued engagement in accountability efforts is for those involved to actively participate in the process and gain awareness. Organizations that follow the designated process and complete the procedure receive the ASC Mark, which they can use in their publicity materials (e.g. annual report).

Around 2 hours

Yes or No regarding 41 items in four fields.
Takes place with documents prepared in advance and the presence of three or more staff members and an observer.

Note: From the perspective that the key to accountability is for all those involved in the organization to join together in the effort, a self-assessment is required of people from three different standpoints within the organization:

1. Representative or board member
2. Managing director or office general manager
3. Office staff (in principle with over two years of experience at the organization)

In addition to the three people above, it is required that an NGO-related personnel or JANIC staff member appointed by JANIC’s Chairperson be present as an observer to ensure objectivity, so that the ASC indicators are checked with the correct understanding.

Preparation of the following is also required: 1) 16 organizational documents (e.g. annual report, accounts); 2) recommended documents (where possible) (e.g. medium to long-term plan, privacy policy); and 3) computer or like through which the orgtion’s website and shared folders can be accessed.

2012 (revised version of ASC2008, published in 2008)

Used by 61 NGOs in Japan