PUTTING ACCOUNTABILITY FIRST: SEEDS becomes the first Indian organisation to be HAP Certified

SEEDS has become the first NGO in India working in humanitarian response to be certified by Geneva based Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP). SEEDS now joins the select group of some 15 odd organisations globally. The certification comes after a rigorous independent audit that took into account several quality and accountability processes of the organisation.

The certification means that SEEDS is now assessed for compliance with the HAP Standards in Accountability and Quality Management. The HAP Standards, first developed in 2007 and then revised in 2010, take into account issues such as financial accountability, local appropriateness and sexual exploitation. The set of six benchmarks help establish a commitment to accountability and the processes that deliver quality programmes. The first requirement of each benchmark covers organisational policy and others focus on practice. This includes establishing and delivering on commitments; staff competency; sharing information; participation; handling complaints; and learning and continual improvement.

Accountability to donors, staff, partners and, most importantly, the communities it works with has been the very core of SEEDS since its formation; and the HAP certification re-confirms its position in this regard.

Founded in 1994, SEEDS has been working with a mission to protect the lives and livelihoods of people exposed to natural hazards. Behind this work lies the diverse SEEDS team - young professionals trained and experienced in post-emergency recovery and reconstruction, resilience building and education. It is governed and advised by a board of eminent academicians and practitioners from international organisations. Over the years, this small team of committed individuals has reached out to families affected in every major emergency in India – be it earthquakes, floods or cyclones; restored schools and homes; and has invariably put its faith in education to build long term resilience. SEEDS continues to advocate for and work with communities across Asia to build a safer and more sustainable world.

For further information, please contact:

meghna@seedsindia.org

SEEDS

15-A, Institutional Area, Sector IV, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110022, India

www.seedsindia.org