Our governance, by category.
RFLD's institutional policies are organised into four categories: governance and ethics, safeguarding and inclusion, financial integrity, and operations and compliance. Each policy is ratified by RFLD's leadership and available to partners and donors on request.
The founding instrument defining RFLD's mission, vision, strategic objectives, and governance structure. Headquartered in Cotonou with regional offices in Accra, Dakar, and Banjul.
Establishes the moral principles and behavioural standards for all RFLD associates. Built around seven values: integrity, transparency, respect, equity, accountability, solidarity, and professionalism.
Operational standards of professional behaviour, including a strict prohibition on sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEA/PSEAH), anti-fraud rules, and whistleblower protection.
Protects children under 18 from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation in all RFLD programmes. Covers staff conduct, parental consent for media, training requirements, and disciplinary consequences for violation.
Guarantees a safe, respectful work environment with zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, and abuse. Defines prohibited conduct (verbal, physical, digital, sexual), protections for vulnerable adults, and impartial investigation procedures.
The strategic framework for integrating gender equality across RFLD's operations and programmes. Aligned with CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol. Sets goals on equal opportunity, equal pay, and the systematic use of sex-disaggregated data.
An intersectional framework grounded in feminist practice, addressing language justice, disability inclusion, LGBTQI+ safety, generational inclusion, class equity, religious pluralism, and migration status. Includes annual public reporting commitments.
Zero-tolerance framework for fraudulent conduct. Establishes preventive controls including risk assessments, dual signatures on high-value transfers, competitive bidding for procurement, and a clear sanctions regime.
Applies to staff, board members, partners, and suppliers. Strictly prohibits bribery, facilitation payments, kickbacks, and embezzlement. Requires segregation of duties and multi-level authorisations.
Systematic framework for distributing shared operational costs across programmes. Built on principles that costs must be reasonable, allocable, consistent, and authorised. Prohibits cost-shifting between projects.
The governance framework for managing RFLD's operations and regranting to grassroots organisations in our network. Covers the annual budget cycle, asset management, payroll, and the grant lifecycle. Serves as primary reference for external auditors and donors.
Normative framework for institutional and project audits, aligned with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and donor requirements. Details internal audit procedures, sub-recipient audit thresholds, and an anomaly classification system.
Standardised directives ensuring value-for-money in RFLD's purchasing. Establishes purchasing categories based on financial thresholds — from simplified processes for low-value items to formal tenders for major procurement. Mandates a seven-year record retention.
The complete HR management framework. Sets professional behaviour standards, confidentiality rules, staff structure, and the merit-based recruitment process. Defines probation periods, annual performance evaluations, and disciplinary procedures.