Transparent structure, clear accountability, and distributed decision-making for a global volunteer community.
ETHOS governance is built on transparency, subsidiarity (decisions at lowest appropriate level), accountability, and participatory processes. We balance agility with inclusivity.
All governance documents, decisions, and processes are openly published. Meeting notes and strategic plans accessible to all volunteers.
Decisions made at the lowest appropriate level. Country teams have autonomy for local implementation within global framework alignment.
Clear role charters, defined KPIs, and regular reporting. Leaders accountable to community through transparent metrics and feedback mechanisms.
Community input welcomed on strategic decisions. Advisory forums, feedback channels, and consultative processes embedded in governance.
Global coordination with country autonomy and role-based contributions.
Strategic Direction & Framework Integrity
Executive Director
Strategic leadership and external relations
Global Programme Lead
Framework development and quality
Global Community Lead
Volunteer support and coordination
Advisory Board
Strategic guidance and peer review
National Implementation & Adaptation
Country Leader
Strategic coordinator, reports to Global Programme Lead
Co-Lead (Programme)
Toolkit and training delivery
Co-Lead (Community)
Events, engagement, onboarding
Ambassadors & Fellows
Task-based contributors coordinated by co-leads
Ambassadors, Fellows, Advisors
Report to: Co-Lead (Community)
Claim tasks from country board, flexible contributions, receive badges for completion.
Report to: Co-Lead (Programme) or assigned supervisor
Project-based work with defined scope, milestones, and deliverables. Co-authorship potential.
Report to: Global Programme Lead or Country Leader
Quarterly touchpoints, strategic input, peer review. No operational responsibilities.
Clear authority levels for efficient, accountable decision-making.
| Decision Type | Decision-Maker | Consultation Required | Approval Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Direction | Executive Director + Advisory Board | Country Leaders, community survey | Board vote, published rationale |
| Framework Changes | Global Programme Lead | Advisory Board, impacted countries | Peer review + comment period |
| Country Strategy | Country Leader | Country team, Global Programme Lead | Team input + global alignment check |
| Toolkit Development | Co-Lead (Programme) | Country Leader, target users | Quality review + pilot testing |
| Event Planning | Co-Lead (Community) | Country Leader | Budget approval if > |
| Volunteer Recruitment | Country Leader + Global Community Lead | Role-specific team members | Rubric-based assessment |
| Grievances (Minor) | Country Leader | Involved parties | Documented resolution promptly |
| Grievances (Serious) | Executive Director + independent party | All parties, legal advice if needed | Formal investigation, published outcome |
Regular reporting, feedback mechanisms, and transparent performance tracking.
Monthly
Country Leaders → Global team via project board updates
Quarterly
All Country Leaders → Formal progress report with KPIs
Annually
Global team → Public annual report with community survey results
Clear procedures for addressing concerns, disputes, and grievances at all levels.
We take all concerns seriously and handle them with confidentiality, fairness, and respect for all parties.
If comfortable, address the concern directly with the person involved. Many issues resolve quickly through respectful communication. Use "I" statements and focus on behaviour, not character.
If direct conversation doesn't resolve the issue, or if you're uncomfortable approaching the person directly, contact your immediate supervisor (Co-Lead or Country Leader).
For serious concerns or if previous steps haven't resolved the issue, submit a formal grievance to the Global Community Lead or independent grievance officer.
Serious Concerns Include:
Process Timeline:
If you disagree with the grievance outcome, you can request review by an independent party (Advisory Board member or external mediator).
Confidentiality Guarantee
All grievances handled with strict confidentiality. Information shared only with those directly involved in resolution. No retaliation tolerated.
General Issues
Your immediate supervisor
Serious Grievances
info@ethos.institute
Safeguarding Concerns
info@ethos.institute
We're committed to transparent, accountable, and participatory governance.
Questions? Email info@ethos.institute
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