The CEO of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), Marc Purcell, has issued a statement following the conclusion of the KPMG investigation into procurement processes at World Vision Australia.
It is critically important that ACFID's members uphold the highest standards and meet community expectations.
ACFID and our members take matters such as these extremely seriously. We must apply lessons of this period and take deliberate, clear steps to ensure this does not recur.
To give confidence to the sector, stakeholders, and the public, ACFID has set out the action it has undertaken regarding this matter.
Upon becoming aware of the allegations in March 2020, ACFID's independently constituted Code of Conduct Committee (the Committee) initiated its own investigation to examine possible breaches of the ACFID Code of Conduct (the Code) by World Vision Australia.
The Committee determined that to expedite and supplement its own investigation it would submit a series of questions to be answered as part of KPMG's investigation.
At the conclusion of KPMG's investigation, the Committee was provided with a summary report focused on the questions it posed.
The Committee is considering these findings and World Vision's response and expect to make a final determination on their investigation shortly.
Any breach of Australian law or charity regulation constitutes a breach of the ACFID Code of Conduct. Given the seriousness of the matters alleged, the Committee will ensure swift and commensurate action is taken in relation to any breaches of the Code.
Subject to the circumstances and seriousness of any breaches, the Committee's options include action to ensure no recurrence, implementation monitoring or suspension or revocation of Code signatory status.
The Committee is working swiftly to draw their investigation to a conclusion.
Due to its significance to the sector, the Chair of the Committee has provided regular updates of process to the ACFID President and CEO throughout their investigation.
At the request of ACFID's President, the outcome of the investigation will be briefed directly to the ACFID Board.
