Transparency, Accountability and Impact Measurement More than Buzz Words at Senior Leaders Task Force
IN response to General André Cox’s vision statement for The Salvation Army: ‘I dream of an Army with strong, relevant and streamlined administrative structures and a much more effective use of our financial and material resources,’ a significant and robust process reviewing transparency, accountability and impact measurement has commenced under the direction of International Headquarters (IHQ).
Two groups – One Army Impact Measurement Initiative and the One Army Accountability Review – started this important review approximately 12 months ago. The International Conference of Leaders in Singapore reviewed progress and in follow-up, and in preparation for the General’s Consultative Council (GCC) set to meet on 19–22 January 2015, a meeting of the Accountability Impact Measurement Senior Leaders Task Force took place between 29 November–1 December at Sunbury Court, near London.
Chaired by Commissioner Robert Donaldson (Territorial Commander, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory), other members of the Senior Leaders Task Force are:
- Commissioner Birgitte Brekke-Clifton (IHQ)
- Commissioner Florence Malabi (IHQ)
- Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (IHQ)
- Commissioner Carol Seiler (USA Central Territory)
- Commissioner Charles Swansbury (IHQ)
- Commissioner John Wainwright (IHQ)
- Colonel Prema Varughese (India Northern Territory)
Major Dean Pallant (International Accountability and Impact Measurement Coordinator) leads the Support Team – which consists of officers and employees from IHQ, the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territories, representing legal, finance, personnel, communications and the IHQ Zonal offices.
The goal of the Senior Leaders Task Force was to review the purpose statements of each of the four core work streams currently under review: governance, impact measurement, finance and child protection. Each work stream has completed a thorough theological reflection and is dedicated to working towards best practice as it relates to its respective area. The senior leaders developed a decision framework for each of the four work streams and agreed on additional work to be completed prior to the GCC.
Task Force chair, Commissioner Robert Donaldson, said: ‘The General values transparency and accountability in leadership and he is committed to evaluating the impact of The Salvation Army’s global ministry in real terms. We are committed to this four-pillar review process in a robust and systematic fashion, thus ensuring a strong and healthy future for Salvation Army ministry around the world.’
The Senior Leaders Task Force meetings concluded on 1 December 2014.
Report by Major John P. Murray,
Communications Secretary, IHQ