GLB-C03-2024
The World Scout Committee, following the recommendation of its Ethics Committee, has approved an update to the Code of Conduct for candidates running for elections for roles within WOSM, ensuring that these individuals uphold the highest ethical standards during the election process.
The first Code of Conduct for Elections was released in February 2021. All changes build on learnings from the policy's implementation in the election processes at the past World Scout Conference and Regional Scout Conferences this Triennium. The Ethics Committee has further consulted with candidates and elected members from the last series of elections as part of the process to update the document.
The Code of Conduct for Elections is based on the Scout Promise and Law, aiming to guarantee that elections and campaign activities are conducted in a manner that protects the rights of candidates and Member Organizations through democratic, free, fair, and transparent processes.
Through the Code of Conduct for Elections, candidates and their supporters are provided with clear guidance and best practices to proactively avoid any actions that might contradict the values of Scouting. This is to support a safe and respectful environment and to understand the procedures for corrective measures.
Updates to the Code of Conduct for Elections relate to the following areas:
- Clarifications and language changes to improve the understanding of the text.
- Expansion of existing clauses, including financial reporting and clarification of parties responsibilities in the election process.
Specific improvements (including conflicts of interest, data privacy, government communications, as well as specific tweaks to the process handling of a complaint).
This Code of Conduct for Elections is now in effect for all elections to roles held on WOSM’s World, Regional, and Zonal levels (where existing). As part of the pre-engagement for the upcoming 43rd World Scout Conference, a series of training sessions on the Code of Conduct for Elections and other governance topics will be made available for individuals interested to stand as candidate for the World Scout Committee. More details will be shared in February 2024 as part of the opening of the nomination process.
If you have any further questions about the Code of Conduct for Elections, please contact Winnie Marutle, Director Legal and Institutional, at the World Scout Bureau by email at [email protected].
Yours in Scouting,
Ahmad Alhendawi
Secretary General
World Organization of the Scout Movement