“Environment, Social and Governance” (ESG) is a hot topic in recent years and many organizations across industries are focusing more on ESG issues as the key for sustainable development. While NGOs' activities are one of the building blocks of ESG in creating social impacts, the ESG movement presents important opportunities for NGOs in advancing their missions. On one hand, it would be crucial for NGOs to understand how ESG compliance and reporting works for corporates and philanthropic foundations so as to facilitate communication and collaboration with these organisations. On the other hand, NGOs could also take a step forward in integrating ESG in their strategy formulation as well as daily operations. This will enable NGOs to be truly ESG champion to the core. As such, the Council has invited subject matter experts from PwC Hong Kong to speak on ESG compliance and reporting, and how NGOs may explore further their synergy and relationship with corporates and funders through ESG; and how to benefit from embracing ESG inside out. Details of the event are as follows: Date: 22 November 2022 (Tuesday) Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Speakers: PwC Hong Kong (ESG Disclosure and Consulting)     • Mr. Cyrus Cheung, Partner     • ...

With an aim of supporting NGOs to strengthen their governance capacity, the Council has recently released a new addition to the Concise Guide Series on Financial Governance of NGOs, titled “A Concise Guide on NGO Financial Reporting and Disclosure”, alongside the previous publications, "A Concise Guide on NGO Reserves", "A Concise Guide on NGO Investment" and "A Concise Guide on NGO Financial Governance and Management". The fourth concise guide, together with the latest version of the previous guides, available in both English and Chinese, has been uploaded to the website of “NGO Governance Platform Project” for easy reference of the sector. Below are the highlights of their contents: A Concise Guide on NGO Reserves – introduces the essential elements for establishing and managing NGOs’ reserves. A sample Reserve Policy Statement is included for NGOs’ reference. A Concise Guide on NGO Investment – introduces the essential elements for NGOs in making investment decisions and managing their investment. A sample Investment Policy Statement and a sample Terms of Reference of Investment Committee are included for NGOs’ reference. A Concise Guide on NGO Financial Governance and Management – introduces the essential elements in managing and overseeing the financial activities of an NGO. A sample Financial Policy ...

NGOs have to handle loads of personal data in their daily operations. To help agencies address personal data protection issues of common concern, the Council has collaborated with PILnet and invited legal experts to share at an online seminar. The presentation will cover proper handling of personal data under the following scenarios: (1) practicing staff work-from-home arrangements, (2) enforcing vaccine pass requirements, (3) implementing surveillance measures at service venues, and (4) collecting ID card information from stakeholders. Details of the event are as follows: Date: 3 August 2022 Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Speakers: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius - Ms. Yan Zeng, Partner - Ms. Justina Lam, Managing Associate - Mr. Chris Kung, Managing Associate Language: Cantonese (presentation materials in English) The webinar will be conducted online via Zoom. Target participants: Board / Committee Members, Agency Heads, Advisors, Company Secretaries, Senior Management of HKCSS Agency Members Interested parties please register online on or before 27 July 2022. Successful registrants will be notified by email on 1 August 2022. For enquiries, please contact the Project team at 2922 9247 ...

It is a recommended practice for nonprofit boards to conduct regular governance review. In late 2021, 50 organisations joined a board governance health assessment scheme using a refined measurement tool developed by the Council and our Partners. A webinar will be held in July to announce the overall assessment results and share on the insights drawn from this collective exercise in the adoption of international good practices in governance health. It will also cover the local practice wisdom and observations in the pain points and alternative practices conductive to enhancing governance health. Details as follows: Date: 19 July 2022 (Tuesday) Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Speakers: Mr Cliff Choi, Business Director, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service Prof Danny Lam, Director, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong Dr Ruby Lo, Chief Executive Officer, Social Policy Research Ltd. Consultants, GAME for Good Ltd. Language: Cantonese (with simultaneous interpretation in English) The webinar will be conducted online via Zoom. Target participants: NGO Board / Committee Members, Agency Heads, Advisors & Senior Management of HKCSS Agency Members  Interested parties please register online on or before 14 July 2022 (Thursday). Successful registrants will be notified by email on 18 July 2022 (Monday). For enquiries, please contact the ...

Several pieces of subsidiary legislation relating to the implementation of the new inspection regime of the Companies Register under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) were passed by the Legislative Council in mid 2021 which provide additional protection to the personal information of company directors and other relevant individuals. While phase 1 of the new inspection regime came into effect on 23 August 2021, phase 2 and 3 will be implemented on 24 October 2022 and 27 December 2023 respectively.  To alert NGOs about latest compliance requirements, the Council has invited subject matter experts from PwC Hong Kong to guide us through key features of the new measures and the implications to NGOs (as a registered local company). The speakers will also advise on the appropriate due diligence practices in conducting background checks of potential donors and partners of NGOs through accessing public information made available on the Companies Register for risk management purposes. Details of the webinar are as follows: Date: 29 June 2022 Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm Speakers: PwC Hong Kong Tax- Corporate Services - Ms. Alice Cheng, Senior Manager - Ms. Lydia Lin, Manager Language: Cantonese (presentation materials in English) The webinar will be conducted online via Zoom. Target participants: Board / Committee ...