Board pledge "We did not solicit office"
This criterion assesses whether the organization's board members collectively make an annual public pledge affirming that they did not seek or campaign for their positions. It evaluates the commitment to servant leadership by reinforcing the Islamic principle that leadership (Wilayah) is a responsibility (Taklīf) rather than a privilege (Tashrīf). "Solicit/campaigning" includes canvassing for votes, offering inducements, coordinated vote drives, paid promotion, undue use of organizational resources, or pressuring nominators. This is distinct from CC9 'political campaigning'; this concerns internal governance. Where bylaws mandate elections, the pledge is adapted (Election Variant) to prohibit improper canvassing/inducements while permitting equal, official candidate statements. Transparency applies to the pledge and process—not to confidential allegation details.
- Is the principle of not soliciting board positions formally documented in the organization's governance policies?
- Do board members make a formal pledge (internal or public) that they did not seek or campaign for their office?
- Is the pledge made publicly and on a recurring basis (e.g., annually at the AGM)?
- How is this principle integrated into the board member nomination and selection process to ensure alignment with the ethos of servant leadership?
- What steps ensure the rule does not deter under‑represented groups (e.g., proactive nominations outreach, explainers, mentoring)?
- If elections occur, what official equal platform exists (word limits, standard candidate Q&A, hustings rules, spending limits)?
- How are board/management resources protected from being used to support any candidate?
- What is the breach protocol, reporting channel, and sanction framework?
- Are there any allegations; how were they investigated and resolved?
- Board code of conduct, governance charter, or nomination policy.
- Signed pledge forms or minutes of a board meeting where the pledge was formally taken.
- Public records of the pledge (e.g., a statement in the annual report, a dedicated page on the organization's website).
- Candidate Briefing Pack and signed Pre-shortlist Declarations.
- Election/Appointments Communications Rules (official channels, prohibition on mass messaging via charity databases).
- Breach protocol document with timelines, investigator independence criteria, sanctions matrix, and redacted case file template.
- GDPR lawful basis documentation for handling allegations.
- Training attendance records.
- Independent observer note or internal audit memo.
| Level | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5/5 | 100% pledges (or documented lawful exception); website/annual report publication ≤30 days; zero substantiated campaigning breaches; active breach protocol; election variant used where applicable; independent observation or internal audit; reflection summary with actions closed. |
| 4 | 4/5 | ≥95% pledges with documented follow-up; publication ≤60 days; no substantiated breaches; reflection done; enforcement defined. |
| 3 | 3/5 | ≥80% pledges; internal only; no public posting; limited reflection; no breach protocol. |
| 2 | 2/5 | ad hoc pledges; undocumented; no public element. |
| 1 | 1/5 | none. |
Related Criteria
Discussion (1)
📋 **Version updated: 1.0.0 → 2.9.7** **Changes:** Updated islamic_references from mizan-297.json
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