Felm takes a human rights-based approach, emphasising participation, inclusion, equality, non-discrimination and accountability to the people and communities involved in its programmes. Felm is a member of the CHS Alliance.
Governance and financial oversight
Felm’s Board is responsible for strategy, governance, finances and internal control. It also approves the main frameworks that guide the organisation’s work. The Executive Director leads Felm’s operations and oversees its finances in accordance with the Board’s decisions, supported by the management team and department directors. Responsibilities are defined at each organisational level, and key decisions and mandates are documented.
In its international work, Felm’s governance is strengthened by consultation and dialogue with its international partners. The Felm International Advisory Board furthermore brings partner perspectives into discussions on strategy, programme priorities, policies and partnerships.
Strategy, annual operational and financial planning, department-level budgeting, continuous forecasting, risk management and regular reporting support implementation and oversight. Internal control, internal audit and external audit help ensure that operations are lawful, reporting is reliable, resources are managed securely and risks are identified and addressed.
In international programmes, financial accountability is supported by project agreements, reporting requirements, audits and follow-up with partners, while partner-level due diligence and monitoring are being further strengthened.
Risk management, procurement and compliance
Felm’s procurement procedures support the responsible use of funds. Procurement is based on openness, equal treatment, non-discrimination, proportionality, sustainability and value for money. As a contracting entity under Finnish public procurement law, Felm applies these procedures across its operations in Finland and abroad.
The procedures cover planning, competitive tendering, supplier selection, documentation and contracting. Procurement decisions are assessed against pre-defined criteria and documented. The procurement process includes written contracts, supplier responsibility requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards, sanctions screening and anti-corruption requirements.
Felm integrates risk assessment into project planning and implementation. Results frameworks, monitoring plans, risk matrices, reporting and reviews help track programme delivery and risks related to safeguarding, corruption, changes in the operating context, delivery and financial management. Evaluations, internal reviews and partner feedback support quality assurance, adaptive management, learning and long-term sustainability.
Felm publishes a Privacy Policy that defines responsibilities for data protection, provides contact details for its Data Protection Officer and explains how personal data relating to donors, volunteers, employees and other stakeholders is handled. Confidentiality and the responsible handling of personal information are also integral to Felm’s safeguarding and whistleblowing systems.
Safeguarding, ethics and complaints
Felm has zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, harassment and other misconduct. Its Code of Conduct, Child Safeguarding Policy, PSEAH Policy and Anti-Corruption Policy set the standards for Felm and its partners, and concerns about suspected misconduct or policy violations must be reported without delay.
Felm’s approach is survivor- and community-centred and is supported by reporting mechanisms, partner responsibilities, training and continuous learning.
