What is a Charter of Values?

A Charter of Values is a document that states the behaviours and beliefs that a group shares. They are often “foundational” or “constitutional” documents that sit above strategies, business plans, policies or programming.  A Charter of Values can be a short statement of principles or a longer document that includes the regulations related to the functioning of the organization or network.

Many Federations or networks have a Charter of Values that members sign on to, to show that they support its mission and approach.

Because IPPF already has clear accreditation standards, we anticipate that the Charter will be short (4 to 5 pages) and focus on our Federation’s culture, behaviour and beliefs. It will not replace the accreditation standards or any existing policies.

Why are you doing this now?

As IPPF refreshes its focus and approach, having a single, unified set of values to guide its work and

As IPPF refreshes its focus and approach, having a single, unified set of values to guide its work and provide a moral compass will support MAs and the Secretariate to work towards a shared vision. It will help balance the diversity of views across the Federation about the moral obligation that being a member of IPPF represents, and generate agreement around key sexual and reproductive rights issues and the role of Member Associations (MAs) in the wider SRHR movement. The Charter of Values will give IPPF a clear sense of what it stands for and the implications of being a member of the Federation.

The commitment to develop a Charter and an updated brand was set out in Strategy 2028:

  • We will develop, jointly, a new membership charter to set out the values that we hold in common and the ethos that drives us forward.
  • By 2025, our common brand will be recognised as an expression of the universality of sexual and reproductive health and rights and of the global solidarity of our federation.

What does success look like/ what will the outcome of these processes be?

The outcome of the Charter of Values and Global Rebrand processes will be a unified set of values and an external brand that captures IPPF’s bold and forward-looking identity. It will act as a bedrock for its work, balancing the independence of MAs with the need to strengthen its global identity.  

This will strengthen the IPPF by ensuring that the diversity of views across the Federation is reflected in its identity, that there is clarity on what being an IPPF member represents, agreement on key sexual and reproductive rights issues, and transparency on the role of Member Associations (MAs) in the wider SRHR movement.

Will all MAs be required to sign?

The Charter defines what it means to be part of the IPPF Family, and the values and ethics that all members should be working towards. All MAs and the Secretariat will be required to sign up to the Charter as a visible demonstration that they support these values.

How does the Charter fit with accreditation and other IPPF policies?

The Charter will be a constitutional document of IPPF and all other ways of working – accreditation, programming, advocacy etc – will be influenced by it. Because it sits above the operational, it will not replicate policy positions or be a description of best practice programming in SRHR. It will not replace the accreditation standards or processes.

What is the role of the Secretariat?

The Charter of Values defines our shared identity as a Federation; it applies to both the Secretariat and MAs. While the majority of the consultation and process will be focused on MAs, the Secretariat will also be asked to share their views on our values. There will be MA-specific and Secretariat-specific consultations and discussions, as well as shared spaces where MAs and Secretariat can interact and exchange reflections.

What is a Global Rebrand and what will it look like?

The Global Rebrand of IPPF is an 18-24 month process that will be triggered by the Charter of Values. The purpose of the global rebrand is to externally communicate the new IPPF and to bring to life to external audiences through a new visual identity and new verbal framing , the strategy, the charter of values and our new direction and focus.

The Global Rebrand is a comprehensive redesign of all branded assets that include but not limited to: new logo, new design assets (digital and offline), new mission and values statement and a new language guide for our issues.

Will IPPF be changing its name?

During the process, we will be collating research and feedback on all aspects of IPPF’s identity including the name. Any relevant and substantial findings will be taken into consideration.

Will Member Associations (MA) have to redesign their branding?

No, MAs do not have to redesign their branding. MAs will be required to adopt the branding and update IPPF’s logo on shared communications material.

IPPF will be providing all relevant assets and an MA branding guide to help you adopt the new IPPF branding once it has been approved.

How will MAs be involved in the process?

In 2022, IPPF has an open call for MAs to join the MA Rebrand committee. Today we have 7 globally IPPF had an open call for MAs to join the MA Rebrand committee and MA Charter Guiding group. Today we have 15 globally diverse members who are an integral part of the process. There are also be multiple opportunities for MAs to be involved in the process from research to workshops to webinars to in-person regional meetings. MAs are consulted and guide us through every step of the process.