MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Social Performance Task Force (SPTF) Calls for Submissions for its Universal Standards Resource Library: Treat Employees Responsibly

The Social Performance Task Force (SPTF), a working group initiated in 2005 by CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), the Argidius Foundation and the Ford Foundation, is seeking submissions for its online Universal Standards Resource Library. Consisting of 1,300 members working in the microfinance sector, SPTF aims to address questions about measuring and managing social performance, which it defines as operating “in line with accepted social values that relate to serving larger numbers of poor and excluded people.” SPTF is currently accepting material for section five of the “Universal Standards” which is entitled, “Treat Employees Responsibly.” This section focuses on standards financial institutions can use to improve compliance with labor laws, provide employee training and create a supportive work environment. Relevant resource material could include: human resources policies, job descriptions, training materials, employee satisfaction surveys and data on employee turnover.

If your institution has documents to share, you may email them to info[at]sptf.info. Documents submitted by February 4, 2013, will be included in SPTF’s Universal Standards webinar series. More information on the webinar series can be found at: http://www.sptf.info/online-trainings/universal-standards-implementation.

By Lena Phillips, Research Associate

About Social Performance Task Force (SPTF)

The Social Performance Task Force (SPTF) was created in 2005 as an initiative of US-based CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), Switzerland’s Argidius Foundation and the US-based Ford Foundation. As of 2012, SPTF consists of approximately 1300 members from microfinance stakeholder groups including practitioners, donors, investors, national and regional networks, technical assistance providers, rating agencies, academics, researchers and others. It has been charged with clearly defining social performance and addressing questions about measuring and managing social performance. According to SPTF, social performance includes operating “in line with accepted social values that relate to serving larger numbers of poor and excluded people.”

About CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor)

CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) is a US-based nonprofit policy and research center dedicated to providing financial access to poor people worldwide. CGAP is supported by approximately 40 development agencies and private foundations. Its mission is to provide market intelligence, to promote standards and to offer advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors and investors. CGAP reported total assets of USD 25 million for the fiscal year ending June 2012. CGAP is co-located with the offices of the World Bank Group in Washington DC.

Sources and Additional Resources:

CGAP Microfinance Gateway Announcement: “Submit Resources to SPM Resource Library,” http://www.microfinancegateway.org/p/site/m/template.rc/1.1.17541/

Social Performance Task Force Universal Standards, http://www.sptf.info/spmstandards/universal-standards

MicroCapital.org Article, 18 December 2012: “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) Calls for Materials for Social Performance Task Force (SPTF) Resource Library: Services that Meet Clients Needs,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-cgap-consultative-group-to-assist-the-poor-calls-for-materials-for-social-performance-task-force-sptf-resource-library-services-that-meet-clients-needs/#more-21692

MicroCapital.org Article, 16 November 2012: “SPECIAL REPORT: Responsible Microfinance Implementation Action Group Looks to Boost Usage of Existing Tools, Distributes Template of Covenants for Investors to Attach to Loans to Microbanks,” https://www.microcapital.org/special-report-responsible-microfinance-implementation-action-group-looks-to-boost-usage-of-existing-tools-distributes-template-of-covenants-for-investors-to-attach-to-loans-to-microbanks/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Social Performance Task Force (SPTF), https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Social+Performance+Task+Force

MicroCapital Universe Profile: CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=CGAP+%28Consultative+Group+to+Assist+the+Poor%29

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