2023-12-27 19:33:00
The Swiss Animal Protection Organization (STS) is deep in crisis: the certification body for aid organizations (Zewo) is now officially advising against donations to the STS. The animal protection organization has recently found itself on Zewo’s black list.
“We have long noticed animal welfare negatively due to a lack of transparency,” says Zewo managing director Martina Ziegerer to the “Aargauer Zeitung”.
There are criticisms of the lack of an internal control system at the STS as well as excessive expense allowances and an accumulation of power among the president. The organization does not comply with common standards and is therefore classified as “not worthy of donations”.
In fact, in the last two years, grievances at the STS have been repeatedly uncovered: the institution lacked an internal control system, invoice controlling or approval processes in the real estate sector.
Ziegerer also criticizes the expense reimbursement of board members and the accumulation of power by President Nicole Ruch.
Over the past two years there have also been internal power struggles and nepotism within the organization.
The problems of the STS are examples of crisis situations that have occurred at several non-profit institutions this year: the Swiss Red Cross (SRK) and “Pro Infirmis” experienced resignations and financial losses. At the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), the managing director had to resign after a deficit of millions.
The ongoing crisis at STS has already led to a decline in donations. Several legacies have been withdrawn, and a major donor has canceled his annual contribution – until the presidency is filled.
The deselection of President Nicole Ruch was originally planned for November 2023, but was postponed. An extraordinary delegates’ meeting will now take place on January 27, 2024.
Experts emphasized to the newspaper that it is harmful for nonprofit organizations if crises are not resolved immediately. This leads to a loss of reputation and thus to a decline in donations and to personnel problems at the highest level: This is exactly what is happening at the STS.
1703737304
#Certification #body #advises #donations #Swiss #animal #protection