Following the successful conclusion of work to develop IFLA’s Code of Conduct for Volunteers, the Governing Board has now approved the creation of an Advisory Committee on Ethics. 

This meets the need for a formal mechanism to support the implementation, oversight, and application of ethical standards across the Federation, centred on the Code of Conduct for Volunteers and that for Members of the Governing Board. 

It will support IFLA’s mission by: 

  • Providing advice and leadership on ethical matters across and within the Federation; 
  • Promoting of the IFLA Code of Conduct for Volunteers, and IFLA Code of Ethics and Conduct for the Members of the Governing Board; 
  • Strengthening ethical integrity through guidance, collaboration, and responsiveness. 

Crucially, the Committee complements, but does not replace, the responsibilities of the Governing Board, Secretary General, or any other IFLA committee. 

It will also have a Sub-Committee with delegated responsibility to support the ethical integrity of IFLA activities, including by providing advice and recommendations regarding serious reported or alleged breaches of the IFLA Code of Conduct for Volunteers, and IFLA Code of Ethics and Conduct for the Members of the Governing Board. 

Further information is available in the full Terms of Reference which are also available followed by their agreement by the Governing Board on 16 August 2025, and the supplement to our Elections Guide for the Advisory Committee on Ethics.  

A call for candidates

The Committee will consist of up to 10 members who are appointed by the Governing Board: 

  • 1 chair
  • 6 members
  • One Governing Board member 
  • The Governing Board may, in consultation with the Committee, co-opt up to two additional members or advisors for specific expertise. 

​​​​​​​In line with IFLA’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the Governing Board will aim to ensure geographical and cultural diversity in appointments to the Committee, including representation from different regions, language groups, and library sectors. 

For nominations to be valid, they will require:

  • A completed nominee form: candidates can complete this for the roles both of member and chair.
  • A completed nominator form. In line with our Rules of Procedure, only National and International Association Members can nominate for the position of Chair, while all Association and Institution members can nominate for the position of member. Eligible nominators have received links to these forms directly. 

Both forms – nominee and nominator – are necessary by 26 September 2025, 15:00 UTC (see what time this is for you) in order for a candidate to be taken into consideration by the Governing Board.  

After the closing of the nominations period, the Governing Board will take a decision, and all eligible candidates will be informed of the results.