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ABOUT THE CODE

The Code of Good Practice for Development Education in Ireland is the first of its kind and a trailblazer internationally. Developed by IDEA members, it is a quality framework that articulates how to strengthen good practice across all our Global Citizenship Education work. It was launched in December 2019 and has gone from strength to strength, being recognised with a Global Education Network Europe (GENE) Quality in Global Education Award in 2021. Code Membership is open to all members of IDEA, both organisations and individual practitioners, and 70% of our organisational members are actively implementing the Code in their work. 

Benefits of being a Code Member

The Code provides a regular touchpoint for critical reflection on our Global Citizenship/Development Education practice and identifies strengths as well as gaps each year for its members. It is supported by a robust review process that is carried out by a Code Panel (including IDEA staff members and external experts) that provides members with a detailed feedback letter on each self-assessment and the chance to meet with us to discuss the feedback. 


Being a member of the Code community of practice also offers many benefits, including networking, peer learning, support opportunities, and the space to share your experiences as Global Citizenship Education practitioners. The Code journey also includes learning events and trainings, and a chance to celebrate and showcase good practice in Global Citizenship Education.

BeCOME a Code Member

To become a member of the Code, you have to commit to the following steps:

  • Complete a Code Commitment form signed and renewed annually (by the CEO (for organisations))
  • Carry out the self-assessment process including developing an action plan to be shared with IDEA
  • Contribute to the Community of Practice for this Code sharing successes and learning with other Code members including attending at least one Code network meeting per year.

Our Code Panel

The Code self-assessment process is supported by a panel of experts including independent consultants and IDEA staff. They work with us to review the self-assessment workbooks and actions plans and contribute to IDEA’s feedback to each Code member. The panel members have significant track records in Global Citizenship/Development Education and carry-out their reviews in the spirit of appreciative enquiry that helps Code members identify what is going well and provides suggestions on how to address challenges or gaps in practice. This panel was created in 2021 and is renewed annually. 

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