Certification mechanism for sending organisations
Article 33
1. Sending organisations aspiring for certification shall provide an objective and truthful evidence-based self-assessment in accordance with the requirements referred to in point 2 of Annex III, assessing their existing policies and practices against the requirements of the standards and procedures regarding candidate and EU Aid Volunteers. 2. In the evidence-based self-assessment, the sending organisation shall disclose any gaps and areas of need for improvement that may require technical assistance in order to reach a full level of compliance. It shall also enclose sample evidence and means of verification that the policies and practices referred to in each of the requirements of the standards and procedures are implemented, particularly in relation to volunteers. 3. The completed evidence-based self-assessment shall be signed by the person empowered to represent and legally bind the sending organisation and sent, together with the accompanying documents referred to in paragraph 2, to the Commission. 4. Based on the evidence-based self-assessment and the accompanying documents provided, the Commission shall assess the application and may take one of the following decisions: (a) To award certification in cases where the applicant sending organisation is assessed as fully compliant with the requirements of the standards and procedures; (b) Not to award certification in cases where the applicant sending organisation does not fully comply with the requirements of the standards and procedures. 5. Within six months of receipt of the application, the Commission shall inform the applicant sending organisation about the outcome of the certification, specifying also opportunities for technical assistance, if needed, with a view to re-submitting an application. In case there are any identified needs to be met based on a strategy for technical assistance to be provided by the sending organisation, the latter shall be eligible and have priority for technical assistance.