PHIG Policy Framework v1.2 · Policy 35 · Adopted 1 September 2026 · References: ASF Policy 30; 2 CFR 200.450 (lobbying costs unallowable) and 31 USC 1352 (Byrd Amendment certification); EU Transparency Register rules; Georgian law on non-profits
1. Purpose and scope
PHIG advocates for public health on the evidence. This policy separates legitimate evidence-based advocacy from partisan political activity and from lobbying that donors prohibit charging to their funds. Applies to the Board, the Director, staff, consultants, volunteers, experts, partners and suppliers of PHIG and all platforms of its network.
2. Policy
- PHIG is non-partisan: it does not support or oppose any party, candidate or electoral campaign, in Georgia or elsewhere, and does not donate to them.
- Evidence-based advocacy on public health policy (tobacco control, occupational safety, health-system quality, migrant health) is part of PHIG’s mission and is conducted openly in PHIG’s name on published evidence.
- No costs of lobbying or attempting to influence legislation or elections are charged to US federal awards or other donor funds that prohibit them; such activity, if any, is funded and coded separately.
- PHIG registers in the EU Transparency Register before engaging with EU institutions on policy and complies with its code of conduct; it declares its advocacy interests where required.
- Staff may engage in politics privately, never in PHIG’s name, never using PHIG’s resources; Board members declare political offices in their declaration of interests.
- PHIG signs the Byrd Amendment certification (no federal funds used for lobbying) where US awards require it.
Responsibilities
Board; Director.
Review
Every two years and when donor rules change.
Part of the PHIG Policy Framework. Breaches and concerns may be reported under the Whistleblowing Procedure to info@accreditation.ge (subject “Confidential — integrity”).