SE: How can non-governmental organisations and Cooperatives or Associations participate in a Staff Exchanges proposals if their staff is not under an employment contract?

Non-governmental organisations fall under the category of non-academic entities. Very often in entities of this nature there are different labour links between the staff and the entity. As applicants may find on the published SE call 2023 Guide for Applicants, page 7, the type of relationship (employment contract, fellowship or other) between the staff member and the sending organisation must comply with the applicable national law and internal practices (e.g. PhD candidate is sufficient to be considered staff member at the organisation where they are registered). In addition, the staff of the concerned NGOs must be under the direction and instructions of the sending organisation for the duration of the secondment.

In conclusion, the type of relationship between the seconded staff member and the sending organisation (i.e. employment contract, fellowship or other) is NOT relevant as long as:

− it complies with national law,

− it complies with internal practices, and

− during the secondment it confers legal authority on the sending beneficiary (or associated partner) that enables them to ensure the compliance with the Grant Agreement obligations.