Centre for Big Synergy (CBS) is a Civil Society Organisation of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. It is a not-for-profit global facilitator tasked to create a more responsible future for all.
CBS’ partners are individuals as well as public, private and community organisations, who currently are, or have the potential of fulfilling its vision and mission.
Vision: Create a thriving, capable and responsible future for us and generations to come.
Mission: Facilitate the responsible creation and evolution of products, practices and policies.
Centre for Big Synergy was founded in 2018 by leading sustainability advocates and thought leaders, Dr. Ragini G Roy and Dr. Sourav Roy who have had accomplished careers as award-winning scientists, published authors, academics, catalytic philanthropists and impact investors. The indispensable need for a more responsible future and the means to achieve it through synergy of ideas, resources and initiatives was at the heart of the founding ethos of the organisation.
Since inception, leaders from sustainability, media, policy and social impact have joined forces with them to establish Centre for Big Synergy – a unique global facilitator of social, economic and environmental initiatives that is positively impacting millions of lives.
CBS’ collaborators, partners and advisors range from from academia, international development, scientific research and development, food and hospitality, sustainable development, healthcare and medicine, business and social enterprise, and creative arts, to name a few. The rich diversity of skills, expertise and experiences they bring to the table from their time in global as well as local boutique organisations, is the crux of the innovative ways of the Centre for Big Synergy.
Learn more about what we do and our latest global initiative – The Big Synergy Initiative, that is enabling global stakeholders meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Governance and transparency
The Centre for Big Synergy (CBS) is a CSO of the UN DESA, a global not-for‑profit facilitator committed to advancing social, environmental, and humanitarian outcomes. Its primary objective is to facilitate the responsible creation and evolution of products, practices and policies for a sustainable tomorrow.
- Governance Framework
CBS has a robust structure of governance and transparency with a governance framework that ensures CBS operates with integrity, transparency, accountability, and professionalism across all regions of work.
CBS’ governance standards are consistent to ensure robust oversight, ethical conduct, and responsible stewardship of resources. Our governance model is designed to support our mission: to facilitate collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and geographies to create solutions that meet the evolving needs of people and the planet.
CBS’s success depends on its people and partners. We aim to recognise and reward all parties involved fairly, maintain transparency in decision‑making, and create a high-performing environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed.
- Governance Principles
CBS is committed to the following principles:
2.1 Accountability
CBS is accountable to its Project Advisors, Executive teams, partners, funders, and the global communities it serves.
2.2 Transparency
CBS ensures transparency through open reporting, clear documentation, and responsible communication.
2.3 Integrity and Ethical Conduct
CBS upholds codes of conduct, anti‑fraud standards, safeguarding, and conflict of interest policies.
2.4 Effectiveness and Efficiency
CBS strives for high quality delivery, efficient use of resources, and continuous improvement.
- Governance Structure
CBS has a decentralised structure
3.1 Advisory Body
Up to 20 Advisors per project provide strategic oversight and ensure CBS operates in line with its Articles of Association.
Advisory Responsibilities:
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- Strategic guidance on projects
- Oversight of governance and compliance
- Development of strategies, policies, and plans
- Monitoring performance against objectives
- Promoting best practice and responsible resource use
3.2 Executive Directors
Executive Directors lead day‑to‑day operations, manage personnel, ensure compliance, and represent CBS externally.
3.3 Volunteers and Project Teams
A flexible cohort of volunteers and/or contractors, and partners support project delivery and are guided by clear procedures, guidance, and accountability structures. Project specific working groups and committees are allocated as required.
- Governance Systems and Controls
CBS maintains a comprehensive governance framework including:
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- Committee structures
- Codes of conduct
- Business planning and reporting
- Procedural guidance
- Risk management
- Impact measurement
- Legal and Compliance
CBS’s information governance framework ensures compliance with UK legislation relating to the handling, storage, and use of information, as well as the common law duty of confidentiality.
CBS complies with (but is not limited to) the following legislation:
• Data Protection Act 2018
• General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) in line with Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) guidelines
• Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (supplements DPA 2018 & UK GDPR)
• Freedom of Information Act 2000
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (as amended)
• Environmental Information Regulations 2004
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
• Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) Regulations 2000
• Computer Misuse Act 1990
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
• Official Secrets Act 1989
• Malicious Communications Act 1988
• Digital Economy Act 2010
• Intellectual Property Act 2014
• Investigatory Powers Act 2016
• Online Safety Act 2023
CBS ensures:
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- lawful, fair, and transparent processing of information
- secure handling of personal and sensitive data
- appropriate retention and destruction of records
- compliance with data subject rights
- responsible use of digital systems and communications
- Records and Document Management
CBS follows the principles of the Freedom of Information Act Section 46 Code of Practice, which requires:
6.1 Core Records Management Principles
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- Recognition of records management as a core organisational function
- Inclusion of information management in the corporate risk framework
- A governance structure with clear roles and responsibilities
- Clear instructions for staff, advisors, and volunteers on creating, keeping, and managing records
- Identification and protection of systems holding records
- Consideration of records management when planning ICT systems or organisational changes
- Training to ensure all personnel understand their responsibilities
- An agreed programme for managing records
- Provision of adequate financial and operational resources
6.2 Retention and Disposal
CBS maintains a Retention Policy and Retention & Destruction Guide that sets out:
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- retention periods for all categories of information
- secure disposal procedures
- standards for information creation, storage, and access
- requirements for digital and physical records
- Training
CBS ensures that all personnel receive appropriate training and instructions to support responsible information handling and governance.
All staff, volunteers, Advisors and Executive Directors must complete data protection and cyber‑security exercise to ensure responsible information handling from day one. Everyone at CBS must complete yearly updates covering information governance, data protection changes and cyber‑security best practice.
- Partnerships and External Engagement
CBS collaborates with government bodies, NGOs, academic institutions, for‑profit organisations, and UN‑aligned networks. Partnerships are selected based on shared values, mission alignment, and ethical practice.
- Review of Governance Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or following major organisational, legal, or regulatory changes.
- Conclusion
This Governance Policy ensures CBS operates with professionalism, accountability, and transparency while maintaining the flexibility required for international facilitation as a UN CSO.
