Dr. Mayumi Fuchi holds a PhD in NGO Accountability and Safeguarding. Currently, she works as the Head of Quality and Accountability for Human Appeal and serves on the Board of Directors for Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative.
I was first connected to Accountable Now through its commitment to strengthening accountability within the civil society sector. The Independent Review Panel role particularly appealed to me because it offered a practical way to support organisations in reflecting on their practices and improving transparency. I became involved because I believed in the importance of independent, constructive oversight to build trust and credibility. I am currently part of Co-Creating Funder Safeguarding Standards Group led by Accountable Now, and I continue to value being part of a community that is actively shaping more meaningful, inclusive accountability practices for the sector.
To me, accountability is about going beyond transparency to include listening, responding, and learning, especially from those most affected by our decisions. It requires creating space for different voices, being honest about limitations, and being willing to adapt based on what we hear.
I see accountability as closely linked to power – who is heard, who influences decisions, and how organisations act on feedback. It still matters because trust cannot be assumed. When practiced meaningfully, accountability helps build trust, strengthen relationships, and ensure our work remains relevant and grounded in the realities of those we aim to serve.
Looking ahead, strengthening accountability will require moving beyond compliance towards a genuine shift in power – ensuring that affected communities can shape decisions, raise concerns safely, and see meaningful responses. This means embedding accountability into everyday practice and organisational culture, where listening leads to action and trust is built through transparency and responsiveness. Continued collaboration across the sector will be essential to ensure accountability remains people-centred, context-driven, and focused on real change rather than formal compliance.
Celebrating our 20 Years in Focus Anniversary Campaign, these reflections are part of our “20 Reflections From 20 Years” Series. This series gathers perspective from folks across AN’s two decades to reflect on Accountable Now then, now, and tomorrow.
Explore our 20 Years Library for other reflections, new resources, and upcoming events.
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