Putting Dynamic Accountability into Practice: Considerations for CSOs and Networks
SHARE THIS ARTICLE BACK TO INSIGHTS Civil society associations come in a range of forms. From local civil society organisations (CSOs) to international alliances composed of many organisations, the sector is diverse in the way different groups are structured and present themselves. In spite of the form or type, accountability should still remain high […]
ChildFund Australia applies a innovative approach to inform consent from the people and communities they work for and with
This Good Practice aims to ensure that the people and communities ChildFund Australia work with, are informed of the ways in which their images, testimonies, feedback and knowledge are used. ChildFund Australia has developed a strong Consent Policy which addresses multiple scenarios where images, testimonies, feedback and knowledge of ChildFund Australia’s partners and stakeholders are used.
ChildFund Alliance’s Child-Friendly Accountability
The Child-Friendly Accountability approach aims to ensure children have safe means to participate in monitoring the performance of child protection systems and holding duty bearers accountable. Children are supported in building their knowledge, in identifying protection gaps and facilitating direct action or advocacy with their communities to address these gaps.
Restless Development engages young people, communities, staff, and partners across their agency and programmes
Restless Development’s strategic model is built around long-term community engagement led by volunteers. Stakeholder engagement is built into programme design, delivery and monitoring, evaluation and learning systems – young people are part of programme design teams, and work with peers and other community members on all aspects of the programme.
CIVICUS’ advocacy work is grounded in partnerships and co-creation with local partners and members
An integral part of CIVICUS’ approach is that advocacy work is done jointly with members and local partners. Advocacy work is co-created in partnerships and published with mutual consent, and advocacy positions are based on a “sense check” with voices on the ground.
ChildFund New Zealand’s Road Map approach to sustainable outcomes
ChildFund New Zealand’s Road Map approach is their preferred approach to building partnerships within communities. Their aim is to ensure that development work does not create long-term dependencies and so this Road Map approach focuses on strengthening localisation and self-reliance.
Restless Development focuses on partnerships and capacity-building for more sustainable outcomes
Restless Development is committed to capacity building for its partners at various levels and supports increased Southern CSO engagement in advocacy and influencing. There is a focus on reaching out beyond target implementation groups and countries, with support given to a variety of alliances, networks, and individual partners.
CBM ensures sustainable outcomes through strong partnerships and local ownership
In 2017 CBM began developing its partnership principles in line with its programme commitments; these aim to build on locally driven development agendas and ensure local ownership of projects. Participatory approaches are applied throughout CBM’s project cycle management and country planning processes to further increase ownership. This leads to outcomes which often last beyond the project cycle.
CIVICUS’ involvement of stakeholders in advocacy efforts
Efforts are made for members or partners to feature centrally in external discussions, and CIVICUS supports civil society representatives to speak for themselves in high-level discussions such as at the UN Human Rights Council. Interviews are conducted with local civil society leaders to amplify their voices. Illustrative examples of some of these efforts from the reporting period are provided.
Terre Des Homme’s approach to stakeholder engagement
The response explains how consultation with stakeholders led to TDH shifting its campaign on “trafficked children” to “children on the move”. The Destination Unknown campaign involves youth activists, engages a youth group in decision making processes, and shares this key stakeholder group’s perspective in a “Youth Call” outlining demands and proposals raised by youth.