Community accountability

In 2024, the organisations of the Accountability Group identified an inter-NGO need to strengthen the capacity of their staff on issues related to community accountability. This led to the idea of creating this e-learning training course for all professionals in the international solidarity sector, whether they work in project teams, support, technical teams or SERA. In order to create this training course and offer rich and practical content, all the organisations in the Accountability Group pooled their expertise, tools, resources and examples of good practice.

 

This new e-learning course is composed of:

  • 1 introductory module on essential concepts
  • 3 in-depth modules for a better understanding of the different pillars of community accountability
    • Information sharing and communication
    • Community participation
    • Complaint Feedback and Response Mechanisms (CFRM)

Each module lasts approximately 90 minutes, and the three advanced modules entitle participants to receive a certificate.

Target audience

Professionals from the international aid sector (project, support, technical and MEAL teams, etc.).

 

At the end of the training course, learners will be able to:

  1. Explain what community accountability is and name the main standards and principles
  2. List the three pillars of community accountability
  3. Describe the main actions for each of the three pillars of community accountability
  4. Identify the importance of posture in interacting with communities and relevant stakeholders
  5. Explain how to take accountability into account across the board in operational implementation in relation to key themes

 

The e-learning modules were developed by Pilar Chaves and Camille Barthelemy, coordinated by the French Red Cross and Groupe URD, with contributions from Première Urgence Internationale, Solidarités International, Médecins du Monde and Terre des Hommes Lausanne.

 

E-learning platform

The main objective of the Accountability Group is to allow aid organisations to share accountability-related practices. More specifically, it helps to share and make available resources, formalise thinking on accountability and develop accountability-related tools and resources. The Group sometimes adopts strategic and collective positions on certain subjects depending on their relevance and related opportunities.

In June 2025, members are: Action contre la Faim, Bibliothèques sans frontières, Croix-Rouge française, Ground truth solutions, Groupe URD, Humanité & inclusion (Handicap international), Impact initiatives, Médecins du Monde France, Médecins sans Frontières Belgique, Première Urgence Internationale, Solidarités International, Terre des hommes.