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Working on accountability, safeguarding and quality is demanding, and to a degree, isolating. How ‘safe’ is it to have those frank conversations with colleagues and admit something has gone wrong? How many times have we huddled behind laptops, desks, late into the night or been told by communities that our programmes are falling short? Where do we go when we are running out of energy?

Behind every organisation is a set of individuals, and the reality is, being accountable to communities is not something we – or the organisation we represent- should carry alone. When we talk about collective action, we are saying – what are the concrete, practical tools we can co-opt, the hard data, the important conversations, the recognition, that shift the power and change systems, and enable us to keep going in a healthy and productive way, so we can make a difference to communities we work alongside?

Here are a few ideas to get us started:

1. Stay connected with peers

Being part of a wider community creates space to reflect, ask difficult questions and learn from peers facing similar challenges. Our nearly 300 members represent a wealth of expertise, connecting via Communities of Practice (CoPs), engaging in bespoke trainings and enjoying lively discussions on areas such as accountability, safeguarding and CHS verification. Experts in verification, local leaders, safeguarding managers and new starters regularly meet together and we can see the impact. Take a look at membership or contact Bona in our membership team at membership@chsalliance.org.

2. Consider how verification can help you meet CHS commitments

Across the sector, organisations are engaging with CHS verification in different ways, choosing a model that best suits their needs. Verification is not only helpful for building commitment to the Standard it also provides a clear pathway to build trust with communities, donors and partners, provides an honest picture of strengths and gaps, and creates a long-term plan for improvement. Is now the right time to reflect on how CHS verification could strengthen your organisation’s accountability journey?

4. Don’t recreate the wheel – use and re-use existing resources

No one has time to write a set of guidance docs when some already exist! Our Secretariat and membership has already done a lot of the work – there are a host of practical tools, guidance and learnings in our resource library – from guidance on accountability in disasters, PSEAH fundamentals and information on investigations, in multiple languages, with more coming every day. Take a look and please keep them coming!

5. Join a scheme which is actively tackling SEAH

Tackling SEAH can feel overwhelming. But simply participating in a scheme such as the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme or the Harmonised Reporting Scheme on SEAH is a practical step to directly contributing to global data and preventing perpetrators from moving across the sector. The schemes are being increasingly supported by major donors and governments. More information can be found on our SEAH page.

6. Ensure accountability is locally-led and connected

We know accountability is most meaningful when it is relevant and global standards are centred in local realities. At the end of last year we launched our CHS Country Cooperatives, where members connect on a country level to share expertise, look at funding opportunities, and explore training and tools to help meet CHS Commitments. This year will be a landmark year as the cooperatives expand locally. Please join us in this exciting new chapter

7. Data, data, data

Data is the evidence to drive change. Schemes such as the MDS and HRS equip participants with data maps on PSEAH throughout the year, and the CHS Tracker brings together aggregated data on progress against CHS commitments. This year we will be publishing the new Humanitarian Accountability Report (HAR), which will explore both the progress, and gaps in accountability. Keep up to date with latest data by subscribing to our newsletter.

8. Advocate for donor recognition

Accountability requires time, resources and commitment, yet its value is not always visible. Recognition, including from donors, can reinforce organisational commitment, support staff morale but also cut down on burdensome due diligence processes. We are already seeing recognition of CHS by governments including the UK’s FCDO passporting CHS certification. Our regular Donor Recognition Working Group explores how we push this forward. We would love your support as we onboard more donors.

9. Take care of yourself and your team

There is sometimes an unspoken expectation in accountability work to be resilient at all costs. Looking after the mental wellbeing of ourselves and our teams is not separate from accountability, but it is part of what sustains it, and is core to the CHS. We have developed a practical guide to improve aid worker well-being – take a look here , and please do reach out to your colleagues, friends and professionals for support if you need it.

10. Celebrate progress, as well as challenges

It is crucial that we also celebrate where progress has been made. More organisations are verifying than ever before, and aggregated data is showing improvements within organisations across the nine CHS commitments. We have seen increased recognition of verification from donor governments, a growth to over 50% or our members from local and national NGOs and swelling numbers involved in PSEAH. Let’s make sure we celebrate these wins, as well as being honest about challenges.

Please get in touch with us for support, conversations and to consider next steps.  We are stronger together.