FOUNDATIONAL LEVEL

Social Accountability

Engage Citizens for Good Governance

The course

Social Accountability is an important component of an overall good governance framework, (the key principles of which are transparency, participation and accountability). It is an approach towards building accountability that relies on civic engagement and actions initiated by ordinary citizens and citizen groups in holding public officials and service providers accountable.

Inclusive development requires responsive governments and empowered citizens. But what can CSOs do to ensure all voices are heard? The course will prepare you to focus on developing your knowledge and skills to strengthen citizen involvement, especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable- to create a culture of inclusive governance. Besides learning about the theoretical concept of social accountability, you will acquire knowledge about certain tools that will help to empower citizens to voice their concerns and hold their government accountable in fulfilling their obligations.

This course includes 8 sessions spreading over 4 consecutive days. Each session is for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

For whom:

The course is designed for everyone working in civil society organizations who are interested in issues of accountability and wants to learn the foundations of good governance and social accountability.

Course fees:

EUR 350/ person (plus VAT for EU residence)

*Special Discounts for groups and CSA alumni

15% group discount: 4 or more registrations from one organization

10% individual discount: For CSA alumni

Benefits

You will receive a Certificate of Participation
You will receive all the materials used during the training
You can apply for the advanced level to deepen your learning
You will become a part of CSA alumni community

What you'll learn

Social Accountability: concept, principles, and rationale
Concept of Good Governance and its relevance with Social Accountability
Social Accountability Tools such as the right to information, community scorecard, social audit, public hearing, facility audit, citizen charter, participatory budgeting, and expenditure tracking amongst others.
The characteristics of an enabling environment for citizen engagement
Ways to use social accountability tools for advocacy to make the case for change
To assess government schemes and programs

Session Plan

Day 1

Session 1: Welcome and Introduction to Good Governance

Welcome and Introduction of Participants
Introduction to the course
The navigation tool for the workshop
Introduction to Good Governance and the Governance Triangle

Session 2: Citizenship and Civic Engagement

Understanding Citizenship and Civic Engagement
Assess enabling environment for civic engagement

Day 2

Session 3: Social Accountability

Concept of Social Accountability and Framework
4 pillars of Social Accountability
Identification of Social Accountability Tools and Methods

Session 4: Civil Society Roles, Characteristics and Spaces

Characteristics, Spaces and Roles of Civil Society for Social Accountability

Day 3

Session 5: Social Accountability Tools I

Tools for Performance Monitoring

Session 6: Social Accountability Tools II

Tools for Development Planning

Day 4

Session 7: Social Accountability Tools III and Advocacy

Tools for Budgeting and Expenditure Tracking
Linkages between Social Accountability and Advocacy

Session 8: Evaluation and Way Forward

Self-Assessment - Am I ready for Social Accountability?
Evaluation and Closing

Testimonials

“The course was very refreshing and inspiring! I felt great being part of a diverse group of like-minded people from different countries. This insightful exchange was of vital importance to my work.”

K.C. Sahu

Head, Livelihood, Indo-Global Social Service Society, India

Meet the facilitator

Sohini Paul

An experienced facilitator, trainer and coach (offline, online, and blended courses)

As a facilitator and coach of Civil Society Academy, she has focused on providing trainings and workshops on leadership and team management in several countries across Asia and Africa. She also facilitates trainings on advocacy and human rights-based approach.

Sohini has a Social Science background with master’s degrees in Geography and Regional Planning. She is a certified Life and Leadership Coach. She has more than two decades of experience in the development sector, during which time she supported the work of numerous social change organizations, working on issues of local self-governance, right to information and land rights. She has worked on capacity building of civil society organizations, from grassroots community groups to large networks.

Sohini is passionate about civil society strengthening and holds space for those who are ready to learn and be happy - this is reflected in her facilitation style.