How do you evaluate and improve your governance and accountability practices?

1 Define your governance and accountability framework

The first step is to define your governance and accountability framework, which is the set of principles, policies, roles, and processes that guide and monitor your organization's decision-making and actions. Your framework should reflect your mission, vision, values, and stakeholders, as well as the legal and ethical standards that apply to your context. You can use existing models and frameworks, such as the Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice by Independent Sector, or create your own based on your needs and goals.

2 Conduct a governance and accountability audit

The second step is to conduct a governance and accountability audit, which is a systematic and objective assessment of your current governance and accountability practices. You can use various methods and tools, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, document reviews, and self-assessments, to collect and analyze data from different sources and perspectives. You can also use external consultants or peer reviewers to provide independent and impartial feedback. The purpose of the audit is to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, as well as any gaps or risks that need to be addressed.

3 Develop a governance and accountability action plan

The third step is to develop a governance and accountability action plan, which is a document that outlines your priorities, goals, strategies, and indicators for improving your governance and accountability practices. Your action plan should be based on the findings and recommendations of your audit, as well as your organizational vision and strategy. You should also involve your board, staff, and other stakeholders in the planning process, to ensure their buy-in and commitment. Your action plan should be realistic, measurable, and time-bound, and include clear roles and responsibilities for implementation.

4 Implement your governance and accountability action plan

The fourth step is to implement your governance and accountability action plan, which is the process of putting your plan into action. You should communicate your plan to your board, staff, and other stakeholders, and provide them with the necessary resources, training, and support. You should also monitor and document your progress, challenges, and achievements, and report them to your internal and external audiences. You should also be flexible and adaptable, and adjust your plan as needed, based on changing circumstances and feedback.

5 Evaluate your governance and accountability outcomes

The fifth step is to evaluate your governance and accountability outcomes, which is the process of measuring and analyzing the results and impacts of your action plan. You should use the indicators and methods that you defined in your action plan, and compare them with your baseline data and targets. You should also collect qualitative and quantitative data from various sources and perspectives, such as board, staff, donors, beneficiaries, partners, and regulators. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine the extent to which you have achieved your goals, and what factors have contributed to or hindered your success.

6 Learn and improve your governance and accountability practices

The sixth and final step is to learn and improve your governance and accountability practices, which is the process of using the insights and lessons from your evaluation to inform and enhance your future actions. You should share your evaluation findings and recommendations with your board, staff, and other stakeholders, and celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your challenges. You should also identify and implement the necessary changes and improvements to your governance and accountability framework, policies, processes, and culture, and continue to monitor and evaluate your performance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?