Community engagement and accountability in cash programming during

Community engagement and accountability in cash programming during COVID-19 16 th December 2020

Workshop Agenda 1. What is Community Engagement and Accountability? 2. Why is Community Engagement and Accountability important for good quality Cash programming? 3. Key considerations for successful Community Engagement and Accountability in Cash 4. Case studies from Malawi and Zambia Red Cross Societies 5. Q&A

Movement Definition of CEA Community engagement and accountability (CEA) is an approach to Red Cross and Red Crescent programming and operations. It is supported by a set of activities that help put communities at the centre of what we do, by integrating communication and participation throughout the programme cycle or operation.

What are the benefits of mainstreaming CEA? Discuss… 1. Better quality responses & impact 2. Increased trust and acceptance 3. Early detection of problems 4. Saves money 5. Increased community ownership 6. Improved staff satisfaction and retention 7. Preventing sexual exploitation and abuse by aid workers 8. Contributes to Do No Harm programming 9. Helps to manage expectations

Some common mistakes to be aware of in community engagement and accountability POOR COMMUNICATION – FORGETTING TO TELL PEOPLE WHO WE ARE WHAT WE ARE DOING THERE RAISING EXPECTATIONS & BREAKING PROMISES – UNCLEAR ASSESSMENTS AND DELAYS IN DELIVERY TARGETING IS UNCLEAR OR UNFAIR – RELYING ON COMMUNITY LEADERS, NOT BEING CLEAR, ONLY SPEAKING TO DIRECT BENEFICIARIES NOT COLLECTING, USING OR RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY FEEDBACK AND COMPLAINTS – FEEDBACK SYSTEM RARE, INAPPROPRIATE OR NOT ACTED ON

Ground Truth research into cash user journeys in Kenya

What communities say. . .

4 golden rules to run an accountable cash transfer programme 1. Find out how communities communicate and function 2. Share information regularly – especially when there are delays 3. Explain and discuss targeting CLEARLY 4. Have a feedback system – and act on it

Where to get help with CEA • CEA HUB: www. communityengagementhub. org • CEA Guide & toolkit: www. ifrc. org/CEA • CEA toolkit includes: • Templates • Step-by-step guidance • CEA in Cash tip sheet (available on the CEA Hub) • Core Humanitarian Standards • Sophie Everest, Snr CEA Adviser: Sophie. everest@ifrc. org