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CWSA originally decided to undergo the CHS self-assessment to strengthen our own accountability to the people we help in Pakistan and the region. However, the process was not just about self-improvement, but also about setting an example for other organisations in the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating the value of measuring accountability in practice.

Completing a CHS self-assessment ensured that we knew we were taking the right actions to meets high standards of quality and accountability, crucial for gaining the trust of the communities we assist. It also enhanced the organisation’s credibility and reputation, showcasing a commitment to internationally recognised best practices.

A village committee meeting taking place in a remote village of Umerkot, Pakistan, encouraging community participation in project interventions. Credit Sahar Zafar
CWSA.

Since 2018, CWSA has mainstreamed the CHS into our policies and practices. Staff members are now aware of CHS commitments and their importance, applying them every day to their work. This has not only boosted staff morale but also instilled a sense of pride and purpose, knowing they are part of an organisation that values excellence and integrity.

Key improvement achievements include:

• Enhanced information sharing about the complaints and feedback mechanism, resulting in increased community trust and awareness.
• Development of a safeguarding policy and contextualised key messages, ensuring communities are aware of the behaviour to expect from CWSA representatives.
• Strengthened engagement and trust with communities, ensuring their participation throughout the project cycle and promoting sustainability of interventions.

Supporting local partners to benefit from the CHS

CWSA has been a pioneer in promoting accountability across the Asia-Pacific. We have long supported local organisations in applying accountability standards such as the CHS through training, technical support, coaching and mentoring. Recognising the challenges faced by smaller NGOs, CWSA simplifies and customises training content to ensure it is accessible and applicable.

A training of humanitarian practitioners on Core Humanitarian Standard, held in Sukkur, Pakistan. Credit Zunaira Shams
CWSA.

In the past three years alone, CWSA has supported 95 local organisations in strengthening their understanding and application of CHS and other standards. This support has resulted in the development and improvement of numerous policies and practices, ultimately benefiting the communities these organisations serve.

Currently, CWSA is deep in collaboration with nine local organisations in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, the Philippines – and Uganda- guiding them through the CHS self-assessment process. This collective approach ensures continuous support and shared learning, enhancing the overall impact.

Here’s what our collaborators have to say about this support:

“Humanitarian Aid International has greatly benefited from the support of Community World Service Asia in undertaking a CHS self-assessment. This process is driving substantial improvements in our accountability and transparency and building up our organisational capacity. The guidance CWSA provided through workshops, access to experts and standardised tools has been invaluable. Ultimately, this is leading us to create more effective and impactful programmes and boosting trust and credibility with the communities we serve.” Rajeev Kumar Jha, Director DRR and CCA, Humanitarian Aid International, India

Updated CHS launch and learning event in Bangkok, Thailand. Credit CWSA.

“Community World Service Asia has been instrumental in guiding us through our first CHS self-assessment. This support has heightened our awareness of necessary improvements and reinforced our commitment to serving vulnerable communities with greater quality and accountability. As a faith-based organisation, this process strongly aligns with our tradition of ‘social holiness,’ and CWSA’s initiative encouraged us to pursue this important self-assessment earlier than we might have on our own.” Daniel Ela, Disaster Management Coordinator, Davao Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church, the Philippines

A local police officer takes part in the discussion at a Community-based Contingency Planning workshop for Barangay Catarman, Plaridel and Misamis Occidental, the Philippines. Credit Davao Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church.

“Participating in the CHS self-assessment has profoundly impacted PYECSO. With the invaluable support from Community World Service and CHS Alliance, we conducted a more rigorous evaluation, identifying gaps and areas for improvement we might have overlooked. This process has strengthened our accountability and service quality, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the communities we support.” – Zia Rahman Abid, Communication Manager, PYECSO, Afghanistan

Being a member of CHS Alliance has also allowed CWSA to be part of – and set the direction for – the movement calling for greater accountability globally. The network provides so many opportunities for collaboration and learning from other member organisations, amplifying the voices in our own Asia-Pacific community.

For national and local organisations considering verifying against the CHS or joining the CHS Alliance, CWSA’s message is clear: it is a powerful demonstration of commitment to the highest standards of accountability and quality. Undergoing a CHS verification process as part of the CHS Alliance movement is a transformative process that elevates an organisation’s operations, credibility, and impact, making it a valuable investment in striving for excellence in the humanitarian and development sector.