In this short paper, part of our 'Bridge to the Future' series, we make the case for intelligent systems of accountability built on firm principles. We explore what accountability means and why it matters in the Trust sector. We also explore what needs to be done to create more ‘intelligent’ forms of accountability.
Accountability is often debated but not always with a consistent meaning or intent. As a result, we tend to see policy proposals that are piecemeal or in unintended conflict rather than rooted in systems thinking. We need first to define what accountability means in broadest terms and map the territory.
This paper attempts to map the territory – the systems of accountability within which trusts are located - so that specific policies are situated within a proper relational framework with clear purposes and aligned instruments.
