FMSF was approached by Christian Aid for conducting a Social Audit Training for its South India Partners. Christian Aid works in nearly 50 countries with 600 overseas partner organisations to tackle poverty and its causes. The workshop was held in Chennai during February 2008. There were about 28 participants. The resource team of FMSF comprised of Mr. Sanjay Patra, Executive Director and Ms. Madhuchhanda Mishra, Research Coordinator who was involved in developing the Social Audit Toolkit prepared by (FMSF).

The issue of 'Accountability' has been a part of the development debate since quite some time. Even though there is a wide consensus regarding the need and importance of greater accountability mechanisms, there is little agreement upon the kind of mechanism which will be appropriately applicable for the voluntary sector; a mechanism that would ensure transparency and at the same time take care of the heterogeneity of the voluntary sector. One such tool is the 'Social Audit'.

The workshop discussed the issue of accountability & its relevance in the context of the voluntary Sector. The sessions included introduction to the concept of social audit, key features of Social Audit, need, importance and principles of Social Audit. The sub-processes of Social Audit - Social Accounting & Book Keeping - were taken up through group work and case studies. The 8 step methodology for Social Audit was explained through a "mock Social Audit and Role Play".

In conclusion it was agreed upon that Social Audit should not be a fault finding exercise. It should rather be a process of involving the community and taking feedback in order to improve upon the existing program.

Social Audit as a process has been implemented by various organizations and has assumed various forms. As a tool for promoting accountability, 'Social Audit' holds immense potential for development effectiveness. Over the past 13 years, FMSF has been working towards developing tools & methodologies for enhancing & promoting the accountability standards of the voluntary organizations. One of such endeavors is the Hand book on Social Audit. The 'Handbook on Social Audit' is the result of more than three years of study and research of FMSF.