Accountability and Ethical Governance — Definition

Definition

Accountability requires public actors to explain and justify their conduct to a forum capable of assessing it and pursuing an appropriate response. Ethical governance uses that relationship to protect lawful public purposes, fair treatment and responsible use of resources.

Transparency supplies information, but accountability also needs reasons, scrutiny and follow-up. A published report does not by itself correct a failed service or establish misconduct. The process must trace responsibility, distinguish error from deliberate wrongdoing and provide a proportionate remedy.

It should encourage truthful learning while retaining consequences for substantiated failures, rather than reward either concealment or indiscriminate blame.