5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Membership

23 October 2024

The benefits of being a CHS Alliance member begins from the moment you join and continue to serve you. Membership empowers you with tools, resources, and a global network that can benefit you daily. To make sure you are taking full advantage of all that CHS Alliance membership offers, we have produced a quick guide with five ways to maximise your membership. 

  1. Expert guidance and recognition for your verification journey

One of the core benefits is the comprehensive support to assess your organisation’s performance against the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). Members get access to:  

  • Free account for the online self-assessment tool  
  • Peer support to help you navigate your CHS verification journey 
  • Tailored advice to support understanding and implementing improvement plans 

All verified members get public recognition through being featured on the CHS Commitment Tracker. 

  1. Improve organisational practices and policies with tools and training

CHS Alliance membership provides you with a wealth of practical tools, training sessions, and peer learning opportunities to enhance your organisation’s accountability and quality. Through exclusive and discounted training sessions, you can deepen your understanding of the CHS commitments. You will also have the opportunity to develop effective improvement plans informed by best practices and peer learning within the network.   

Moreover, comprehensive guidance on critical areas such as Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH), complaints handling, and developing a Code of Conduct are readily available. 

  1. Connect, contribute and collaborate through Communities of Practice

Our global and diverse network is one of the most powerful aspects of being part of the CHS Alliance. To make the most of this, make sure to join our vibrant Communities of Practice. Joining our member-only Communities of Practice allows you to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and learn from peers. Whether you are working at a local, national, or global level, you can benefit from the collective wisdom, experience and support of fellow members – and share your knowledge with others. Participation in global forums and platforms enables you to raise awareness and amplify the impact of our collective voices.  

  1. Flexible benefits to suit your organisational needs and type

CHS Alliance understands that each member organisation is unique, with different needs and priorities. Our membership benefits are designed to be flexible and adaptable, ensuring that every organisation can find value in the network. Smaller organisations may find benefits such as capacity development opportunities, reduced membership fees, and access to global advocacy platforms particularly useful. As well as benefiting from capacity development opportunities, organisations working internationally may find the support in consistently applying the CHS across global programmes and supporting their partners to get verified as key benefits. This inclusive approach allows each organisation to leverage the most relevant benefits, exchange their learning, and support one another to maximise impact. 

  1. Take advantage of leadership opportunities

As a member-governed network dedicated to greater accountability in the aid sector, effective governance is critical. As a member, you have the unique opportunity to take on leadership roles and directly influence the direction and priorities of the Alliance. Through participation in our governance structures, such as the Board of Trustees, committees, and working groups, you can help shape the future of the organisation.  

Serving in leadership positions within CHS Alliance allows you to contribute to developing strategies and policies that enhance accountability across the sector. Your voice and leadership within CHS Alliance help ensure that the network remains responsive to the needs of its members and the communities they serve. By actively participating in governance and leadership, you strengthen the collective impact of the Alliance and advance the cause of accountable, high-quality humanitarian aid. 

Find out more about current Board seats here. 

Stay Current Exchange learning Get Involved
Don’t miss out on opportunities to learn and engage: encourage your staff and volunteers to subscribe to our monthly newsletter here. Member focal points will also receive a monthly members’ briefing on key events, training and opportunities.  Engage with the tools, training, and guidance available to enhance your organisation’s practices—and share your own good practice with others—to make the most of your membership.  Join Communities of Practice, attend events and training, and participate in working groups or governance opportunities to fully utilise your membership and contribute to a more accountable and equitable aid system. 

 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the team at membership@chsalliance.org.