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Training

CHS & PSEAH elearnings offer

You will find here a listing and summary of all our elearning resources, on the CHS, PSEAH and SEAH Investigations.

CHS Introductory Workshop: members only

This workshop is primarily designed for staff from organisations who have recently joined the CHS Alliance, and for staff who are relatively new to the Core Humanitarian Standard. The methodology is interactive and encourages participants to meet and exchange with peers.

Core Humanitarian Standard for Q&A Focal Points Training

Self-learning, peer group work and webinars

This learning journey is designed for staff members who have specific responsibilities in supporting their organization in implementing the CHS. It encourages peer exchanges and building a roadmap that focuses on where the organization is now.

Core Humanitarian Standard Training of Trainer

Webinars and group work

This course is for you if you are already knowledgeable about the CHS and have experience as training facilitators. It will provide you with in-depth expertise in designing CHS-related training utilizing adult learning principles.

Investigator Qualification Training Scheme

A series of three progressive courses

The IQTS replaces the previous SEA Investigation workshops

This IQTS scheme is designed to teach SEAH Investigators the increasingly detailed knowledge and skills needed to carry out survivor-centred administrative investigations.

No Training results match your criteria. View all training.

Events

5 Dec 2024 - 2 Days
Online - Zoom

CHS Alliance 5th General Assembly – Stronger together: from individual to collective accountability

14 Jan 2025 - 6 Weeks
Remote

CHS Training of Trainers January – February 2025

No Event results match your criteria. View all events.

Resources

Letter to the New Emergency Relief Coordinator – November 2024

This letter to the new UN Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC), authored by CHS Alliance and the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA),...

CHS LOCALED Collective Peer Assessor TOR

Call for Expression of Interest CHS LOCALED is an exciting new initiative that aims to provide a comprehensive picture of aid effectiveness and...

CHS Alliance’s Safeguarding policy

The CHS Alliance’s capacity to deliver on its mission depends on the ability of its people to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical...

Webinar Recording: A 6 Month Overview of Trends in Sexual Misconduct in the Aid Sector

Join us as we explore the latest trends in sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) within the aid sector. This webinar features insights...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, June 2024

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 11-13 June 2024.

External endorsement and recognition of CHS & CHS verification

This table summarises the governments, funding bodies and other stakeholders who require or recognise the CHS and CHS verification. If you require...

CHS Alliance General Assembly Vote Minutes, November-December 2021

Minutes of the General Assembly vote of the CHS Alliance held on 29 November – 03 December 2021 online.

Join the CHS members’ Donor Recognition Working Group

Call for Expressions of Interest open With the updated CHS now launched, it is a pivotal moment to accelerate discussions on donor recognition of...

How CHS Alliance is building a safer & more accountable aid system

Power imbalances between people affected by crises and aid workers can lead to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), a key accountability...

Trends in Sexual exploitation, Abuse & Harassment in the Aid Sector: a six-month overview

Explore the key insights and trends uncovered through CHS Alliance’s Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Harmonised Reporting Scheme,...

E-Learning: Introduction to the Core Humanitarian Standard (2014)

This course will help you to understand and apply the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and in doing so improve the quality, accountability and...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, March 2024

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 20-22 March 2024.

Verification Intermediary Impact Study Report

The promising results of a joint study by HQAI and CHS Alliance, which investigated the impact of CHS verification options on accountability and...

2023 Financial Statements

The Alliance’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the articles of association of the Alliance and the applicable...

The Updated CHS: FAQs

Watch this short video for an overview of updates made to the CHS: CHS Verification 1. Can I verify against the CHS 2024 edition? Yes, there is a...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, December 2023

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 5-7 December 2023.

CHS Revision Resources

The updated Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) is publicly available from 21 March 2024. It is the result of a two-year...

2023 CHS Alliance Annual Report

2023 saw extraordinary interest in the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), globally and locally. More agencies than ever are applying the CHS and...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, November 2023

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 13 November 2023.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, September 2023

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 19-21 September 2023.

CHS Alliance and the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) have partnered to co-produce the “Funding Well” report. The report...

Revisión de la Norma Humanitaria Esencial Informe del estudio de caso de Colombia

Este informe ha sido elaborado por la CHS Alliance como parte del proceso de consulta mundial de 18 meses de duración para actualizar la Norma...

CHS Revision Colombia Case Study Report

This report has been produced by CHS Alliance as part of the 18-month global consultation process to update the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality...

Revisión de la CHS: Informe del taller regional de Panamá

Este informe ha sido elaborado por la CHS Alliance como parte del proceso de consulta mundial de 18 meses de duración para actualizar la Norma...

CHS Revision Panama Regional Workshop Report

This report has been produced by CHS Alliance as part of the 18-month global consultation process to update the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality...

Investigators’ Toolkit – Key Resources

Informative material to further your knowledge of the investigation principles and procedures in the Investigation Guide Taking a...

Join the CHS Alliance members’ advisory group on CHS verification tools

Call for Expressions of Interest open CHS Alliance is in the process of updating the CHS verification tools based on the CHS 2024 edition. We have up...

Frequently Asked Questions – SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme

Check out our SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme FAQ for quick answers to your questions. Whether you’re new to the Scheme or a Member, you can...

Harmonised Reporting Scheme on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment: Findings from a year of piloting

Explore the key insights and trends uncovered in CHS Alliance’s Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Harmonised Reporting...

Managing complaints package

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). An more accessible version of the CHS was launched in March...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, June 2022

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 21-23 June 2022.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, March 2023

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 28-30 March 2023.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, December 2022

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 12 December 2022.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, June 2023

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 8-9 June 2023.

Applying the CHS: Lessons from Emergency Contexts Pilot Guide

The Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) is a widely recognised framework for ensuring the quality and impact of humanitarian assistance across various...

CHS Alliance at a glance

CHS Alliance is at the forefront of strengthening accountability in the aid sector, putting people’s rights and dignity first at a time when...

Improving the Accessibility of CHS Verification Scheme for National Actors

Verification review and CHS Alliance management response The CHS Verification Scheme is designed to support organisations to meet their CHS...

Membership Guidelines

Guidelines for members organisations and/or organisations interested in knowing more about the CHS Alliance Membership. Content: Types of Membership...

Supporting donors’ responsibility for greater accountability to people in crisis

Review of Donor AAP Commitments, Requirements and Recommendations The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Principals have called for the...

2022 CHS Alliance Annual Report

In 2022, CHS Alliance members continued to demonstrate their commitment to being more accountable and to building a more accountable system. We...

2022 Financial Statements

The Alliance’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the articles of association of the Alliance and the applicable...

Fictional trends analysis – SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme

The SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme has produced a fictional trends analysis using it’s harmonised data collection and reporting tool. The report...

Taking a victim/survivor-centred approach to protection from sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment in the aid sector

Sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) are among the most egregious failures of accountability in the aid sector. Current measures have...

Half-day CHS training facilitation resources

The half-day CHS PCM training pack proposes (2014 CHS based): an introduction to the CHS a session on applying the CHS within the project...

CHS Alliance General Assembly Minutes, September 2022

Minutes of the General Assembly of the CHS Alliance held on 29 September 2022.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, September 2022

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 15-16 September 2022.

Humanitarian Accountability Report 2022: Accountability is Non-Negotiable – Inclusive Action

How people experience crisis depends on factors such as age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race and more. Incorporating the voices of...

Accountability changes – PSEAH improvements in the 2022 HAR

As part of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2022: Accountability is Non-Negotiable (HAR), Takaful Al Sham shed light on how they used the Core...

In conversation… creating accountable cultures

As part of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2022: Accountability is Non-Negotiable, aid system experts held a series of a frank conversations...

Humanitarian Accountability Report 2022: Accountability is Non-Negotiable – Ending sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

Sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH) of crisis-affected persons by aid workers are among the most egregious failures of...

Closing the Accountability Gap: Country Assessment Report – Phase 1

This Project report has been produced in the context of a project to Close the Accountability Gap to Better Support Victims/Survivors of Sexual...

Presentation of the SEAH Harmonised Scheme

Review our presentation on the SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme to learn about what it is, why to join, and how to join. You may also use this...

SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme Data Fields

Discover the SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme’s standardized data fields, reported by members onto a secure platform. This non-identifiable...

Résumé HAR 2022 en français

L’édition 2022 du Rapport sur la redevabilité humanitaire (HAR) exploite les données du système de vérification du CHS et d’autres sources...

Executive Summary of Humanitarian Accountability Report 2022

The Humanitarian Accountability Report (HAR) 2022 draws on seven years of accountability data analysis, system-wide studies and expert thought. The...

Humanitarian Accountability Report 2022: Accountability is Non-Negotiable

The Humanitarian Accountability Report (HAR) 2022 draws on seven years of accountability data analysis, system-wide studies and expert thought. The...

Information Brief: SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme

Get the key information on the SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme in this 2-page information brief. Find out what it is, why you should join, how to...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, December 2021

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 6-7 December 2021.

Governing Well: Five questions aid organisations’ governing boards should be asking

Aid organisations’ governing boards could and should play a much stronger role in ensuring that the organisations they oversee meet the CHS...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, March 2022

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 29-31 March 2022.

E-Learning: Understanding and Using the CHS PSEAH Index

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

E-Learning: Foundations of SEAH Investigations

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

Whistleblower Protection Report – How to Create a Safe Speak Up Culture – Multiple Languages

In 2021, CHS Alliance produced comprehensive Whistleblower Protection Guidance to support organisations to create strong whistleblowing policies that...

Investigators’ Toolkit – Guidance Notes

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

Investigators’ Toolkit – Tools and Templates – Multiple Languages

Useful templates and tools created to support you in your role and help you conduct your investigation. Chain of Custody Complaint...

Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Investigation Guide – Multiple Languages

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

2021 CHS Alliance Annual Report

The driving force behind all humanitarian action is the commitment to alleviate suffering, regardless of who is suffering, where or why. It is a...

2021 Financial Statements

The Alliance’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the articles of association of the Alliance and the applicable provisions...

CHS Alliance Strategy 2022-2025

Established in 2015, the CHS Alliance is a movement whose members are passionate about removing the barriers that prevent affected people from...

PSEAH Index – Arabic

For the English version and description, click here.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, September 2021

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 21-23 September 2021.

CHS Alliance General Assembly Minutes, November 2019

Minutes of the General Assembly of the CHS Alliance held on 20-21 November 2019.

CHS Alliance Extraordinary General Assembly Minutes, August 2020

Minutes of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the CHS Alliance held on 6-24 August 2020 online.

CHS Alliance General Assembly Vote Minutes, March 2021

Minutes of the General Assembly vote of the CHS Alliance held on 22-26 March 2021 online.

CHS Alliance Extraordinary General Assembly Vote Minutes, November 2020

Minutes of the Extraordinary General Assembly vote of the CHS Alliance held on 9-13 November 2020 online.

Research on Increasing Transparency on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment in the Aid Sector

All aid NGOs should be encouraged to report sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) when it occurs. Currently there is under-reporting of...

Whistleblower Protection Guidance – Multiple Languages

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

PSEAH Index – Swahili

For the English version and description, click here.

PSEAH Index – French

Index de PEASH La Norme humanitaire fondamentale de qualité et de redevabilité (CHS) définit les éléments essentiels d’une aide...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, December 2020

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 03-04 December 2020.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, February 2021

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 09 February 2021.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, March 2021

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 16-18 March 2021.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, June 2021

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 15-17 June 2021.

Summary of Raising the Standard of PSEAH webinar

As organisations commit to doing more to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), a number of standards and assessments have been...

Code of Conduct Toolkit – Multilingual

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, July 2020

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 23 July 2020.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, May 2020

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 28 May 2020.

Closing the accountability gap

CHS Alliance with funding from the Government of The Netherlands is undertaking a project to test new ways to address the accountability gap for...

Human Resources (HR) Toolkit for Small and Medium Nonprofit Actors

This 32-page toolkit provides resources to inform and support the enhancement of a formalized and systematized framework for people management...

Leading Well: Aid leader perspectives on staff well-being and organisational culture

At the end of the tumultuous year of 2020, CHS Alliance and ICVA invited 15 humanitarian leaders from among their shared members to participate in a...

2020 CHS Alliance Annual Report

2020 was a year of great upheaval. The year will be recorded in history for the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic which swept the globe causing...

2020 Financial Statements

The Alliance’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the articles of association of the Alliance and the applicable provisions...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, March 2020

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 18-19 March 2020.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, September 2020

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 23-24 September 2020.

2020 HHR Online Report

On 3-6 November 2020, CHS Alliance held its first ever virtual Humanitarian Human Resources conference – HHR2020 Online. This four half days...

Complaint mechanisms & COVID-19: the importance of preparedness & community engagement

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

Guidance on Faith-based hiring and compliance with CHS Commitment 8

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

2020 Global CHS Exchange Report

A huge thanks to all who contributed to and participated in our first-ever virtual Global CHS Exchange 2020. This was an incredible opportunity to...

PSEAH Implementation Quick Reference Handbook – Multiple Languages

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

PSEAH Index – English

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) sets out the essential elements of principled accountable and high-quality aid.

2020 HAR Executive Summary (English version)

The 2020 edition of the Humanitarian Accountability Report (HAR) uses data from the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS)

Résumé HAR 2020 FR

L’édition 2020 du Rapport sur la redevabilité humanitaire (HAR) exploite les données du système de vérification du CHS (CHS Verification...

2020 Humanitarian Accountability Report

The Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020 is an evidence-based overview of the current state of adherence to the Core Humanitarian Standard on...

CHS Alliance Event Code of Conduct Complaints Form

Use this form to report incidents related to the Code of Conduct at CHS Alliance events. See our Code of Conduct for events here.

CHS Alliance Event Code of Conduct

CHS Alliance members, Secretariat staff and Board members are committed to providing an inclusive, respectful and above all safe experience for...

Legal Review of Aid Worker Registration Scheme

At the end of July 2020, the CHS Alliance submitted its feedback to the Steering Committee of the Legal Review of the Aid Worker Registration Scheme,...

CHS Alliance Complaints Form

Please read the policy here and visit our complaints page for further information.

Procedures for the CHS Alliance Complaints Policy

Please read the policy here and visit our complaints page for further information.

CHS Alliance staff rules and regulations (extract)

Increasing recognition of CHS verification

Since its launch just over five years ago, the CHS has repeatedly been endorsed by NGOs and donors as essential for setting and maintaining quality...

CHS Guidance Notes and Indicators

The CHS Guidance Notes and Indicators supplement the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS). Aimed at all humanitarian actors...

CHS Alliance staff Code of Conduct

In keeping with its vision and values, the CHS Alliance is committed to maintaining the highest degree of ethical conduct amongst all its staff and...

CHS Alliance organisational values

There are five core values that guide the staff of the CHS Alliance. Together, we: Aim for excellence Work as a team Respect and care for each...

Training material – Quality & Accountability for the Syria Response – Arabic

The Quality and Accountability training package was developped specifically for the Syria response jointly between OCHA Turkey, IOM Turkey, CHS...

Verification Scheme FAQ

The following frequently asked questions have been developed to help organisations, interested parties and other stakeholders find out more about...

CHS Alliance scoring grid

This scoring grid is to be agreed upon and used by both the CHS Alliance and the Conformity Assessment Bodies offering certification and independent...

CHS self-assessment manual

The CHS self-assessment is integrated into the CHS Alliance’s Quality Assurance Verification Scheme. A CHS self-assessment is a two-year cycle of...

CHS Alliance Verification Scheme Overview

Verification is a structured, systematic process to assess the degree to which an organisation is working to achieve the CHS. The Quality...

Non-disclosure agreements – CHS Alliance Guidance Note

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

Training material – Quality and Accountability for the Syria response – English

The Quality and Accountability training package was developped specifically for the Syria response jointly between OCHA Turkey, IOM Turkey, CHS...

Webinar: leading aid organisations with care and compassion during the coronavirus (COVID-19)

The CHS Alliance has long been concerned about aid worker wellbeing because the actions of staff and volunteers underpin each of the 9 Commitments of...

CHS Alliance Strategy 2018-2021 (updated 2020)

This strategy is the guiding document for the secretariat of the CHS Alliance. The secretariat can only achieve the outcomes outlined in this...

CHS Alliance Membership Pack

The CHS Alliance is a global network committed to making aid work better for people. We have more than 200 member organisations and we encourage new...

2019 CHS Alliance Annual Report

Time: it flies. It seems only months ago that the launch of the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) was being celebrated...

IFRC Feedback Starter Kit online presentation

On 5 March 2020, the CHS Alliance hosted Viviane Fluck, IFRC and a representative of the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia) to present...

Accountable project management in 2020

CHS Alliance member Community World Service Asia (CWSA) recently revised their Quality and Accountability Booklet for Project Cycle...

CHS Alliance Management Response to Charter for Change open letter

The CHS Alliance was grateful to receive a letter from the Charter for Change at our recent General Assembly. The letter showed our common alignment...

Accountability toward individuals and the Core Humanitarian Standard

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

Working well? Aid worker well-being and how to improve it

Since July 2019 the CHS Alliance has been incubating the project design phase of the Initiative to Cultivate Caring, Compassionate Aid Organisations,...

Project FAIR: Fairness in Aid Remuneration

Download Within the international aid sector most organisations remunerate their national and international employees on different scales. The...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, September 2019

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 19 September 2019.

2019 Bangkok CHS Exchange Report

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) was launched in late 2014. It was a collaborative effort by our sector to address...

CHS Alliance Statutes

The present Statutes have been approved by the General Assembly on 20 November 2020.

2019 HHR Antwerp Report

Download 2019’s Humanitarian HR Conference (HHR2019) took place 2-4 October in Antwerp, Belgium. Focusing on the theme of trust, HHR2019 connected...

CHS Alliance Membership Flyer

The CHS Alliance is a global network of more than 170 humanitarian and development organisations committed to making aid work better for people.

2019 Management Response to the CHS Verification Scheme Review

In March 2019, CHS Alliance commissioned KPMG to conduct a review of its CHS Verification Scheme. The scheme created four years ago, offers four...

PSEAH Handbook Additional Resources

For those who would like to understand issues relating to PSEAH in more detail, we have put together a selection of particularly useful and relevant...

2019 Report of the Verification Scheme Review

KPMG was retained by the CHS Alliance to conduct a review of the existing Verification Scheme and make recommendations for the way ahead. The review...

The CHS in plain languages

These one-pagers set out the Nine Commitments of the CHS in multiple languages. It was developed by a working group including the expertise of...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, June 2019

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 25 June 2019.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, April 2019

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 11-12 April 2019.

PSEA Scoping Study – Enhancing Support to Members (January 2019)

Since February 2018, the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) has been at the top of the aid sector’s priorities. We carried...

2019 CHS Alliance Support to Complaints and Feedback Mechanisms Report

Commitment 5 of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) remains the lowest scoring commitment. To consider what this means for the Alliance and its...

CHS Alliance Extraordinary General Assembly Minutes, 3-7 December 2018

Minutes of the Extraordinary General Assembly Minutes of the CHS Alliance held on 3-7 May 2018 online.

CHS Alliance Second General Assembly Minutes, 10-17 May 2018

Minutes of the second General Assembly of the CHS Alliance held on 10-17 November 2018 online.

2016 Learning Event Presentations, Geneva

Over 160 humanitarian and development actors shared case studies and discussed ways to rethink humanitarian response at a learning event on the Core...

Quality and Accountability: It Is Not Enough to Do the Things Right, the Right Things Have to Be Done

CHS Alliance, together with the Sphere Project and Groupe URD, held a WHS 2016 side event hosted by the Swiss and Danish governments entitled,...

CHS Alliance Complaints Policy

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

CHS Alignment Statement Report for New Members

By joining the CHS Alliance, your organisation is taking a commitment to improve the quality and accountability of its programmes. In order to fulfil...

Application Form: Associate Membership

The offline version of the application form for associate membership. Please use the online form to apply, this version is only for reference. For...

Application Form: Full Membership

The offline version of the application form for full membership. Please use the online form to apply, this version is only for reference. For more...

E-Learning: Introduction to the CHS

Developed through a collaborative process with the Humanitarian Leadership Academy (HLA), Sphere, Groupe URD and IECAH, this course is available to...

2-days CHS Training Handbook

You can find, the 2024 CHS based, 2-days training handbook on the Core Humanitarian Standard, in English, here: Download the April 2024 2-days CHS...

2019 Amman CHS Exchange Report

More than four years after the launch in 2014, how is the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) driving change? How can...

FAQs on Accountability to Affected Populations

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

Guidelines for Investigations

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

HR Good Practice for Surge Response

The Transforming Surge Capacity Project, which launched in 2014, brought together 11 Start Network agencies with ActionAid leading. The aim of the...

Surge Capacity Research

The Transforming Surge Capacity Project, which launched in 2014, brought together 11 Start Network agencies with ActionAid leading. The aim of the...

This manual was designed to support HR managers and HR practitioners 1 who are setting up a new HR function within a programme (or organisation),...

Learning and Development Framework

Over recent years, key research has identified the need to strengthen the capacity and capability of INGOs and local organisations, and the people...

Handbook for Measuring HR Effectiveness

This HR Audit Handbook is designed to assess the effectiveness of an organisation’s human resources (HR) and people management policies and...

Staff Survey Toolkit

This toolkit is designed for organisations and departments undertaking employee surveys. The toolkit contains guidelines outlining the process to...

HR Metrics Dashboard

This toolkit enables human resources (HR) managers in the humanitarian and development sector to use HR metrics to support programme and operational...

Mindfulness and Wellbeing

Mindfulness and wellbeing have become terms that have become almost universal in their usage in everyday parlance. In recent years, there has been...

Coaching Toolkit

This toolkit has been designed to support you, as a coach. Over time, your own experiences will supplement what it contains. The toolkit should be...

Debriefing Toolkit for Humanitarian Workers

This manual gives guidelines for those who offer debriefing to people who work as humanitarian workers, including staff working in a relief or...

CHS Verification Framework

We are pleased to share with you the 2024 CHS verification framework aligned with the updated Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) in English and...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, February 2019

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 1 February 2019.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, March 2019

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, approval of 2018 accounts, 28 March 2019...

External evaluation of the CHS Alliance

The CHS Alliance is a membership organisation, headquartered in Geneva with a vision that people vulnerable to risk and disaster can influence and...

Core Humanitarian Competency Framework

This resource refers to the 2014 edition of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). A more accessible CHS will launch in March 2024. To find out...

2018 Learning Event Report, London

On Friday, 30th November 2018 CHS Alliance organised a Learning Event in partnership with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to...

2018 Humanitarian Accountability Report

On 1st October, the CHS Alliance, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), launched the 2018 edition of the...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, January 2018

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 19 January 2018...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, April 2018

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 26-27 April 2018.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, May 2018

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 17 May 2018.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, September 2018

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 27-28 September 2018.

2018 CHS Alliance Annual Report

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS), at times, seems to be everywhere. In the discussions on the Grand Bargain...

2017 HHR Asia Report, Bangkok

The 2017 edition of the Humanitarian HR Asia Conference, which took place on 27-29 November 2017, focused on the theme of building resilient...

2017 HHR Europe Report, Helsinki

The 2017 edition of the Humanitarian HR Europe Conference organised on 20-22 September in Helsinki, Finland, aimed to raise our awareness of the key...

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, January 2017

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 11 January 2017.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, April 2017

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 27-28 April 2017.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, June 2017

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 19 June 2017.

CHS Alliance Board Minutes, September 2017

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Board, 28-29 September 2017.

2017 CHS Alliance Annual Report

In 2017 the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) has gained significant ground as a common reference for accountability...

NGO checklist for developing or revising codes of conduct

This is a checklist for organisations developing or revising their code of conduct. This checklist includes critical questions to consider as an...

2016 CHS Alliance Annual Report

In many ways, 2016 has been a momentous year. We would like to take the time to reflect on the past year, and share with you some of our...

2016 HHR Africa Report, Nairobi

The 2016 edition of Humanitarian HR Africa Conference took place on 22 and 23 November 2016 exploring organisational resilience, which is the ability...

2016 HHR Europe Report, Barcelona

The 2016 edition of the Humanitarian HR Europe Conference was held in Barcelona, Spain, from 8-10 June 2016, and focused on Organisational...

2016 Learning Event Report, Geneva

The 2016 learning event titled “A disruptive standard? Rethinking humanitarian response with the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and...

2016 PSEA Conference Report

The 2016 protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) conference brought together over 40 participants in Bangkok, Thailand, on 5 September...

CHS Alliance Interim Board Minutes, January 2016

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Interim Board, 21 January 2016.

CHS Alliance Interim Board Minutes, April 2016

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Interim Board, 11-12 April 2016.

CHS Alliance Interim Board Minutes, July 2016

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Interim Board, 21 July 2016.

CHS Alliance Interim Board Minutes, September 2016

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Interim Board, 27-28 September 2016.

CHS Alliance First General Assembly Minutes, November 2016

Minutes of the first General Assembly of the CHS Alliance held on 3 November 2016 at the CICG, Geneva, Switzerland.

Core Humanitarian Standard 2014

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) was launched in 2014, and subsequently updated in 2024 (Link to new site). On this...

Effective Complaints Mechanisms

2015 CHS Alliance mission to Ukraine report

The CHS Alliance’s deployments team undertook a mission to Ukraine from 12-25 July 2015, to identify gaps and best practices in the response and...

2015 Sexual Violence Management Conference Report

The CHS Alliance held a successful conference on Sexual Violence Management for the Humanitarian sector in September 2015 that saw over 50 security,...

Guidance Note and Protocol on Publishing Complaints Metrics

As a sector, we are committed to accountability and transparency. When an organisation publishes data about the complaints they have received, they...

2015 HHR Asia Report, Kuala Lumpur

The 2015 edition of the Humanitarian HR Asia conference saw over 50 HR and people management specialists from 13 countries coming together to discuss...

2015 HHR Africa Report, Nairobi

The 2015 edition of the Humanitarian HR Africa Conference took place on 8 June in Nairobi, Kenya. 52 participants from 36 organisations representing...

2015 HHR Europe Report, Antwerp

Organised on 3-5 June in Antwerp, Belgium, the 2015 edition of the Humanitarian HR Europe Conference explored the theme of Innovative resourcing.

2015 Humanitarian Accountability Report

Bringing together 13 leading humanitarian thinkers to discuss challenges to greater humanitarian effectiveness, On the road to Istanbul, the 2015...

CHS Alliance Interim Board Minutes, July 2015

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Interim Board, 30 July 2015.

CHS Alliance Interim Board Minutes, August 2015

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Interim Board, 27 August 2015.

CHS Alliance Interim Board Minutes, October 2015

Minutes of the CHS Alliance Interim Board, 12-13 October 2015.

CHS Alliance Constitutive General Assembly Minutes, June 2015

Minutes of the Constitutive General Assembly of the CHS Alliance held on 9 June 2015 at the Mayfair Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.

2013 Humanitarian Accountability Report

Ten years ago, the humanitarian sector was just starting to acknowledge affected populations as a primary stakeholder, one which should be able to...

2011 Humanitarian Accountability Report

The 2011 Humanitarian Accountability Report describes progress towards achieving HAP’s vision of an accountable humanitarian system. The review...

2010 Humanitarian Accountability Report

The 2010 Humanitarian Accountability Report contains four chapters, as follows: CHAPTER 1: An Overview of Humanitarian Accountability in 2010. The...

2009 Humanitarian Accountability Report

The 2009 Humanitarian Accountability Report contains four chapters, as follows: Chapter 1: An Overview of Humanitarian Accountability in 2009. The...

2008 Humanitarian Accountability Report

Highlights The independent review of progress achieved in 2008 towards HAP’s vision of a humanitarian system championing the rights and the...

2007 Humanitarian Accountability Report

Highlights: The humanitarian system reports yet more progress in codifying accountability and quality standards and tools, but still...

2006 Humanitarian Accountability Report

The founders of HAP envisioned a humanitarian system that champions the rights and dignity of disaster survivors. The partnership was formed in 2003...

2005 Humanitarian Accountability Report

The Humanitarian Accountability Report 2005 has been produced for the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) to inform its members, donors and...

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Articles

Championing a Victim/Survivor-Centred Approach to Address SEAH in the Aid Sector

CHS Alliance is dedicated to transforming the aid system’s response to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) by shifting towards a...

How LM International is taking the CHS to the next level to improve global humanitarianism

In this new blog, Josephine shares how and why LM International is advocating strongly for the CHS to be adopted globally, especially by donors.

by Dr. Josephine Sundqvist,

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Membership

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,...

Communications consultant (six months)

We are looking for a talented communications professional with a proven track record of engaging audiences and driving impact in the aid sector. If...

Learning and Improving for Collective Quality and Accountability – meet our new Quality Assurance Manager

Do you have a favourite CHS Commitment? While all nine commitments are crucial to achieving the Standard, I must admit that mine is Commitment 1 of...

by Omolola Adewunmi, Quality Assurance Manager

Promoting accountable humanitarian action in India: Sphere India’s Commitment to contextualising the Core Humanitarian Standard

Sphere India is advancing its mission to improve the quality and accountability of humanitarian assistance across India by sharing the value of the...

by Mishel Mohan,

Rethinking Global Collaboration to Drive Accountability to Affected People

CHS Alliance and ICVA (International Council of Voluntary Agencies) are committed to uniting our global networks to spark the system shift needed to...

Enhancing accountability at a local level: how Community World Service Asia used the CHS to drive change across Asia-Pacific

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) embarked on a journey of transformation by undertaking the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) self-assessment for...

by Zainab Mir, Senior Program Officer

Local leaders closing the accountability gap in Palestine, Ethiopia & Bangladesh

Inspirational local organisations and community leaders are spearheading creative new ways to tackle sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Help a Child’s extra mile to become more accountable to children

CHS Alliance member Help a Child has undergone a remarkable transformation by embracing verifying against the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). To...

by Geert de Jong

Spreading the word – a global discussion on the value of the CHS

The Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) as, a set of commitments aid actors make to people in crisis, will only reach its intended impact if all...

Repositioning the Revolution: Redesigning the system from a people-centred perspective

Principled humanitarian action requires an aid system that can be held to account by people affected by crisis. While many individual organisations...

Growing network of female SEAH investigators in low-and middle-income countries

CHS Alliance’s Investigator Qualification Training Scheme (IQTS) is making significant strides in enhancing the sensitivity and cultural...

Stepping up women’s empowerment and accountability in Ethiopia

In a recent conversation with Martha Woyessa, Executive Director of CHS Alliance member Women Empowerment-Action, a pioneering feminist and women-led...

Misconduct Disclosure Scheme prevents hundreds of potential SEAH cases

The Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) has now blocked a record 385 hires from individuals with history of SEAH moving between aid organisations. The...

Bringing abuse to light: new evidence on how SEAH manifests in aid system

Sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) remains a key issue for those of us in leadership positions in the aid community. While –

by Anaïs Lafite, Humanitarian Adviser, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office & Gareth Price-Jones, Executive Secretary, Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response

Qatar Charity’s CHS verification insights

In the realm of humanitarian and development work, our goal is not only to provide support but also to ensure that every interaction is delivered...

by Hajar Abdulla Al-Hajri

Humanitarian Networks & Partnerships Weeks 2024

CHS Alliance is excited to run a series of gatherings at this year’s Humanitarian Networks & Partnerships Week (HNPW). Over the course of the...

Putting crisis affected people first: launch of a stronger CHS

In today’s increasingly precarious humanitarian environment, the need for a Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) centred on the expectations of the...

Challenging and changing safeguarding culture for good

As the outgoing UN champion on PSEAH, CHS Alliance member World Vision’s Andrew Morley shares his thoughts on putting victim/survivors at the very...

by Andrew Morley,

New report into how donors can “Fund Well”

I like to think I have a unique perspective when it comes to humanitarian financing. For one thing – I spent ten years working for a humanitarian...

by Melissa Pitotti

New working arrangement to bring closer collaboration between CHS Alliance and Sphere

Sphere and CHS Alliance will be co-locating from 1 March 2024 in a move designed to increase effectiveness and collaboration. Both network...

Igniting passion: a CHS journey shaped by experience

Do you remember the moment when your passion ignited, propelling you towards a cause greater than yourself? For me, it was a realisation that...

by Jordi Capdevila,

Guided by communities: World Renew’s CHS verification achievements

Interview with Carol Bremer-Bennett, US Executive Director, Barbara Kayanja, East Africa Regional Director, and Kohima Daring, Bangladesh’s...

Unleashing the potential for crisis-affected people to lead: launch of a stronger CHS

In anticipation of the official launch of the updated Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) on 21 March, we hear from the CHS Revision Steering Committee...

interview with Mihir R. Bhatt, All India Disaster Mitigation Institute & Matthew Carter, Depaul International

2024: A stronger CHS driven by crisis-affected people and communities

The CHS Alliance movement has entered a pivotal year. People and communities affected by crises have led the way with the global aid community to...

Living the CHS Commitments: Cordaid’s digital approach to communication, participation and feedback in Yemen

In an increasingly digitised world, humanitarian and development assistance can and should evolve to make the most of new opportunities. CHS Alliance...

by Inge Leuverink, Humanitarian Advisor, Cordaid & Pinar Okur, PhD, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Growth, Upinion

Accountability in action: building trust through responsive complaints in Yemen

Nabd Development and Evolution Organisation (NDEO) is a Yemeni organisation that aims to provide stabilisation in society through sustainable...

by Muna Alhammadi,

Meeting CHS Commitment 5: five best-practice tips when responding to complaints

People affected by crises have a fundamental right to voice their complaints to aid organisations and receive a timely and appropriate resolution to...

by Christine Williamson, Director, Duty of Care International & Coline Rapneau, PSEAH Manager, CHS Alliance

ACT Alliance’s innovative mentorship for greater CHS impact

ACT Alliance, a dedicated CHS Alliance member, has embarked on an innovative approach to support programme quality and accountability within its...

Survivor-Centered Training Scheme Strengthens Global Capacity for SEAH Investigations

CHS Alliance, in partnership with Humentum and with the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is...

Unlocking PSEAH success: the importance of private sector involvement

We know that sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) by aid workers occurs during the delivery of humanitarian support and development...

Interview with Xara Church (Mott MacDonald)

Voices from Southern & Eastern Africa shape the future of CHS

As part of the CHS Revision Global Consultation, I recently embarked on a journey that confirmed the incredible work being done by CHS Alliance...

by Bonaventure Sokpoh

Breaking the silence: Insights from Ethiopia, Palestine and Bangladesh in the fight against SEAH

In a world where humanitarian aid is meant to alleviate suffering and protect the vulnerable, a significant failing still lingers – the protection...

Using the CHS amid an emergency: Lessons from the Türkiye earthquakes

In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaras, Türkiye, on February 6, 2023, with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5, our world...

by Zeynep Sanduvaç

Building Foundation for Development Yemen’s CHS Verification journey: elevating accountability and collaboration

CHS Alliance member Building Foundation For Development (BFD) recently embarked on a transformative CHS journey – undertaking CHS self-assessment...

interview with Abdullah Al Kaff

Views from Latin America & the Caribbean on an updated CHS

Una versión en español de este blog está disponible a continuación. We recently had the privilege of leading and facilitating a CHS Revision...

by Aydée Marín Pallares, CHS Revision Steering Committee member & Philip Taminga CHS Revision Manager

Humanitarian organisations have an image problem. The Core Humanitarian Standard places our focus on people’s dignity.

Aid organisations have long been using images of people in crisis when they are at their most vulnerable. These images are intended to bring to life...

CHS self-assessment delivers impact for World Relief, delivering better help to people in crisis

Two years after their first verification process kick-started changes to how they work, CHS Alliance Member World Relief are seeing tangible results.

with Betsy Pipher

An updated, people-centred CHS: First draft released following extensive global consultations

Proposed updates to strengthen the commitments aid actors make to people facing crises have been published for feedback, as part of the drive to...

Embedding accountability: New CHS Alliance member Research and Development Foundation’s flood response in Pakistan

We hear from new member Research and Development Foundation (RDF) on their important work responding to the 2022 Pakistan floods, why they chose to...

Interview with Jamil Abro

CHS Alliance’s organisational culture events at HNPW: fostering collaboration for collective change

CHS Alliance held a series of sessions focused on organisational culture change in aid organisations as the Power & Culture theme lead at UN...

SEAH Harmonised Reporting Scheme: Enhancing Mercy Corps’ ability to deliver safe programming

We know that sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) by aid workers occurs during the delivery of humanitarian support and development...

Interview with Steve Linick & Laura Ragan (Mercy Corps)

A Journey of Growth and Accountability: TPO Uganda’s Path to CHS Certification

TPO Uganda is proud to have progressed from CHS Independent Verification to Certification. CHS Verification has already made a big difference over...

by Michael Muwairwa

Inaugural CHS regional revision workshop sets the stage for an updated Standard

On May 16 2023, an important gathering took place in Jordan to give feedback on the first version of the updated Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS).

Capturing the culture of Catholic Relief Services: 700 voices contribute to largest CHS Self-Assessment

CHS Alliance member Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.

Sustainable Development Foundation Yemen celebrates joining CHS Alliance

Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF), founded in Yemen in 2015, provides humanitarian support and assistance to the most vulnerable groups in...

by Mohamed Salim

CHS changemakers – how Naba’a improved its care of the environment by using the CHS

As part of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2022: Accountability is Non-Negotiable (HAR), Naba’a shared how they used the Core Humanitarian...

Building the professionalisation of SEAH investigations – a pioneering new course tested in Nairobi

“Equipped with this qualification my investigation will be more effective, meaning more perpetrators will be held to account. They’ll...

Removing the blindfold: Greater transparency on SEAH through harmonised reporting

To confront sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment (SEAH) by aid workers, we need to better understand the extent of the problem across the aid...

interview with Wonder Mufunda (CHA)

How Danish Red Cross improved their support to local and national partners by using the CHS

The Danish Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which assists people in need all over the world, aiming to...

Consultancy – CHS Verification Impact study project

Consultancy Purpose/objectives: To undertake the work required to roll-out the impact study of the CHS Self-Assessment, developed and managed by the...

Vacancy – Operations & Executive Administrator – ADM.202302

Are you keen to work for the humanitarian sector and make a difference? Do you enjoy administrative work and is it important for you to deliver good...

Vacancy – HR & Governance Manager – ADM.202301

Are you an experienced Human Resources professional willing to make a difference in the humanitarian sector? Do you enjoy working with Boards and...

Taking a victim centred approach to abuse in aid – the solution to silence?

Today, CHS Alliance, with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, launches a foundational paper which considers what a...

by Martina Broström

2023 – the turning point for creating an accountable aid system

As we start 2023, I’m excited to see increased momentum towards humanitarian assistance becoming a system where people affected by crisis...

Consultancy – IASC AAP Task Force

Supporting donors’ responsibility for greater accountability to people in crisis A meta review and synthesis of the current situation...

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022: inclusive humanitarian & development action

3 December marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)—a day to mobilise support for the rights of persons with disabilities...

Greater transparency on SEAH through harmonised reporting – views from two governmental donors

To confront sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment (SEAH) by aid workers, we need to better understand the extent of the problem across the aid...

interview with Elizabeth Pender (BHA) & Dr Kweku Ackom (FCDO)

CHS changemakers – how COAST Foundation became more inclusive by using the CHS

As part of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2022: Accountability is Non-Negotiable (HAR), COAST shared how they used the Core Humanitarian...

Rooting the CHS Revision in the voices of people affected by crisis

I was one of the first people to become a trainer on the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) back in 2015 in Bogotá,...

by Aydée Marin Pallares

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2022

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is a day for us to pause and acknowledge the dedication of human rights...

Consultancy: Development of Complaints Handling Guidance, Toolkit and E-learning Package

Consultancy opportunity to lead the design and development of the CHS Good Practice Complaints Handling Guidance, Toolkit and associated e-learning...

Operations and Executive Administrator

CHS Alliance is welcoming applications from people with strong administrative experience, and great people skills, to support the governance and...

Project Liaison Officer, Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT)

CHS Alliance is recruiting a Project Liaison Officer to support project implementation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). The Project...

Project Liaison Officer, Cox’s Bazar

CHS is recruiting a Project Liaison Officer to support project implementation in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The Project Liaison Officer will be...

Project Liaison Officer, Ethiopia

CHS Alliance is recruiting a Project Liaison Officer to support project implementation in Ethiopia. The Project Liaison Officer will be responsible...

Building trust through quality complaint systems

CHS Alliance is delighted to announce that we are launching a new project to develop a Complaints Handling Guideline and Toolkit.

Closing the accountability gap to better protect victims/survivors of SEAH (PSEAH 2.0) – Project

The sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) of crisis-affected people by aid workers is among the worst failures of accountability in our...

Aid system not meeting its commitments to people in crisis

The aid system is falling short when it comes to meeting our core accountability commitments to people affected by crisis. That is the stark finding...

Demanding Greater Accountability – response to the latest New Humanitarian story on sexual abuse and exploitation in South Sudan

CHS Alliance is dismayed to read the reports by the New Humanitarian of sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment (SEAH) committed by humanitarian...

A response to the 2022 State of the Humanitarian System Report

The finding of “business-as-usual-but-little-improvement” in the State of the Humanitarian System (SOHS) is not good...

Closing a persistent accountability gap – Danish Refugee Council launches new Community Feedback Mechanism Guidance

Of the Nine Commitments of the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS), Commitment 5 on welcoming and addressing complaints...

by Joanna Nevill

HR professionals as enablers and accelerators of culture change

Humanitarian Human Resources 2022 conference (HHR) keynote, Katy shares select insights from last month’s conference on how to make a...

How the CHS helped Takaful Al Sham better protect the people they serve from exploitation or abuse

Ahead of the launch of the 2022 Humanitarian Accountability Report: Accountability is Non-Negotiable in September; we are sharing an exclusive...

The Four Turnings – Why HRs time to lead is written in the cycles of change

Humanitarian HR 2022 conference opening keynote speaker Perry Timms shares his reality check of the big changes facing HR workers in 2022 and beyond.

CHS Revision consultations starts: organisations have your say

Standards need to be reviewed regularly to adapt to a changing environment, drawing on learning and new developments and innovations. The CHS is no...

How to get the horse inside the city gates: supporting teams hesitant about the CHS

CHS Alliance member Tearfund became CHS certified in 2016. Ever since, we have been grappling with how to make the most of the Standard throughout...

by Marina Kobzeva

Making sense of the data: an important tool to strengthen accountability

Data helps provide evidence of change, and we need more evidence of what is working and what isn’t to bring about the changes needed for greater...

by Catherine Skehan

Updating and improving our Commitments to people affected by crises – launch of the CHS Revision process

In May, as part of the Humanitarian Networks and Partnership Weeks, CHS Alliance, Sphere and Groupe URD officially launched a consultation process to...

by Aninia Nadig & Philip Tamminga

Misconduct Disclosure Scheme Coordinator – Vacancy Reference MDS.202201

Are you a dynamic professional able to bring opportunities together to deliver results? Are you curious about alternative or unconventional...

Director of Policy, Impact and Advocacy – Vacancy Reference VER.202203

The need for greater accountability to people affected by crises has been recognised for many years, and there has been an increased effort by many...

Putting survivors first: new guidance for SEAH investigations released

Today, CHS Alliance released its new Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Investigation Guide: Recommended Practice for the Humanitarian...

Consultancy – IASC AAP Results Tracker Data Support

CHS Alliance is looking for a consultant to map, collect and visualise the data flows required to deliver the IASC AAP Results Tracker by October...

Embedding accountability from the outset

Wherever conflict or catastrophe strike, they are met with the humanitarian urge to respond – with compassion, with care and with solidarity.

Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow: women led disaster preparedness & crises resilience

To mark 2022’s International Women’s Day, CHS Alliance member All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) share the interlinked and...

by Ms. Pallavi Rathod

Breaking the Silence: raising our voices to fight sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment of women and girls in Palestine

WCLAC is a Palestinian feminist organisation that knows all too well the work that goes into protecting women and girls from abuse and violence.

by Randa Siniora

Building our power to take the lead – CHS verification & local leadership

Covid has led us all to imagine new ways of working to protect the dignity, rights, safety and health of people affected by crises. As countries...

by Rehema Kajungu

Delivering our Commitments: Making the CHS more accessible and relevant for crisis-affected people and communities

Seven years ago, the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) was launched, marking a major milestone for the aid sector.

Consultation – SEAH harmonised reporting framework

In 2021, CHS Alliance and the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR), together with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth &

Verification Data Officer/Manager – VER.202201

Are you a dynamic professional able to bring opportunities together to deliver results? Are you curious about alternative or unconventional...

Putting the plan into action – War Child Holland’s CHS change champions

At the end of 2021, War Child Holland looked back on our year-long accountability journey striving to better meet the Commitments of the Core...

by Hana Abul Husn

How the safeguarding Resource and Support Hub is supporting small organisations to make aid safer and meet the CHS Commitments

Lola Adeola-Oni is the Chair of the National Expert Board of Nigeria Resource and Support Hub and is sharing her reflections on how the Resource...

by Lola Adeola-Oni

2022 – making accountability to people in crises a reality

Whoever you are, wherever you are, in whatever circumstances you find yourself, everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity and to...

The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector

It is common these days within aid organisations to hear the words ‘culture change’ as a way of addressing burnout and problems of abuse and...

by Dr. Gemma Houldey

A year of bringing the CHS Closer to the people we serve

Over the course of 2021, Bonaventure Sokpoh, CHS Alliance Senior Advisor on CHS and Outreach, partnered with our national members to co-organise a...

Meet Lola Gostelow, incoming Chair of the CHS Alliance Board

The General Assembly has endorsed independent candidate Lola Gostelow as the next Chair of the CHS Alliance. Lola spoke with members during a virtual...

Consultancy – Human Resources Advisor

CHS Alliance is looking for a dynamic consultant with expertise in Human Resources to support the Alliance develops its HR processes with a specific...

Consultancy – Developing e-learning on PSEAH index

The CHS Alliance is looking for a consultant to support the development of a 45-minute PSEAH Index e-learning (Protection from Sexual Exploitation,...

Increasing trust through applying the CHS in Yemen

After speaking at the CHS Alliance and Mavi Kalem hosted workshop for Turkish NGOs on “Bringing the CHS closer to the people we serve”, I...

by Abdullah Al Kaff, Partnership Officer

100 organisations now part of the Inter-agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to stop abusers remaining in the sector

A key way to tackle unacceptable and preventable incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (SEAH) is to stop an abuser’s ability...

by Inez Książek

CHS Revision Manager – GOV.202103

We are looking for a passionate, collaborative facilitator with excellent project management skills to manage the Core Humanitarian Standard on...

Lead writer – Humanitarian Accountability Report

CHS Alliance is looking for a writer for the 2022 Humanitarian Accountability Report (consultant role) to lead the creation of a compelling...

Director of Programmes – Vacancy Reference GOV.202102

CHS Alliance is looking for a dynamic facilitator to be our new Director of Programmes. This senior leader will build synergies, support and motivate...

Call for Expressions of Interest to join the CHS Steering Committee

We are about to embark on the first revision of the CHS, to ensure it stays fit for purpose to improve support for people and communities affected by...

Fundraising & Donor Coordination Manager – Vacancy Reference GOV.202101

Are you an experienced professional in grant management and donor relations with strong communication skills? Do you have successful records in...

Four ways to lead with care and compassion as Covid continues

The past 18 months have seen leaders and managers grapple with the health and safety of their staff in ways they haven’t needed to before, which...

by Christine Williamson

We need a Power Connector: towards a common approach for achieving our goals with integrity

Those of us who work for NGOs need a common language and framework to understand and address power holistically. Participants at the upcoming CHS...

by Alex Cole-Hamilton

Transforming our experience of power, culture and well-being in aid organisations

Some of you might be experiencing this as the season of rentrée, or back to school. My 7-year-old son reluctantly returned to his school, and my...

by Melissa Pitotti

Power & solidarity in humanitarian governance – what aid workers really think

We conducted a survey of humanitarian workers on issues related to power in humanitarian governance. We were particularly interested in probing the...

by Michael Barnett, Alexandra Vandermoss-Peeler & Smruti Patel

World Humanitarian Day 2021 – time for sustainable aid?

To mark World Humanitarian Day 2021‘s theme of the human cost of the climate crisis CHS Alliance revisit Elizabeth Riley’s thought piece...

with Elizabeth Riley

Vacancy – CHS Alliance Strategy Support

The CHS Alliance is looking for a Strategy Support Consultant to support the CHS Alliance in the development of the updated Strategy 2022 – 2025...

DirectAid is the first organization in Kuwait recognized for excellence (3 Star -2021) from “EFQM”

Today in (June 8, 2021) DirectAid held a ceremony to announce the assessment outcomes of the institutional excellence from the European Foundation...

Listening matters. Accountability and action matter, too

Listening sessions. Open door offices. Safe spaces for brave statements. These are ubiquitous in INGO staff internal communications plans in 2021.

by Rachel Unkovic

A participatory approach to agreed behaviour – Caritas Homa Bay’s new code of conduct

To mark the launch of the new staff code of conduct guidance, we interview Alliance members Caritas Homa Bay, Kenya to hear about their experience...

Talking about the Role of Leadership in Closing the Accountability Gap

Leaders from more than 20 local, national, and international NGOs in Cox’s Bazar came together for a first dialogue to exchange about their role in...

by Coline Rapneau

Humanitarian organizations won’t listen to groups on the ground, in part because of institutionalized racism

My current research examines the power and inequality in the humanitarian architecture, produced by the entanglement of history, discourses and...

by Michael N. Barnett

CHS Exchange – Online Conference Manager

The CHS Alliance is looking for an Online Conference Manager (consultant role) to support the organisation of the CHS Exchange Online Conference,...

Demands for accountability to people affected by crisis could not be louder

When was the first time you realised that the humanitarian world did not always live up to the standards that you expected? I remember mine as...

by Catherine (Cat) Skehan,

Consultancy – Review of remuneration framework

The CHS Alliance is looking for a provider to help them review the organisation’s remuneration framework. If you are interested to know more...

Meet the experts guiding the CHS Verification Scheme

114 organisations are now verified against the CHS. This shows the incredible commitment made by many organisations to be more accountable to people...

Bringing the CHS Closer to the People we Serve: A stimulating online workshop on 15 April 2021 with Pakistan’s national organisations

“We need to look at localisation in a broader sense in terms of exchange of knowledge & having our own philosophy, and not just in an...

by Bonaventure Sokpoh

Spotlight on people management tools: Core Humanitarian Competency Framework

Competent and well-managed staff are at the heart of an accountable and effective organisation, therefore they need to be equipped with the right...

Call for HHR2021 session proposals – navigating accountability in HR

Session proposals are being accepted until 30 April 2021. Submit your session proposal now for CHS Alliance’s 2021 annual Humanitarian HR...

CHS Alliance response to Emergency Relief Coordinator’s proposal on Independent Commission for Voices in Crisis (ICVIC)

CHS Alliance welcomes the Emergency Relief Coordinator’s call for the humanitarian sector to be more accountable to people affected by crisis,...

Project Manager position (PROG.202101) – Closing the Accountability Gap to Better Protect Survivors/Victims of SEAH

Are you passionate about improving systems and processes to better protect people receiving humanitarian aid? Do you have excellent project...

Christian Aid: Addressing race in Humanitarian and Development Organisations

The following blog is an excerpt from the presentation of Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, CEO of Christian Aid, in the 3 December 2020 ICVA-CHS Alliance-PHAP...

interview with Amanda Khozi Mukwashi

Bringing the CHS closer to the people we serve – how we plan to increase engagement with national actors

In my experience of working with humanitarian and development organisations for 20+ years in countries including Chad, Niger, Mali, Democratic...

by Bonaventure Sokpoh

CHS Alliance welcomes new members to its Board

Following the General Assembly’s vote in online elections, and subsequent Zoom meeting on 29 March 2021, CHS Alliance is pleased to announce the...

Consultancy to advance the development of a standardised data collection and reporting mechanism on SEA for aid organisations

The CHS Alliance is looking for a consultant to advance the development of a standardised data collection and reporting mechanism on sexual...

Raising the standard of safeguarding investigations in the aid sector

New Investigation Qualification Training Scheme announced “Robust investigations into cases of sexual exploitation and abuse are key to catching...

Vacancy – Training Coordinator (TRA.202101)

EXTENSION of DEADLINE – 29 MARCH 2021 Are you passionate about sharing learning and experience with others? Have you worked as a...

Independent Verification – driving change throughout a global organisation

Why did PLAN International decide to start CHS Independent Verification? PLAN International has long been involved in the development of the Core...

interview with Emma Kelleher

Call for applications: HHR2021 Steering Committee Members

CHS Alliance is recruiting individuals to join the HHR2021 Steering Committee. As with every Humanitarian Human Resources (HHR) conference, we are...

Leading well? Aid leaders reflect on staff well-being and organisational culture

At the end of the tumultuous year of 2020, CHS Alliance and ICVA invited 15 humanitarian leaders from among their shared members to participate in a...

Aide et Action’s first quality self-assessment

After Aide et Action joined the CHS Alliance, in June 2020 – and aligned its quality policy with the fundamental standard of quality and...

by Jérôme Geoffroy, International Quality Director

The top 6 take-aways from our recent regional conversations about well-being

In September we published a call to participate in contextualised, cross-sector conversations as part of the CHS Alliance Initiative to Cultivate...

by Melissa Pitotti

Addressing the aid sector’s accountability gap for survivors and victims of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

The Netherlands Government, CHS Alliance and the International Institute of Social Studies are working together on a three-year project to enable...

2021 – the year to raise the standard for those we work for

I’d like to wish you a happy new year, and share my deep-rooted hope that in 2021, things can and will be better. We believe this at the CHS...

Rooted in the local: Syria Relief to mark 10th anniversary responding to humanitarian crisis in Syria

Over the last 10 years CHS Alliance member Syria Relief has become a global leader in providing aid throughout the Syrian conflict. However, it is...

by Charles Lawley,

COVID-19 and the Core Humanitarian Standard: How to meet our CHS commitments in the coronavirus pandemic

As the world responds to the devastating global outbreak of COVID-19, it is vital that we keep the views, rights and dignity of people at the...

CHS Alliance response to IDC report on tackling sexual exploitation and abuse within the aid sector

The CHS Alliance welcomes the UK International Development Committee’s report “Progress on tackling the sexual exploitation and abuse of aid...

CHS Commitments 4 & 5 – adapting feedback and complaints mechanisms: looking beyond the covid-19 pandemic

Following on from a Global CHS Exchange workshop on digital complaint mechanisms, CHS Alliance member World Vision programme staff and...

by Mayumi Fuchi (University of Birmingham) and Jessica Al Ghoryeb, Manisha Paudel, Catherine Green, Daniel Stevens (World Vision International)

People are talking about what used to be off limits…

The Initiative to Cultivate Caring, Compassionate Aid Organisations (CCCAO) has been connecting to and supporting several conversations about aid...

by Melissa Pittoti

Announcing four new CHS Alliance members

Joining the CHS Alliance this month are four organisations committed to making aid work better from South Sudan, Canada, Kenya and Italy. Find out a...

Solidar Suisse and the quest to enhance accountability

Throughout much of 2019 and 2020, Solidar Suisse conducted a validated CHS self-assessment. While roll out of the implementation plan is ongoing,...

by Lukas Frohofer

Consultancy – support to remote CHS training of trainers workshop (French speaking)

CHS Alliance is looking for a French-speaking consultant to support a remote Training of Trainers on the CHS the week of 11 January 2021. The...

Use the CHS for all it’s worth

Ground Truth Solutions wrote a new strategy this year based on the notion that for too long, the humanitarian sector has invoked variations on the...

by Nick van Praag

Is the pandemic a portal?

At the recent Healing Solidarity conference I was struck by Swatee Deepak when she talked about the “pandemic as a portal”, a phrase introduced...

by Melissa Pittoti

Preparation for donor assessments: how CHS self-assessment helped pave the way

Italian-based international aid organisation and CHS Alliance member Cesvi started its CHS self-assessment process in 2018. To hear how the process...

Facing the facts of where we are at: internal global review highlighting obstacles and opportunities for the Danish Refugee Council to address Commitment 5 of the CHS

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) country offices have, where possible, implemented Feedback and Complaint Response Mechanisms (FCRMs) that are...

by Joanna Nevill, Global Accountability and Participation Advisor, DRC HQ and Charlotte Brown, Complaints Response Mechanism Officer, DRC Sudan

CHS and its role in protecting people from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) makes Nine Commitments to people affected by crisis, letting them know...

Accountability to people affected by crisis at the heart of the British Red Cross

As he takes up the role of CHS Alliance Interim Chair, we hear from Robert Sweatman, Director of Performance and Accountability at Alliance member...

interview with Robert Sweatman

CHS Story of Change: Nabaa’s commitment to communication and feedback (Commitment 4)

In the run up to the launch of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020, we have spoken to different organisations who have achieved certification...

CHS story of change: Islamic Relief Worldwide’s commitment to promoting a culture of learning (Commitment 7)

In the run up to the launch of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020, we have spoken to different organisations who have achieved certification...

by Mayumi Fuchi (interview)

CHS story of change: Christian Aid’s commitment to good people management (Commitment 8)

In the run up to the launch of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020, we have spoken to different organisations who have achieved certification...

by Nick Guttmann (interview)

CHS story of change: Tearfund’s commitment to aid coordination and complementarity (Commitment 6)

In the run up to the launch of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020, we have spoken to different organisations who have achieved...

by Marina Kobzeva

CHS story of change: Norwegian Church Aid’s commitment to resilience (Commitment 3)

In the run up to the launch of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020, we have spoken to different organisations who have achieved...

by Dagfinn Høybråten

CHS story of change: Finn Church Aid’s commitment to safe programme design (Commitment 2)

In the run up to the launch of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020, we have spoken to different organisations who have achieved certification...

by Anna Muinonen

CHS Story of Change: International Blue Crescent’s commitment to appropriate aid (Commitment 1)

In the run up to the launch of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020, we have spoken to different organisations who have achieved certification...

by Nalan Üker (interview)

CHS Story of Change: CAFOD’s partnership model (Commitment 5)

In the run up to the launch of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020, we have spoken to different organisations who have achieved certification...

by Richard Dominy

Rescue Academy: The International Rescue Committee’s New Intranet Learning Site

After going through the CHS self-assessment process, CHS Alliance member IRC share their work towards meeting Commitments 7 and 8 of the CHS;

by Deirdre McCormick

HHR2020 – more vital than ever before

Previous Humanitarian HR conference attendee Aimee sent us this video message on why fellow humanitarian people management leaders and experts should...

by Aimee Wielechowski

Celebrating language skills, acknowledging challenges, and sharing resources: Lessons from a language survey at GOAL

Clear information in a language and format that is easily accessible to people is crucial in a humanitarian crisis. The importance of health-related...

by Dr Wine Tesseur

Announcing two new CHS Alliance members – June 2020

Joining the CHS Alliance this month are two new organisations committed to making aid work better from the United States and France.

Addressing racism in aid

In recent weeks Black Lives Matters (BLM) protests have reverberated around the world. While the BLM movement has been active for years, the...

CHS Story of Change: Medair’s environmental commitment (Commitment Nine)

In the run up to the launch of the Humanitarian Accountability Report 2020, we have spoken to different organisations who have achieved certification...

by Andrew Parris (interview)

Bad humanitarian or human being?

In the first of June’s two Embodying Change podcasts, Fifty Shades of Aid founder Imogen Wall draws our attention to the huge amount of...

Launch of the new CHS Verification Scheme & joining forces

The CHS Alliance delivered the new CHS Verification Scheme to our members on 9 June 2020. After many months of consultation and discussion with our...

Checks and balances – ZOA’s certified commitment to crisis-hit communities

As the first ever Dutch NGO to achieve certification against the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), we couldn’t wait to hear ZOA’s thoughts on the...

Helping your people cope with COVID

In the past month we’ve launched a new podcast as part of our Cultivating Caring and Compassionate Aid Organisations Initiative. Embodying Change...

by Mary Ann Clements

Humanitarian Human Resources conference goes virtual in 2020

As we continue to monitor evolving factors related to the COVID-19 outbreak, CHS Alliance has been giving a lot of thought on how these might affect...

360°degree accountability in Ethiopia

CHS Alliance member SOS Sahel Ethiopia has been working on disaster risk reduction, emergency relief, rehabilitation and community-based development...

Addressing safeguarding and SEAH in the COVID-19 response

Lucy Heaven Taylor and Corinne Davey are specialists for GCPS, a consulting firm that specialises in safeguarding staff, children and communities.

Five vibrant CHS Alliance member only Communities of Practice

Our members are a powerful movement for change – 200+ organisations all committed to the CHS. This is a powerful community when we can connect...

Direct Aid: a rapid response to COVID-19 across Africa

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in many African countries, with several reporting multiple outbreaks. As precautions, such as air closures and curfews,...

Welcome to our three newest members

Joining the CHS Alliance this month are three organisations committed to making aid work better from Kenya and the Netherlands.

Emergency ethics and accountable aid: how the global COVID-19 response must put people first

The world is experiencing a global humanitarian emergency. Social distancing measures and travel restrictions imposed to fight COVID-19 have...

Cover-up culture or a protection tool? The use of NDAs in the humanitarian sector

The conviction of Harvey Weinstein in front of a New York Court has thrown the use of “non-disclosure agreements” back into view. The disgraced...

The new verification scheme is coming

Our governing board recently met and approved our plans for an updated CHS Quality Assurance Verification Scheme. What difference will this new...

by Adrien Muratet

Plain language versions of the Core Humanitarian Standard Commitments

CHS Alliance, Translators without Borders and many Alliance members have created new translations of the plain-language version of the Core...

Non Disclosure Agreements – we would love to hear your views

Non Disclosure Agreements or NDAs are used in the business and non-governmental sectors to protect sensitive information and commercial interests.

EFICOR’s eye-opening certification experience

Indian NGO The Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief (EFICOR) has now been certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality...

Towards Grand Bargain Commitment 4: harmonising donor assessments & CHS Verification

In recent years, it would seem that demands on partnership capacity assessments and due diligence processes have increased, especially with the...

2020 – the year of making aid work better

CHS Alliance Executive Director Tanya Wood looks ahead at our upcoming highlights.

The IFRC feedback starter kit – templates, tips and tricks for all feedback fans

The recent adoption of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent’s Resolution on Movement-wide Commitments and minimum actions for Community...

by Dr. Viviane Fluck

UNICEF first UN agency to benchmark against the CHS

To celebrate UNICEF’s trailblazing Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) benchmarking, we interview Charles-Antoine Hofmann to hear what inspired this,...

by Charles-Antoine Hofmann

Are you a verification champion?

As the CHS Alliance grows, I’ve seen more and more of our verified members being bold, being open and being true champions of the CHS in their...

by Adrien Muratet

Care and compassion: be well to serve well

In September 2019 we announced our new initiative, cultivating caring and compassionate aid organisations. Find out why we’ve decided to focus...

CHS Alliance member hosts successful global Q&A training

Building on the October 2019 Training of the Trainer on Quality and Accountability for the Syria response, CHS Alliance member Community World...

Reflections on self-assessment from Somalia

World Vision Somalia recently undertook verification against the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). Brian Mathews Jumbe, Quality Assurance &

CHS Alliance advocates for protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment at Bond Safeguarding for Development Conference in the UK

The CHS Alliance works with our members and other experts across the sector, encouraging organisations to have the systems in place to protect people...

Clearer CHS Alliance Statutes text approved by majority at General Assembly

The CHS Alliance is pleased to announce the approval of several amendments to our Statutes at the 2019 General Assembly. These amendments increase...

The CHS Alliance welcomes its new governing board

The CHS Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of seven newly elected board members and reappointment of Robert Tickner as the CHS Alliance...

Q&A training brings together all parts of the Syrian humanitarian response

Earlier this month the CHS Alliance co-hosted an OCHA Turkey led initiative to promote greater accountability in the Syrian humanitarian response.

Islamic Relief Worldwide marks three years of CHS certification

Islamic Relief received CHS certification in 2017 and we are delighted that they have maintained it for the third year! To celebrate this...

How does your data compare?

So you’ve done your CHS verification assessment, but what’s next? How do you get the most out of the findings? Well, our new software...

by Adrien Muratet

The Core Humanitarian Standard Commitments are now available in plain English

By Kate Murphy (Plain-language Adviser, TWB) and Ellie Kemp (Head of Crisis Response, TWB). Translators without Borders (TWB) helps its humanitarian...

A Groundbreaking Model: Strengthening Accountability in Chad

In a tucked-away country, often out of sight of international media not one but three major humanitarian responses are underway. With the continued...

Mind the Mind – A Turning Point for those Affected by Crises

The inaugural International Conference on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Crisis Situations, held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, marks...

by Jules L. Frost

Cultivating compassion on World Mental Health Day

We sit down with David to find out what the development, humanitarian and global health sectors can learn from each other to make our workplaces more...

by David Addiss

Off the Radar: Are there quality and accountability blind spots in the humanitarian sector?

This month, Alix Wadeson, an independent consultant supporting organisations with CHS framework advice and conducting self-assessments, shines a...

by Alix Wadeson

SCHR’s Misconduct Disclosure Scheme

We hear from Gareth Price-Jones, Executive Secretary of the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR) about the new Inter-Agency Misconduct...

by Gareth Price-Jones

Be the change: A new initiative to cultivate caring and compassionate aid organisations

In July 2019 a series of CHS Alliance focus group discussions found that the aid sector is in urgent need – itself – of aid. Aid workers are...

Breaking down geographic & organisational barriers – the CHS Exchange

We at the CHS Alliance are getting excited for our next CHS Exchange. Five years on from the launch of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS),...

Introduction to Duty of Care

We all know that Duty of Care and Wellbeing have been identified as increasingly important issues across our sector; yet as we work out how to...

Strengthening Humanitarian Accountability in Chad

A new report from the CHS Alliance and Ground Truth Solutions reveals that in Chad only 8% of people affected by crisis surveyed believe that aid...

ActionAid First Group to Achieve Independent Verification

As our first ever member organisation to become independently verified as a group, we were lucky enough to hear from dedicated staff from across 16...

Women Humanitarians Demand Equity Now

This World Humanitarian Day our Vice Chair, Shama Mall, calls for aid organisations to support their female staff to carry out their vital work.

A Donor Looks at Translating Accountability to Affected Populations Commitments into Reality

Linda Öhman, Senior Program Manager at Sida, shares her experiences of accountability to affected populations in practice in Chad, following a joint...

Member of the Month: International Rescue Committee

This month we are celebrating the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) great work on building accountability in their Pakistani projects. We chat...

Amman CHS Exchange: Conference on global standard to make aid work better

One hundred participants from more than 15 countries gathered in Jordan yesterday for the start of a one and a half-day conference dedicated to...

Member of the Month: Action Against Hunger

A blog by Hannah Wichterich, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Advisor sharing what ACF has learnt from their self-assessments...

How Can We Make the Verification Scheme More Fit for Purpose?

In March this year the CHS Alliance commissioned KPMG to conduct a review of our CHS verification scheme. The scheme created four years ago, offers...

by Adrien Muratet

Through the Eyes of Affected People: a Systematic Investment in Accountability Is Needed

This morning CHS Alliance Executive Director Tanya Wood moderated one of the first panel discussions of the ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment held...

CHS Alliance Statement in Response to UK Charity Commission and Independent Inquiry Reports into Oxfam

The reports released this week from the UK Charity Commission and the Independent Inquiry into Oxfam provide a sobering reminder of the critical work...

Overcoming the Cost Barrier, How the HQAI Subsidy Fund Increases National NGO Access to Audit Services

“HQAI’s Subsidy Fund has already allowed seven national organisations to become independently verified or certified. I believe it is a great...

by Pierre Hauselmann

Medair Achieves Certification Against the Core Humanitarian Standard

We are pleased to announce that Medair, a CHS Alliance member and a Swiss humanitarian organisation to relieve human suffering in some of the...

Member of the Month: the Disasters Emergency Committee

This month we are putting the Disasters Emergency Committee in the spotlight. The CHS Alliance and DEC have been closely working together to promote...

The Self-Assessment, a “Heavy Exercise” or a Helpful Investment for the Future?

In this blog we want to challenge an assumption often raised by organisations as an obstacle for starting the verification exercise: the perceived...

by Adrien Muratet

“Accountability is Everyone’s Responsibility” – Coffee with Carine Nzeuyang

Carine has led the design and implementation of perception surveys undertaken by Ground Truth Solutions in collaboration with the CHS Alliance to...

Strengthening Accountability in Chad

In a tucked away country, often out of sight of international media (6th under-reported humanitarian crises of 2018 according to CARE...

by Alexandra Warner, Guillaume Pocard

Exploring the CHS Verification Data: Why Commitment 5 is Scoring Low?

In recent months we have communicated several times about an important finding from our verification data: commitment 5 of the Core Humanitarian...

by Adrien Muratet

Important Updates on the CHS Verification Scheme

The Core Humanitarian Standard was launched four years ago. We have learnt a lot from the verification processes organisations have undertaken to...

Member of the Month: The Adventist Development and Relief Agency

In February, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) joined the CHS Alliance as its fifth global network, bringing 120 country offices as...

Member of the Month: ActionAid International Kenya

This month we are putting ActionAid International Kenya in the spotlight. As a founding member of the CHS Alliance, ActionAid International Kenya...

“Affected Communities Are the Ones Who Truly Understand Their Own Needs” – Coffee with Denis Orioki, ActionAid International Kenya’s Capacity Building Coordinator

Denis Orioki has been working for Action Aid International Kenya since 2012. Currently, he supports five Local Rights Programmes (LRPs) in Khwisero...

Improving Accountability by Empowering Women and Vulnerable Communities

As a strong supporter of the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS), ActionAid International Kenya has a robust and thorough...

“Women need to be empowered to make their voices heard” – Coffee with Makena Mwobobia, ActionAid International Kenya’s Executive Director

Makena Mwobobia is the Executive Director of Action Aid International Kenya and recently joined CHS Alliance’s Board. With over 25 years of...

Debriefing toolkit for humanitarian workers

Nowadays many humanitarian workers request debriefing. However, when debriefers do not follow appropriate steps, debriefing may be ineffective or...

by Debbie Hawker

“Shelter is more than just walls and roofs, it is vital for maintaining human dignity” – Coffee with Jose De La Cruz, ShelterBox

A recently published research report by ShelterBox found that in 2017, only one in five families worldwide received appropriate shelter support. We...

The CHS becomes a foundation chapter of the Sphere Handbook

On 6 November Sphere launched the new edition of its flagship publication, the Sphere Handbook. In this latest version, The Core Humanitarian...

Member of the Month: Community World Service Asia

This month we are putting Community World Service Asia (CWSA) in the spotlight. As a founding member of the CHS Alliance and a member of ACT...

“The CHS is increasingly in our DNA” – Coffee with Rizwan Iqbal, CWSA’s Quality and Accountability (Q&A) Specialist

Rizwan Iqbal has been working with the non-governmental sector and businesses in Asia and Europe for over 12 years. Currently, he is spearheading...

“We have incorporated the CHS at all stages of our emergency work” – Coffee with Shahzado, Emergencies Programme Manager with HelpAge

Shahzado Khaskheli is an Emergencies Programme Manager with HelpAge International. He participated in a workshop hosted by CWSA on the Core...

Cash for food in Afghanistan – CWSA boosts Commitment 5 of the CHS through continuous involvement of returnee community

Since January 2017 Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has supported 1,900 returnee Afghan families by virtue of three small-scale emergency...

Mainstreaming PSEA in the employment cycle

At the Safeguarding Summit our Executive Director, Tanya Wood, participated in a panel on preventing transgressors entering the aid sector by looking...

CHS Alliance supports CAFOD’s learning culture

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) is a standard that requires constant improvement. It pushes for change, not only...

Safeguarding Summit – Putting People First: highlights and take-aways

At the Safeguarding Summit our Executive Director, Tanya Wood, participated in a panel on preventing transgressors entering the aid sector by looking...

CHS Alliance takes part in the 20th Humanitarian Congress Berlin

On 4-5 October, the CHS Alliance took part in the 20th Humanitarian Congress in Berlin. Focusing on topical issues such as migration and the...

2018 World Mental Health Day: The Wellbeing Cluster – embodying CHS commitments, delivering locally

In this blog, celebrating the World Mental Health Day, Hiten reports on the developments around the Wellbeing Cluster in the Philippines and on its...

by Hitendra Solanki

How change happens in the humanitarian sector – CHS Alliance launches flagship report

On 1st October the CHS Alliance, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), launched the 2018 edition of the...

People management at the CHS Alliance – Coffee with Samantha Wakefield

In the past two years Samantha Wakefield led the Alliance’s people management and HR initiatives, and recently many of them have come to an...

What is inclusive security risk management?

In this blog, Adelicia summarises the main findings and recommendations of EISF’s new research paper, which explores the security needs of aid...

by Adelicia Fairbanks

Running a coaching network – Coffee with Lauren McWilliams

Lauren McWilliams joined the CHS Alliance in July 2016 as the Alliance’s Events and Projects Officer responsible for managing the coaching...

by Lauren McWilliams

Do languages have a low priority in development work?

Listening Zones, a recently ended research project found that language issues do not tend to have a high profile within I/NGOs. We had a coffee with...

Member of the Month: Islamic Relief Worldwide

This month we are putting Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) in the spotlight. As a founding member of the CHS Alliance and one of the largest Muslim...

Islamic Relief Bangladesh: learning from experience and responding to complaints

Ensuring that people and communities have access to accurate, understandable information about the aid provided and the aid provider is the first...

Islamic Relief Syria: streamlining the CHS throughout the project cycle

Since Islamic Relief’s certification against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) in 2017, their colleagues in...

Islamic Relief Mali: information-sharing, communication, participation and feedback

Since the roll-out of Islamic Relief Worldwide’s Complaint Handling Policy and Complaint Management Guidance Pack, which includes the...

“This is necessary to ensure moral stability within my household”

Halimata is married, with five children – two girls and three boys. Following the insecurity in her region, her husband went to work outside...

Islamic Relief Kenya: 7 tips to boost community participation

The active participation of affected people and communities is a key commitment for Islamic Relief. Their office in Kenya demonstrates this...

A game changer for wellbeing

In this blog, Hiten gives some insight on the recently launched Wellbeing Cluster in the Philippines, which he believes can catalyse a shift in the...

by Hitendra Solanki

IHSAN, a ‘one stop shop’ for quality and accountability

As part of their commitment to quality and accountability, Islamic Relief Worldwide has developed a ‘one stop shop’ quality and...

Leave No One Behind: Islamic Relief’s Intersectional Approach to Programming

Who are the most vulnerable people? What do they need most urgently? Anyone who has worked in a humanitarian context knows how intricate it is to...

Thriving humanitarians make a greater impact!

Following InterHealth’s sudden closure in August 2017, Leanne and a group of former colleagues mobilised to set up Thrive Worldwide. Their vision...

Overcoming HR challenges in surge response

Last year, together with Justine the CHS Alliance produced a set of HR guidelines for the Start Network’s Transforming Surge Capacity Project. We...

MEDAIR’s alignment with the CHS helps maintain Syrian refugees’ long-term health

Commitment 3 of the Core Humanitarian Standard states: “People in crisis can expect that they are not negatively affected and are more prepared,...

The Lutheran World Federation and Islamic Relief Worldwide publish manual on faith-sensitive humanitarian action

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) have recently published guidance aimed at helping humanitarian agencies...

IASC refers to CHS as good practice to tackle SEA and SHA

In a paper summarising actions undertaken to prevent, investigate, and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment and...

Tracking humanitarian surge response: from the Nepal earthquake to the Rohingya crisis

Over three years, as part of the Transforming Surge Capacity Project, which came to an end in December 2017, the research team tracked six crises to...

MEDAIR’s alignment with CHS helps make communities more resilient

Commitment 3 of the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) states: “People in crisis can expect that they are not...

Member of the Month: Concern Worldwide

This month we are putting Concern Worldwide in the spotlight. As a member of the CHS Alliance and Ireland’s largest humanitarian organisation,...

Digitalising Complaints Response Mechanism in Somalia

This article is part of our Member of the Month series acknowledging Concern’s commitment to quality and accountability.

Using community meetings to discuss annual reports in Liberia

This article is part of our Member of the Month series acknowledging Concern’s commitment to quality and accountability...

Establishing effective and appropriate community feedback mechanisms in Ethiopia

This article is part of our Member of the Month series acknowledging Concern’s commitment to quality and accountability.

How can mindfulness improve humanitarian aid? – Coffee with Hitendra Solanki, Action Against Hunger UK

On the occasion of Mental Health Awareness Week, we caught up with Hitendra to talk about why it is crucial to pay attention to the mental health of...

by Hitendra Solanki

Unveiling the mysteries of professional identity formation in the international aid sector

In this blog, Scott explores how the formation of professional identity takes place and why it is interesting for the humanitarian sector.

by Dr. Scott Breslin

CHS Alliance appoints Tanya Wood as Executive Director

On behalf of the Board of the CHS Alliance, Robert Tickner, Chair, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tanya Wood as the future Executive...

GUK’s Anjum Nahed Chowdhury: “Affected communities need to know that they have rights, and that no one should be able to abuse them”

Although Anjum Nahed Chowdhury’s ambition was to work in a bank, she is now the Director of Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK). As Christian Aid is our...

Christian Aid’s Naosheen Afroz: “Community participation takes place at every level”

Naosheen Roo Afroz works with Christian Aid’s integrated emergency humanitarian response team in Cox Bazar. She is also the accountability...

Member of the Month: Christian Aid

This month we are putting Christian Aid in the spotlight. They have recently certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and...

“This is the first time anyone has listened to us” – A short overview of accountability measures in the Rohingya response in Bangladesh

In February Christian Aid released a report providing data and analysis about the implementation of accountability systems for the Rohingya camps in...

Christian Aid’s Paul Valentin wants to put survivors in the driver seat

In this video message, Paul Valentin, Christian Aid’s International Director, celebrates their recent CHS certification. He calls upon every...

MEDAIR’s alignment with CHS helps prevent children’s malnutrition in South Sudan

Medair’s nutrition team operates four static nutrition clinics in the Renk area in South Sudan. Thanks to their alignment with the CHS, they...

MEDAIR’s alignment with CHS helps contain cholera outbreak in South Sudan

In June last year Medair, one of our member organisations, averted a deadly cholera outbreak in South Sudan by timely response that addressed the...

Sharing resources on PSEAH

Due to the increased interest in issues around Protection against Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (PSEA), on 27 March 2018, the CHS Alliance and Bond...

Sharing good practices and learnings on localisation – workshop hosted by Shifting the Power project and the CHS Alliance

On 13 March 2018, Shifting the Power (StP) and the CHS Alliance gathered together 55 humanitarian actors representing local and national NGOs, INGOs,...

There is no accountability to donors without accountability to affected people

On 28 March the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) launched a joint discussion paper that...

“Lean is hard work that makes everything easy” – A coffee with Andrew Parris, Medair, Switzerland

In our previous coffee with Andrew, he shared his ideas on how humanitarian NGOs can learn from the corporate world in the area of continuous...

Are your deployees prepared? – Open source surge competencies training available now!

This article was prepared by Anna Kirsch (ActionAid) and Laura Purves (CAFOD) Since the publication of the 2007 Review of Surge Capacity, the...

“To be accountable, we need the people we serve to tell us what works and what doesn’t” – Coffee with Mai Muhsen, Accountability Coordinator, NRC Jordan

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Jordan seeks to regularly engage with affected communities and ensure all feedback and complaints are...

What NGOs can learn from the Corporate World – A coffee with Andrew Parris, Medair, Switzerland

In our previous coffee with Andrew, we explored the alignment between Process Excellence and the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and...

Borderless 2018 – Linking travel risk mitigation with the Core Humanitarian Standard

On 8 March 2018, the second annual Borderless conference took place in London where the CHS Alliance was present to introduce the Core Humanitarian...

Most important quality or competency a humanitarian worker should have – Coffee with Asa Lelei

Asa Lelei works with Action Against Hunger in Bungoma, Kenya, supporting a project called Systems Enhancement for Transformative Health (SETH),...

Process Excellence and the CHS: what are the similarities? – Coffee with Andrew Parris, Medair, Switzerland

In our previous coffee with Andrew, he shared how the similarity between community development and his area of expertise – Lean – led him to join...

Coaching is all about enabling the person you work with to tell their story – Coffee with Sara Swords

Sara Swords, co-founder of Coaching Story, as a senior manager in the humanitarian and development sector experienced firsthand the impact of...

Most important humanitarian competencies – coffee with Buke Dabasso

Buke Dabasso is in charge of Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM) at Action Against Hunger in Kenya. On the occasion of the release of...

Most important humanitarian competencies – coffee with Sylvester Kyuli

Sylvester Kyuli is Head of the Western Kenya region at Action Against Hunger, covering five counties: Bungoma, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Busia and...

From rockets to relief; from Lean to the CHS – Coffee with Andrew Parris, Medair

Andrew Parris used to work on the Atlas Rocket Programme and now works for Medair, one of our member organisations. In addition to this unusual...

Humanitarian Networks and Partnership Week (HNPW) 2018: spotlight on the Core Humanitarian Standard

The three copyright holders of the Core Humanitarian Standard – the CHS Alliance, Groupe URD and Sphere – hosted an information desk...

What competencies does it take to be a good aid worker? – Coffee with Uma Narayanan

Listening skills, flexibility, risk awareness, accountability, ability to work under pressure… How can the aid sector make sure that...

Never has it been more important to apply the Core Humanitarian Standard

In the last few days news reports of sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian aid workers in Haiti have shocked our sector. These reported cases...

by Judith Greenwood

Training is not the “magic” formula but the line manager is

What actually makes training stick after the curtains have closed, the certificates are issued and the participants have departed? How come some...

Project FAIR webinar: summary and follow-up questions

On 17 Jan 2018, the CHS Alliance co-hosted its second webinar to share the results of Project FAIR. On this occasion, we targeted organisations...

In 2018 take care of yourself and your staff – and achieve (even) better results!

Stress, exhaustion and burnout are preventable, and as a leader, it’s a key part of your responsibility and commitment to the Core Humanitarian...

Transforming Surge Capacity project: what have we learnt?

In 2015 the Start Network launched a three-year Transforming Surge Capacity (TSC) project financed by the UK government as part of the Department...

Planning a self-assessment in 2018? Here are 14 tips from fellow members!

In June 2017 we organised a webinar to collect learnings and recommendations from our members who have completed their self-assessment process. Here...

World Humanitarian Summit: 18 months on, the Core Humanitarian Standard has gained ground

In the first annual synthesis report published since the World Humanitarian Summit and entitled ‘No Time to Retreat’, 142 stakeholders described...

World Humanitarian Data & Trends: Commitment 5 of the CHS is lagging behind

Self-assessments conducted with regard to the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) in 2016 reveal the extent to which humanitarian organisations do or...

Can affected people’s perceptions help us improve programming?

In this blog, Grethe Markussen introduces three videos produced by the Listen Learn Act (LLA) Project to show how perceptional surveys bring NGOs new...

by Grethe Markussen

CHS Alliance at the DEPP Humanitarian Resilience Week

At the end of November, the wider humanitarian sector including local organisation, INGOs, UN agencies, academia, and private actors came together to...

How can we get cash out to the field when banking becomes difficult? – Coffee with Steve Harvey, Save the Children International

We had a coffee with Steve in the margins of a workshop about treasury management for international NGOs organised by Mango and hosted by the CHS...

IASC reviews CAAP to reflect Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS)

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Principles has recently developed and endorsed a revised version of the Commitments on Accountability to...

No organisational resilience without inclusive staff security – Coffee with Adelicia Fairbanks, European Interagency Security Forum (EISF)

HHR Asia is starting on Monday in Bangkok: 50 human resources (HR) professionals will get together to discuss how to build resilient organizations in...

How to better manage your cash flow in a changing and volatile environment

On 16 November Mango/Humentum gathered approximately 70 finance professionals from the NGO sector to discuss treasury management practices in light...

What exactly is so specific about HR in the humanitarian sector? – Coffee with Clare Condillac, Bongo HR

With just a few days to go until HHR Asia 2018, we were curious to get to know one of the speakers, Clare Condillac, Director of Bongo HR, a bit...

“I’m not where I was at the beginning of 2017”

Ndindi Ng’ang’a and her team at the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) assist approximately 100 Somali refugees at the Garissa region, in the...

“The Seven Habits is the foundation of each and every human being”

When Ripon Chakraborty first heard about the Talent Development Project through his network, he decided to apply as leadership is important for every...

Seven ways to help curb corruption in the humanitarian sector

There are no specific figures on how much humanitarian aid is lost to corruption, but it definitely undermines humanitarian response. The synthesis...

Our road towards Commitment 8 – rethinking performance management

In this blog, Faye Ekong, Director for Human Resources, Learning & Development at Action Against Hunger USA, shares her organisation’s...

Change in the Humanitarian Aid and development Sector Requires Empowering the Affected

AidEx spoke to the executive director of the CHS Alliance, Judith Greenwood about her thoughts on AidEx 2017’s conference theme of ‘Aid and...

“It Is Really Engaging if You Want Accountability to Happen”

From 16 to 19 October the CHS Alliance hosted a Training of Trainers workshop on the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS)

“If I Know Myself, I Can Plant Something”

A humanitarian aid worker with 12 years of experience preparing communities to natural disasters in Bangladesh, Obaidul Islam Munna joined the Talent...

Can HR Professionals Help Boost the localisation of Aid Response?

On 21 and 22 September HHR Europe was held in Helsinki, where 72 participants came together from different organisations to discuss the challenges...

by Sam Wakefield

COAST Trust Joins Response to Rohingya Crisis

As the Rohingya crisis unfolds and threatens to become the next major humanitarian disaster, our sector is once again put to the test to provide...

Global Learning Forum: ‘Meeting Everyone Made Everything Fall into Place’

The Global Learning Forum hosted by Oxfam from 4 until 8 September was a unique opportunity for the different actors of the Talent Development...

Eight Tips to Conduct a Successful Self-Assessment

Reflections on the CHS self-assessment process: what the CHS can bring to your organisation if applied meaningfully.

by Alix Wadeson

New case study: Blended Learning

Blended learning offers humanitarian organisations a cost-effective way of providing greater access to capacity strengthening. The widespread use of...

New case study: Shifting the Power – Localisation in Action

Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), a community-led development organisation combating poverty in Bangladesh, has recently joined CHS Alliance. In the last...

The Impact of the CHS on US Higher Education

Tom Arcaro, a professor of sociology at Elon University, North Carolina, tells us about his experience in adopting the Core Humanitarian Standard...

New Case Study about How the People First Impact Method (P-FIM) Can Facilitate the Implementation of the CHS

In preparation for the implementation of the CHS, Johanniter wished to gain a deeper understanding of how best to engage with communities and design...

Grand Bargain: Participation (R)evolution?

One year after the Grand Bargain was endorsed, the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPI), with the involvement of the CHS Alliance, released its...

Improving the Security of Staff with Diverse Identity Profiles

The European Interagency Security Forum (EISF) commissioned a research project to understand the security needs of NGO staff with a range of identity...

by Emma Jones, Kate Denman, Elizabeth Molloy

Two New Case Studies from GOAL about Social Auditing and Accountability in Conflict

These case studies by GOAL give an account of two projects carried out in Honduras, Nicaragua and Ukraine. In Central America, social auditing was...

Launching the Core Humanitarian Competency Framework (CHCF) Project

Competent and well-managed staff are at the heart of an accountable and effective organisation, therefore they need to be equipped with the right...

Introducing the Revised CHCF in Dhaka and Getting Valuable Feedback

The CHCF project team attended the DEPP National Learning Conference in Dhaka where the revised CHCF was shared for inputs. Gemma gives an overview...

by Gemma Prescott

Developing the PSEA Handbook – What We Learnt

Lucy Heaven Taylor co-author of the PSEA Implementation Quick Reference Handbook shares their experiences on the process of developing the Handbook.

by Lucy Heaven Taylor

Building an Organisational Learning and Development Framework: ‘We can Do It’.

Ann from Start Development gives an overview of our guide to designing a Learning and Development Framework, which was drafted in order to support...

Change Is More Than Just Carrots and Sticks

The CHS Alliance was present at this year’s ALNAP conference in Stockholm with a stall. In this blog, David shares his thoughts on the...

by David Loquercio

Promotion and Dissemination of the Core Humanitarian Competencies Framework

In this blog, the team responsible for the revision of the Core Humanitarian Competencies Framework (CHCF) shares details about the upcoming...

by Uma Narayanan and Gemma Prescott

Why We Need to Talk About Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) in Humanitarian and Development Work

In this blog Emma Jones, PhD Candidate at the University of East London discusses how individual characteristics (e.g. gender identity, sexual...

Strengthening People Management Practices in the Humanitarian and Development Sectors

In this blog Em Lacroix introduces the Human Resource (HR) Package, which provides CHS Alliance members with resources and tools to improve people...

by Emmanuelle Lacroix

Case Study: Using the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) for Development Programme Interventions

This case study illustrates how Women Support Association (WSA) applies the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) in development interventions targeting...

How Can You Improve Your Organisation’s Resilience?

The theme of this year’s HHR Africa Conference was organisational resilience, defined by the British Standard BS65000 (2014) as the ability to...

by Lauren McWilliams

CHS Learning Event Shares Case Studies and Ideas for Rethinking Humanitarian Response

Over 160 humanitarian and development actors shared case studies and discussed ways to rethink humanitarian response at a learning event on the Core...

Integrating the Core Humanitarian Standard and Inclusive Programming in Christian Aid’s PPA Extension

In this blog, Jane Machira, Christian Aid, describes the organisation’s four inclusion pillars and corresponding CHS commitments, and how...

by Jane Machira

Building Organisational Leadership and Culture to Create Trust During Change

In this blog, HR consultant Alex Swarbrick looks at the importance of an organisation’s leadership and culture during times of change. He gives...

by Alex Swarbrick

Findings from the Review of the Core Humanitarian Competencies Framework

Uma Narayanan shares findings of our review of the Core Humanitarian Competencies Framework for the Start Network Talent Development project. The...

by Uma Narayanan

Ground Truth’s Constituent Voice – Providing Community Feedback Against the CHS

In this post, Nick van Praag and Diana Szasz from Ground Truth Solutions look at how Ground Truth’s Constituent Voice™ methodology can complement...

by Nick van Praag, Diana Szasz

2016 Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Conference Shares Recommendations for Conducting Investigations

The 2016 protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) conference brought together over 40 participants in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier this...

New Case Study: ActionAid’s People Management Scorecard

Our latest case study gives an overview of the process ActionAid International (AAI) undertook to develop its people management scorecard. Reading...

World Humanitarian Day: Putting the Human Back in Humanitarian

World Humanitarian Day is a chance for all of us to pause and remember why we do what we do. This year as we reflect on the commitments made at the...

by Judith F. Greenwood

How is the Core Humanitarian Competencies Framework Being Used Around the World?

Uma shares case studies on how the competencies framework is being used in different ways around the world as we come to the end of our review of the...

by Uma Narayanan

Gender, Resilience and Mental Health in the Humanitarian Sector

Organisational resilience is at the heart of the CHS Alliance, as evidenced by the success of the recent Humanitarian Human Resources (HHR) Europe...

by Alice Gritti

Full Accountability to Affected People Can’t Possibly Be Bad – or Can It?

Calling for regime change and a participation revolution, humanitarians are once again committing to take accountability to affected populations...

by Lotte Ruppert, Andrea Binder

New Case Study: How Concern Worldwide Enacted Community Communication,Participation and Feedback in the Central African Republic

In March 2016, Concern Worldwide carried out a contextual analysis in the Ombella Mpoko prefecture of the Central African Republic (CAR). This case...

Does the Humanitarian Sector Have a Problem with Sexual Violence?

Humanitarian response should represent the very best of human nature. However, our behaviour doesn’t always reflect this high ideal. With...

by Lucy Heaven Taylor

New Case Study: Transforming Surge Capacity Through Training

This case study examines the process of designing and piloting surge capacity training as part of the Start Network’s Transforming Surge Capacity...

How Can We Debrief Aid Workers Effectively?

Should our organisations provide debriefing for aid workers either after a critical incident, or on return from an overseas assignment? What does...

by Emily Tullock

Working with Local NGOs: Addressing the Gaps

In this blog Nurhaida Rahim talks about the importance of working with local organisations and supporting their capacity development.

by Nurhaida Rahim

Review of the Core Humanitarian Competencies Framework – Emerging Themes

In this blog project manager Uma Narayanan gives an update on and shares some key themes emerging during the review of the Core Humanitarian...

by Uma Narayanan

High Levels of Engagement with Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) at World Humanitarian Summit

Humanitarian leaders and decision-makers highlighted the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) as a way to improve humanitarian effectiveness during the...

240 NGOs Call on Leaders at the World Humanitarian Summit to Improve Humanitarian Action by Adopting the CHS

The CHS Alliance and its members are calling on world leaders and humanitarian decision-makers at the World Humanitarian Summit to improve...

After the Earthquake: Lessons in Using Local Capacities to Protect Human Rights, from Community Workers in Nepal

In this blog, Ginny Baumann explains how the Freedom Fund worked with local Nepali organisations to learn how community-based NGO workers could be...

by Ginny Baumann

On the Mysteries of Humanitarian Decision-Making: Getting from World Humanitarian Summit Commitments to #BetterAid

In this blog I explore a couple of ideas around decision-making that surfaced in the 2015 Humanitarian Accountability Report. Better aid requires...

by Alyoscia D’Onofrio

How Can We Include LGBT People in the Humanitarian Sector?

In this blog, I share some thoughts about the relevance of LGBT human rights for the humanitarian sector (for both service delivery and staff...

How Can We Put People at the Centre of the World Humanitarian Summit?

Many of us who have the opportunity to attend the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) in Istanbul maybe be feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of...

by Judith Greenwood

Less Paper, More (Better) Aid

The World Humanitarian Summit takes place in less than two weeks. The so-called “grand bargain” that aims to transform the humanitarian system...

by David Loquercio

What Can We Do to Really Improve Staff Care of Aid Workers?

Now that Steve Dennis’ case against the Norwegian Refugee Council no longer makes headlines, we can begin to address what caring for staff really...

by Alessandra Pigni

Haiti’s Champions of the CHS: Keeping People at the Centre With Communication, Participation and Feedback

One of the most pressing questions from participants at a recent training workshop on the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) in Haiti was, how do we to...

by Geneviève Cyvoct

Human Resources (HR) in the Developing Market – Are We Doing Enough to Educate our Staff?

Bianca Valencia, Training Programme Services Manager at Birches Group, regularly works with HR managers all over the world. In this blog she...

by Bianca Valencia

The State of Surge Capacity in the Humanitarian Sector report launches in London, April 2016

The Transforming Surge Capacity Project launched the seminal research report, “The State of Surge Capacity in the Humanitarian Sector”, at an...

Learn How to Conduct an Investigation into Allegations of Misconduct by Aid Workers

What would you do if you were called on to conduct an investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) made about staff or...

by Emily Tullock

How Do You Manage Staff Misconduct Overseas?

I recently joined a group of professionals working with staff deployed internationally at the fourth conference on duty of care: protecting workers...

by Verity Stiff

What Makes an Effective Leadership Team in a Charity?

What are the characteristics of an outstanding leadership team? Charities are complex organisations that often work in challenging situations and...

The CHS Alliance takes the Pledge for Parity this International Women’s Day 2016

The CHS Alliance would like to wish all humanitarian and development actors and those they aim to assist around the world a happy International...

How Do You Know if Cash Programming Is a Good Option?

During the last meeting of the cash working group in Geneva, a panel discussed the link between cash and accountability to affected populations. For...

by David Loquercio

Ten Psychological Tactics for Avoiding Accountability and How to Address Them

In this blog Kelly O’Donnell explores psychological perspectives on what helps and hinders good practice for accountability. Cognitive...

by Kelly O’Donnell

Eleven Ways to Transform Surge Capacity in the Humanitarian Sector

The CHS Alliance is part of an exciting project with one ambition – improving the capacity of humanitarian agencies to scale up resources in...

by Maduri Moutou

Do You Need to Throw Out Your Performance Management System?

How do you measure performance management in your organisation? Does your performance management system take into account the modern workplace...

by Emily Tullock

How Has the Humanitarian Sector’s Awareness of Staff Care Evolved?

Over 20 years ago, the research report “Room for Improvement: The Management and Support of Relief Workers” started a change in the way...

by Maduri Moutou

The CHS Alliance Welcomes a New Chair

The CHS Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Tickner as the new chairperson of its board, effective 19 January 2016.

New Resource: Who Cares? Iran’s Amazing Social Workers and Addiction Counsellors

In August 2015, Dr Scott Breslin, International Director of Operation Mercy, led a five-day seminar in Tehran (Iran) entitled “Caring for...

Mindfulness and Wellbeing: A Shift of Emphasis from Treatment to Prevention

In recent years, there has been an awareness of mindfulness-based approaches to stress reduction, along with evidence on its benefits towards...

by Hitendra Solanki

Staff Care: Why We Should All Care About Mental Health

Organisational duty of care and the need to support aid workers’ mental health has hit the news recently, helping to bring attention to these key...

by Emmanuelle Lacroix

How Aid Workers Can Become Champions of Accountability

One has to sympathise with humanitarian staff. The majority are keen to do their best to help people in need. The places they work are often...

by Nick van Praag

Evidence on Corruption and Humanitarian Aid

Corruption in humanitarian action remains an under-researched issue. Humanitarian aid agencies devote significant time, energy and resources to...

The Challenge for Syria and Beyond – Can we Investigate Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Remotely Managed Programmes?

CHS Alliance workshops on Investigating Complaints of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse always provide an opportunity to discuss current issues affecting...

by Lucy Heaven Taylor

Making Pay Fair in the Humanitarian and Development Sector

Fairness is something all of us working in this sector think about and deal with on an everyday basis. We work to help our communities confront the...

by Ishbel McWha-Hermann

“People Don’t Want to Be Managed, They Want to Be Unleashed”

The Humanitarian HR Asia conference this month in Kuala Lumpur is asking questions about Talent Preparedness and Humanitarian Leadership. To me, the...

by Alex Swarbrick

From the Global Consultation for the World Humanitarian Summit in Geneva

I was at the vast Global Consultation of the World Humanitarian Summit last week. It was a big step in the final push to Istanbul, next May.

Creating simplicity in the workplace

The CHS Alliance is a member of the Hot Spots Movement, a specialist research and consulting team founded by Professor Lynda Gratton of the London...

by Maduri Moutou

Ten steps to a better humanitarian system

This week’s global consultation on the World Humanitarian Summit looks like it will be long on calls for commitment to reform and short on...

by Nick van Praag

Humanitarian response is more effective when it acknowledges, builds on and strengthens national capacity

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” – African proverb When a crisis happens, the humanitarian industry...

by Nurhaida Rahim

Integrity and Accountability: We All Have a Role to Play!

Em Lacroix, HR Services Manager at the CHS Alliance, looks at ways of demonstrating and modelling accountability and integrity and ensuring good...

by Emmanuelle Lacroix

Making #localisingaid more than just a hashtag

CHS Alliance Head of Policy, Advocacy and Learning discusses the issue of national staff and localising aid. He highlights examples from the...

by David Loquercio

London launch of the CHS Alliance highlights sector engagement around how to improve aid effectiveness

The London launch of the CHS Alliance took place yesterday, 21 September 2015, with nearly 60 key humanitarian and development players in...

The CHS Alliance and the World Humanitarian Summit

Alex Jacobs, Director of Programme Quality, Plan International, spoke at the London launch of the CHS Alliance, discussing the importance of working...

Sexual violence management conference gives the humanitarian sector action points to prevent and manage sexual violence

The Sexual Violence Management Conference for the Humanitarian sector saw over 50 security, health, wellbeing and Human Resources (HR) experts come...

World Humanitarian Day 2015

Today is World Humanitarian Day – a day to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work and commemorate those who have lost their...

by Emmanuelle Lacroix

Practising what we preach – accountability and reporting on complaints

The humanitarian and development sector calls on others to be transparent, and in return is becoming more and more stringent about its own...

by Lucy Heaven Taylor

How the Core Humanitarian Standard can contribute to humanitarian effectiveness

The CHS Alliance’s 2015 Humanitarian Accountability Report looks at the relationship between effectiveness and accountability across a variety...

by David Loquercio

Three new people management case studies

Three new people management case studies are now available. The resources offer useful tips and guidance for organisations implementing or reviewing...

Making the most of the World Humanitarian Summit

Preparations for the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) are heating up. The vast consultation process is coming to an end. I’ve been closely involved...

Statement announcing the creation of the Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative

The Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (the Initiative) is a new organisation which has been set up today following the launch of the Core...

Central African Republic and the hidden survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse

Sexual exploitation and abuse in emergency settings has hit the news once more, with reports that children have been sexually assaulted by French...

by Lucy Heaven Taylor

Accountability in action: the people management perspective

Following the launch of the CHS Alliance in Nairobi, our HR Services Manager, Emmanuelle Lacroix, took part in a field visit organised by our...

by Emmanuelle Lacroix

CHS Alliance launch provokes debate on the future of quality, accountability and people management in the humanitarian and development sectors

Over 150 humanitarian and development leaders gathered in Nairobi on 9-10 June 2015 to celebrate the launch of the CHS Alliance. The two-day event...

Improving quality, accountability and people management: HAP and People In Aid merger concluding with the launch of the CHS Alliance

Bringing together more than two decades of experience in quality, accountability and people management, the CHS Alliance will form one of the largest...

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2024 CHS Alliance Board elections candidates

We are seeking a diverse Board to oversee the work of the CHS Alliance, ensuring its strong governance and providing expertise and support to achieve...

CHS LOCALED: A collective solution to close the accountability gap

Learn more about the LOCALED initiative for Leveraging Organisations’ Collective Accountability: Locally-led and Evidence Driven The Humanitarian...

External recognition of the CHS

“We see CHS independent verification as the gold standard. Why? It’s widely recognised and measurable.” Peter Taylor,...

Approved trainers on PSEAH/Investigation went through our SEAH Investigation training programme, are experienced facilitators and have expertise on...

Board elections 2024

Nominations for future CHS Alliance Board members are now closed! As a network dedicated to greater accountability in the aid sector,...

2024 CHS Country Launch events

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) was updated over a two-year process 2022-2024 to ensure the commitments made to...

Statement of Commitment to the CHS

410+ organisations worldwide show their commitment to the CHS! Sign up to commit to integrating the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) commitments in...

Türkçe TİS(CHS) Kaynakları

Bu sayfada, Temel İnsani Yardım Standardı (TİS-CHS) ilgili Türkçe kaynaklarını bulacaksınız: CHS broşürü ve basit dil:...

CHS Resources in Turkish

On this page, you will find a list of resources, in Turkish, related to: The Core Humanitarian Standard CHS booklet and plain language:...

قائمة المصادر المتوفرة باللغة العربية Arabic resources

في هذه الصفحة ، سوف تجد قائمة بالمصادر ، متاحة باللغة العربية ، المتعلقة بما

CHS Revision Regional Consultation

In a rapidly changing world, how can we make the CHS a more accessible, relevant and user-friendly tool to drive better quality and...

CHS Resources in Arabic

On this page, you will find a list of resources, in Arabic, related to: The Core Humanitarian Standard CHS booklet and plain language:...

CHS Resources for Emergencies

On this page, you will find a list of CHS related resources that can support you and your teams when responding to emergencies. Some of these...

Humanitarian Accountability Report 2022: Accountability is Non-Negotiable

Aid system failing to meet its commitments to people in crisis New report reveals the aid system is falling short when it comes to meeting core...

SEAH Harmonised Data Collection and Reporting Scheme

About the Harmonised Reporting Scheme The CHS Alliance and the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR), with financial support from...

CHS Exchange 2022 session proposals

Global CHS Exchange Virtual Conference 27-28 September 2022 The CHS Exchange provides an opportunity to contribute to the CHS Alliance’s learning...

Investigators’ Toolkit

Welcome to the Investigators’ Toolkit. This page contains a number of resources to help you investigate complaints of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse...

What is Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment? We all have a part to play in protecting those affected by crisis from sexual...

Accountability to Affected People

What is Accountability to Affected People? Accountability to Affected People is the process of using power responsibly. It involves taking...

Organisational Culture and People Management

People are at the centre of everything we do. We believe that to best serve those affected by crisis, humanitarian workers must be treated fairly and...

2022 HHR Online Links and Resources

2022 Humanitarian HR conference People and Culture in the Future of Aid Work and what it means to you and your organisation The 2022 Humanitarian...

2021 Extraordinary Virtual General Assembly (29 Nov – 3 Dec)

CHS Alliance held an extraordinary virtual General Assembly (GA) on 29 November – 3 December 2021. CHS Alliance welcomes a new independent Chair...

Global CHS Exchange 2021

Raising the Standard for People in Crisis Holding Ourselves to Account The 2021 CHS Exchange took place online 28-30 September. Over three days 380+

People Management Communications PSEAH Communications Training Communications...

Verification Advisory Panel (VAP)

The CHS Verification Advisory Panel provides expert technical advice on CHS verification issues, including interpretation of the CHS indicators and...

2021 HHR Online Links and Resources

HHR2021 resources and links 28-30 June 2021 Thank you to everyone who helped make the HHR2021, held virtually from 28 to 30 June 2021, another...

New report reveals action needed to meet the commitments made to people affected by crisis On 6 October 2020 the CHS Alliance – a network of more...

Community of Practice Signup

Join our Communities of Practice (CoPs) and connect with fellow CHS Alliance members committed to improving humanitarian and development support to...

Membership Branding

Welcome to CHS Alliance. As a member of the Alliance, you have access to the Alliance member logo for use in your organisation’s print and digital...

On this page you will find training resources, and upcoming training events, on the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS). The 2-days CHS training pack...

Independent verification and certification are two different approaches to achieving verification against the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). Both...

Self-Assessment

Self-assessment helps measure the application of the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality & Accountability (CHS) to an organisation’s work. It...

Event Terms and Conditions

Booking an event When booking an event with CHS Alliance you are reserving a place at the event and signing up to these terms and conditions. You...

Meet our dedicated team The team is guided by our organisational values and our code of conduct. Get in touch with us on our contact page!

Board elections 2024 – Click here The Governing Board Please find below the current composition of the Board. Each individual Board member’s...

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability sets out Nine Commitments that organisations and individuals involved in humanitarian...

Please note that the CHS Alliance only accepts applications for open vacancies. If received, spontaneous applications will be deleted so no personal...

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When organisations are more accountable to the people they serve, they deliver higher quality, more effective aid. We advise, guide and train...

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CHS Alliance staff, Board and members strive to operate in line with the Nine Commitments of the CHS. We encourage our members to have their own...

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Newsletter Don’t miss out on the latest CHS Alliance news and events. Subscribe to our monthly update here.

The CHS Alliance is a global network committed to making aid work better for people. We currently have more than 200 member organisations and we...

The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) was designed so that its application can be measured. Measuring your performance...

You can browse our available support by theme; Accountability to Affected People, People Management, Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and...

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What is the CHS Alliance? The CHS Alliance is a global alliance of humanitarian and development organisations committed to making aid work better for...

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