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ELRHA publishes leading international study into humanitarian Professionalisation

We are delighted to announce the publication of our international scoping study: Professionalising the Humanitarian Sector.

The study which was undertaken by Catherine Russ of RedR and Dr. Peter Walker of the Feinstein International Centre comprehensively investigates the need, motivations and potential benefits for the creation of an international framework for humanitarian professionalisation and sets out 13 core recommendations for the international humanitarian community to take forward.

‘This report is an important, and challenging, contribution to the future of the humanitarian sector. It needs to be read by donors, by universities and learning providers, by NGOs, the Red Cross movement and the UN – and above all by humanitarian workers.’
Jonathan Potter, Executive Director, People in Aid and Co-Chair of ELRHA

The study comes after a decade in which the humanitarian sector has sought to develop global standards, codes and representative bodies, and amid increasing momentum for creating a global system for professional development, accreditation and association. The study explores the nature of professionalism today and sets out key recommendations which, if implemented, could increase accountability, raise the quality and consistency of humanitarian service, open up the profession to talented new recruits, and raise the status of the humanitarian service provider to a level on a par with other professional groups.

In carrying out their investigation the report authors consulted with over 1500 humanitarian workers, and key stakeholders in the humanitarian sector. Their findings reveal a clear demand for professionalisation across the humanitarian community with more than 90% of individuals wishing to see professionalisation a reality in the sector. ELRHA hopes that the findings and recommendations outlined here will mark an important point in the journey towards achieving that reality.

International Working Forum on Humanitarian Professionalisation

ELRHA followed the publication of the international scoping study by hosting an international working forum on Humanitarian Professionalisation on the 22nd June 2010. The objective of the Forum was to provide the working space for the international humanitarian community to explore and agree the next steps to take forward the professionalisation agenda.

Please find below the links to the online platform recording of the day and the presentation slides (with corresponding transcription notes):

A post-conference report will be published in August. To register for a copy of the post-conference report email info@elrha.org entering ‘Post-conference Report’ in the subject line.