New training module on the Core Humanitarian Standard and the Sphere Handbook

The Sphere Project office has developed a new training module to introduce the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) on Quality and Accountability and its guidance notes and indicators. The module can be used in a two-hour interactive training session.

The new module will help train humanitarian practitioners on the content and format of the CHS, its guidance notes and indicators. Its focus is on how the CHS can be used in association with Sphere sectoral minimum standards and Protection Principles.

The CHS, which has replaced the Core Standards chapter of the Sphere Handbook, is meant to be used in conjunction with the Humanitarian Charter, the Sphere sectoral minimum standards and the Protection Principles. Together, they provide a comprehensive framework to strengthen the quality, effectiveness and accountability of humanitarian response.

The new training module is designed for humanitarians who have had some previous exposure to the Sphere Handbook. For those who lack that exposure, a prior general introduction to all of the elements of the Sphere Handbook is recommended.

This module replaces the session on the Sphere Handbook Core Standards included in the Sphere Training Package 2015, meant to provide a comprehensive and in-depth presentation on the Sphere Handbook.

The CHS is the outcome of a collaborative process involving the Groupe URD (Urgence, Réhabilitation, Développement), the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP), People In Aid and the Sphere Project.

It draws on and replaces the Sphere Handbook Core Standards, the 2010 HAP Standard, the People In Aid Code of Good Practice and the quality reference framework of the COMPAS method developed by Groupe URD.

The CHS consists of a framework through which organisations commit to quality operational approaches and ways of working. It outlines policies, processes, procedures and practices needed in order to be accountable to crisis-affected communities. Adoption is voluntary and open to any organisation.

Full integration of the CHS into the printed versions of the Sphere Handbook will take place during the next Handbook revision process. In the meantime, specific tools will help Sphere practitioners transition from working with the Handbook Core Standards to doing so with the CHS. These tools include this new training module and interim guidance on how to link the CHS with the Handbook sectoral standards (under development).