My New Role - Chairman of the Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP)

I am both delighted and honoured to have been elected the new Chairman of the Cash Learning Partnership - CaLP.

The Cash Learning Partnership is a global partnership of humanitarian actors engaged in policy, practice and research within Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA). CaLP currently has over 80 members who collectively deliver the vast majority of Cash and Voucher Assistance in humanitarian contexts worldwide. Members include UN agencies, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, local and international NGOs, donors and private sector organisations. The Board, Technical Advisory Group and Global Advocacy Cash Network are all drawn from the membership. CaLP does not deliver Cash and Voucher Assistance directly.

CaLP is based on learning, knowledge sharing, networking, policy and coordination around the appropriate and timely use of CVA in humanitarian response.

CaLP believes that when appropriately incorporated into humanitarian response planning, CVA presents opportunities for effective and efficient programming to meet the needs of people and communities affected by crises. With the number, scale and complexity of humanitarian crises increasing, CaLP acts as a catalyst for positive transformation within the sector.

I am very much looking forward to my new role at CaLP, which I hope ultimately can help to ensure that humanitarian aid recipients receive support in the way that best meets their individual needs and the needs of their communities. 

Sometimes aid recipients need support in the form of goods; on other occasions, digital payments may best meet their needs; then there will be times when vouchers or cash provide the most appropriate route to the empowerment of recipients. Mostly, no doubt, a blend of  solutions will be needed.

One thing is certain. The needs of humanitarian aid recipients must always come first.

I will always 100%  honour that priority.