To any agency or network interested
in joining the new Board of the Sphere Project:
4 August 2005
Dear NGO colleagues,
I am writing to invite all those NGOs, networks
or federations that are interested to support the future of the Sphere
Project, to apply for membership of the Sphere Board.
Sphere is moving into a new era in its evolution,
an era that will be guided by, and entrusted to, a wider group of agencies
that inject a more global perspective on the field-level realities of
crisis response, and that bring additional areas of expertise and know-how.
To this end, membership of the Sphere governance structure is being
expanded. This decision is in response to feedback we received from
hundreds of users across the world, during consultations on the future
of Sphere throughout 2004, that wish to see the Sphere Project managed
by a more representative group of non-governmental humanitarian agencies.
We are convinced that this expanded, more diverse, Board will be a vital
enabler to drive the project more firmly into the heart of humanitarian
action.
The Sphere Project has in place a new Governance Structure.
This took effect in April 2005, and is based on a series of consultations
held during 2004 to determine the future of the Project (see
details).
As a result, the previous ‘Sphere Management Committee’
has been replaced by the ‘Sphere Board’ with an emphasis
on broadening geographical representation and on extending the practical
experience of implementing Sphere in different contexts. In addition,
the new Sphere Board is committed to a cost-sharing endeavour in support
of a small core office, as a means of reinforcing the Project’s
independence. Donor funds will be sought for specific activities.
Following a call for applications for new members
to the Board at the end of 2004, 2 new members have joined the Board.
There remain a few places, so it has been decided to reopen the application
process for 4 months as from 5 August 2005.
Applications are open to NGO (non governmental organisation) networks
or families who are committed to the effective use and promotion of
Sphere.
Full details are given in the
membership package : this letter of invitation from the Chair of
the Sphere Board; the Sphere Project New Governance Structure; and an
Application Form.
Another important development, again guided by the
inputs we received through the extensive consultations conducted over
the last year, is to create a more secure and independent funding base
for the Project. The new Board is therefore committed to contribute
enough financial resources to run a small 'core' office. This will form
the bed-rock of the project, onto which more staff and activities can
be added through contributions from institutional donors.
This means that the Project will for the first time be sustainable independently
of donor contributions, through the commitments of those agencies and
networks that oversee it. No small feat, and, we hope, a real signal
of our on-going conviction that quality and accountability continue
to be key priorities for the humanitarian sector.
However, we also recognise that this financial independence implies
a burden that many agencies are simply unable to afford. We have therefore
put in a great deal of effort to develop criteria and clauses that permit
inclusion of non-paying members to the new Board.
This recognizes that the Project can only continue to develop and succeed
(i.e. have impact) with the support of many more resources than just
money.
On a practical note, I should point out, with humble
honesty, that all Board meetings and communications are conducted in
English. Unfortunately there is currently no provision for
translation/interpretation facilities for Board representatives, who
therefore need to be able to operate in English. This could be with
the aid of interpretation/translation if necessary, as long as this
can be provided by the applying organisation.
For organisations wishing to apply for membership of the new Sphere
Board, this pack contains:
• an application form, to be completed by the
applying organisation and accompanied by a letter signed by the Director
or equivalent of the organisation
• a document summarising the new governance
structure – known as the Sphere Board - of the Sphere Project
The closing date for applications to the Sphere Board
is 5 December 2005.
Applications should be sent by email to: alison.joyner@ifrc.org,
or by post to The Sphere Project, Box 372, 1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland.
Initial receipt of applications is being handled by the Sphere Project,
but all decisions on membership applications will be taken by the Sphere
Board.
I wish you well in your deliberations on your potential
role in the Sphere Project's future. I also wish us wisdom in making
the right decisions. I have had the incredible privilege of working
alongside a dynamic, experienced and committed group of people from
the very beginning of the Sphere Project, and I can only expect that
the new Board members will be contribute to an even more inspiring team.
My own term as Chair of the Project comes to an end
in September 2005, and the next two-year term will be led by Ed Schenkenberg
van Mierop, Coordinator of ICVA (the International Council of Voluntary
Agencies). Ed has been involved in the Project since its beginning,
and his commitment and energy throughout have been critical to the Project’s
evolution.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss
your application for membership of the Board, please don’t hesitate
to contact me (Lola Gostelow, l.gostelow@savethechildren.org.uk,
tel: + 44 20 7012 6803) or Alison Joyner, the Sphere Project Manager
(alison.joyner@ifrc.org,
tel: + 41 22 730 45 01).
With my very best wishes,
Lola Gostelow
Chair, Sphere Management Committee
