Update on the future of Sphere
June 2004
Background
The Sphere Project in its current form is due to close at
the end of December 2004. Over the past eighteen months, the project’s
Management Committee has put in place various processes in order to help identify
appropriate mechanisms to sustain and build upon the achievements of the Sphere
Project beyond 2004. These have included:
• Internal consultations carried out by Management Committee
members within their agencies (October-December 2003)
• An external evaluation of the Sphere Project, conducted by Columbia
University (USA) in partnership with Makerere University (Uganda), completed
in January 2004
• External consultations (February and May 2004). The report is available
on the Sphere website (http://www.sphereproject.org/consultation.htm).
• Meetings with French NGOs (May 2004)
• A report of a meeting between the Sphere Project Manager and representatives
of other quality and accountability initiatives in May 2004
• Lessons learned by Sphere Project staff in carrying out work related
to current Sphere Project activities
Based on this information, the Sphere Project Management Committee
met in early June 2004 to consider what options were emerging for any support
for Sphere beyond December 2004.
It is worth pointing out that none of the above sources identified
the need to halt all efforts in support of Sphere. Ideas that emerged ranged
from a very ‘light’ support structure, to ambitious proposals to
extend the ‘reach’ of the project through the UN system. All options
were considered, the discussions focusing around issues of operational structure,
governance and potential funding sources. The outcomes of the discussions and
the next steps in the process are summarised below.
Continuation?
It was agreed by the Management Committee, not least (amongst
other factors) in response to the overwhelming view expressed through the Consultations,
that Sphere users need continued support and that the work of Sphere needs to
enter a new phase to deliver this. This is not an extension or continuation
of the old project, but a reformulation of the Sphere project and initiation
of new focus and structure to meet new needs.
Operational Structure
There was consensus that Sphere should remain independent,
while not becoming a legal entity in its own right, and that it should continue
to be owned solely by NGOs. It should have a light structure and consist of
a small coordinating office, linked to regional and national networks. Given
the advantages of the current hosting agreement in terms of infrastructure provision,
it was agreed that Sphere should continue to be hosted by the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva if possible.
Governance
It was agreed that a modified structure is needed which allows
for better representation of “southern” NGOs at governance level.
A governance structure is proposed with an expanded board of member agencies.
The possibility of the governance structure including an advisory, or “reference”
group was left open at this stage, to be determined by the new board. The Board
would have legal and financial oversight, and be responsible for approving project
proposals to be submitted to external funders.
In the interests of transparency, it was agreed that the Board
must have a clear Terms of Reference outlining roles and responsibilities. Clear
criteria for membership are also essential.
Funding
There was consensus that a diversity of funding is necessary
and that core costs should be met by the contributions of the Board member agencies.
The importance of recognising the value of in-kind contributions (e.g. secondments,
expertise, translation, etc.) on the part of Board members representing organisations
unable to make financial contributions was emphasised. Specific projects (such
as facilitation of and support to training, maintenance and development of a
website that is responsive to its users, and facilitating periodic handbook
revision, and project-related core costs would be funded by donors.
Next Steps
Management Committee members have been tasked with consulting
their respective organisations on this plan. Assuming the plan is agreed at
the next and final meeting of the Sphere Management Committee in September 2004,
a smaller group of the current Management Committee will oversee a transparent
process for constituting a new board based on agreed criteria and terms of reference.
The terms of reference will be elaborated by a small working group of the current
Management Committee between now and September.
The aim is to have the new Board in place by March 2005.
Sphere Project
June 2004
