Humanitarian emergency fund: independent review

4. Conclusion

The HEF has, in its first two years, delivered predictable humanitarian funding, established generally effective internal working practices and built good relations among Panel members. It has succeeded in responding to a wide range of humanitarian crises, both high profile (through DEC activations) and less well-known. Its approach is broadly in line with themes of good practice and global humanitarian policy commitments, although more could be done in this regard.

Having concentrated on building a proportionate and streamlined system for disbursing funds, the HEF is now well situated to review its learning and deepen its focus on impact, awareness-raising and galvanising wider efforts. In this regard it is highly positive that Scottish Government officials and HEF Panel members have identified similar concerns and solutions, and are willing to take up a process of refinement. This report seeks to support such a process through reviewing current functioning, gathering perspectives, summarising the evidence base on good humanitarian donorship and offering a range of suggestions for improvement, with options for future funding structures dependent on available budget.

The researchers would particularly like to thank the HEF Panel members, Scottish Government officials and external experts who generously gave up their time to support this review project through multiple conversations.