man receiving a wash kit
A community member receiving a hygiene kit © Medair

Focus areas

Our strategy is focused on three areas that are key to the changes in the humanitarian system that we want to see.

We're tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the humanitarian sector faces. These include slow and reactive funding, centralised decision making, and an aversion to change. These problems mean that people affected by crises around the world do not receive the best help fast enough – resulting in needless suffering.

Start Network has always thought differently. We are unique because we were set up specifically to do something about these problems. Over the years we have developed new approaches to humanitarian action, leading to the three principles that are now our main areas of focus:

  • locally led action

our answer to the humanitarian sector’s centralised decision-making

 

  • systems innovation

our answer to the sector’s aversion to change

 

  • early and rapid financing

our answer to the problem of slow and reactive funding

Start Network’s vision is for a more balanced international aid system that is accountable to people affected by or at risk…

Start Network is based on innovation: looking for new ways to create the system change that will shape a more effective…

Our vision is for a new era of humanitarian action, we want to see a new humanitarian system that can save more lives. And…