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Research and policy

Aligned with our overarching mission to lead and instigate meaningful change of the humanitarian system, CHL conducts collaborative research that not only informs but also influences real-world leadership in humanitarian contexts.

Research projects

Resilient Regions (Victoria)

Together with Deakin University we’re working on a new Australian Government-funded disaster and resilience project examining collaboration between East Gippsland businesses and communities.

Under the flagship Disaster Ready Fund, Australian Business Volunteers will facilitate a series of community-led workshops and meetings, and deliver pro-bono disaster resilience projects with corporate partners and skilled volunteers to boost the capacity of small business and local organisations.

Deakin and CHL researchers will use insights from these sessions to build an evidence-base on the relationships between the business sector, skilled volunteering and community resilience.

Read more in this announcement from Australian Government Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, or view the short launch video by clicking on the screenshot below.

ODI Tandem executive leadership programme

We have partnered with global think tank ODI to research the impact of the Tandem executive leadership programme for leaders in the humanitarian and development sector.

Together with ALNAP, our researchers will investigate how the multiple and complementary aspects of the Tandem programme directly impact humanitarian leadership, and how well the programme achieves its intended aims. Through interviews and surveys with participants, we will also explore how the programme enables participants to network and support one another to create positive change in their workplaces and the sector more broadly.

Designed and delivered by ODI, Tandem supports senior leaders as they navigate complex situations in already strenuous environments.

Leveraging International Humanitarian Law (IHL) knowledge and training

Together with Australian Red Cross, we’re conducting an academic study to determine how International Humanitarian Law (IHL) knowledge can be better leveraged by Australian humanitarians and humanitarian organisations.

In 2024, we will commence a three-year study which will explore the value of IHL training for people in different roles in the humanitarian sector, and seek to map the knowledge and use of IHL. In exchange, study participants will gain access to a range of tailored IHL training opportunities to ensure they meet the minimum recommended IHL knowledge level for their job profile.

Click here to learn more about this research project.

Research citations – 2023/24