Background
There is growing recognition across the humanitarian sector that current due diligence processes are complex, repetitive, and burdensome – often hindering localisation efforts. Many international NGOs (INGOs) and donors have made due diligence reform a priority, piloting new approaches to streamline assessments. These efforts include harmonised tools, mutual recognition or ‘passporting’ of assessments, registration systems, and donor-led pre-registration platforms like the UN’s One Partner Platform.
Beyond harmonisation, there is also momentum to make due diligence less compliance-heavy and more focused on strengthening partner capacity. Some initiatives seek to shift risk distribution along the partnership chain, reducing the disproportionate burden on local NGOs.
While the widespread interest in due diligence reform has led to significant benefits, fragmented efforts risk duplication and inefficiency. Without coordination, lessons from pilots may not be shared, and potential tensions between different approaches may go unaddressed – while passporting, simplification, and risk sharing are all worthy goals, progress in one area may limit progress in others. Additionally, the disconnect between country-level pilots and global-level decision-making presents a barrier to system-wide reform.
Our vision
This Community of Practice (CoP) brings together humanitarian actors who are piloting or exploring due diligence reform. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we can avoid duplication, foster collaboration, and build on past efforts. Our community will:
- Serve as a learning hub – mapping existing initiatives, sharing tools, and facilitating knowledge exchange.
- Develop shared frameworks – including common terminology and technical agreements.
- Drive collective advocacy – highlighting the need for due diligence reform to support an effective, localised humanitarian response.
This informal Community of Practice (CoP) is hosted by ICVA, with an INGO co-chair currently held by Save the Children UK. A Steering Committee, initially comprising ACT Alliance, Concern Worldwide, DRC, HQAI, Première Urgence Internationale, Start Network, and the Humanitarian NGO Platform in Ukraine provides strategic guidance.
Together, we aim to streamline due diligence processes, making them more efficient, equitable, and fit for purpose—ultimately strengthening the humanitarian system as a whole.
