This short but intense consultancy sought perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders to set out options for the next revision of the Sphere Handbook, provisionally timetabled for 2017. It looked at the Handbook structure and format including the inclusion of the new Core Humanitarian Standards, explored technology options for collaboration and writing, at the impact of developments in multi-sector cash programming and the growth in urban responses, and at the staffing and timelines required for the next revision.
The report focuses strongly on the critical path, and sets out a range of options for key decisions which will need to be taken early in the revision process to ensure effectiveness and focus. It also provides a basis for complementing the printed Handbook with a range of web-based and offline app solutions.