Sphere Training of Trainer in Canada

The Sphere Capacity Strengthening Programme delivered in Canada (2023) was implemented by NSDation in partnership with the Humanitarian Response Network of Canada (HRN), a community of 42 Canadian humanitarian organisations. The programme aimed to strengthen the understanding, application, and internal dissemination of Sphere standards across HRN members, in response to identified gaps in staff familiarity with humanitarian standards and limited training opportunities following the COVID-19 period.

The programme followed a structured and phased approach, beginning with a needs assessment, followed by a two-day introductory Sphere training in Toronto, and culminating in a four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) in Montreal. The initiative aimed not only to build foundational knowledge of the Sphere Handbook, but also to develop a cohort of trainers capable of cascading learning within their respective organisations in Canada and overseas.

The training introduced key concepts including dignity, accountability, and people-centred approaches, alongside practical application of the Humanitarian Charter, Protection Principles, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and technical sectors.

The ToT component further strengthened facilitation skills, training delivery techniques, and the ability to contextualise standards across diverse humanitarian settings.Delivered through a blended model combining remote technical leadership and in-person facilitation, the programme brought together humanitarian professionals from across HRN member organisations. It contributed to establishing a stronger national network of Sphere practitioners and trainers, enhancing the quality, consistency, and accountability of humanitarian action within the Canadian humanitarian sector.