Working groups

The main purpose of the IHP working groups (WG) and Networks is, within the specific technical area, to maintain and develop rapid, effective and efficient IHP services with high technical compatibility and ensure a constant high level of quality in IHP’s response to emergencies. Each WG is composed of both the IHP members that have the expertise and equipment the WG is involved with as well as the IHP Partners that have an interest in the WG’s focus areas. The terms of reference for the WGs include the technical and managerial aspects of IHP deployments in the field, operational and tactical aspects at IHP HQs during the full life-cycle of a deployment. Furthermore the WGs support and develop relevant training within their particular technical area. The working groups are lead by a dedicated chair, who is responsible for the coordination of the working group's efforts. The WGs normally conduct meetings 2 times per year and reports to the IHP focal points.

Base Camp Working Group

The main objective of the Base Camp Working Group (BC WG) is to ensure rapid, effective, and scalable deployments of common IHP Base Camps. Each IHP member is responsible for ensuring that its own equipment and internal procedures are in order. The BC WG is responsible for ensuring that all IHP members are part of maintaining and developing the office and accommodation Solutions of IHP, including light base camp, base camp, and prefabricated and other facilities as well as the logistics services.

ICT Working Group

The main objective of the ICT WG is to ensure rapid, effective, scalable deployments of ICT services. The ICT WG is responsible for the IHP support services coordination and ICT, which includes continuous updates of hardware and software.

Medical Working Group – This WG has not been needed for some time. When necessary it will be re-established.

The main purpose of the IHP Medical Working Group (M WG) is to ensure rapid, effective and efficient deployment of medical equipment and staff to support IHP operations. The main tasks is to ensure high quality of medical services delivered, through the establishment of common standards for equipment and staff, procedures and routines.

Safety and Security Network

The main purpose of the IHP Safety and Security Network is to ensure a coherent and appropriate safety and security perspective within IHP. The network is responsible for developing and reviewing the IHP security management system (i.e. safety and security policy, security plan, procedures and other safety and security arrangements) in the IHP network, and to advise the IHP on all matters related to safety and security. The Network will also work closely with the United Nation’s safety and security systems thus ensuring IHP is updated and working within the UNs rules and regulations in that regard.

Training Network

The Training Network meets once a year under the IHP Chairman. The aim is to keep an overview of the IHP trainings and courses as well as trainings and courses that IHP staff can attend outside of IHP. Through this overview, the Network will ensure that IHP courses are relevant as well as updated, that they complement each other, and that all IHP member countries learn from each other. This Network is also responsible for ensuring that Lessons Learned from evaluations of IHP missions are incorporated into the various IHP courses.