---
title: "1.2.6 The Transformative Agenda and the Refocused Clusters"
slug: "126-the-transformative-agenda-and-the-refocused-clusters"
updated: 2023-12-11T07:13:28Z
published: 2023-12-11T07:13:28Z
canonical: "handbook.fscluster.org/126-the-transformative-agenda-and-the-refocused-clusters"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://handbook.fscluster.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 1.2.6 The Transformative Agenda and the Refocused Clusters

The Transformative Agenda also impacted the cluster approach. In December 2011, the IASC Principals “agreed there is a need to restate and return to the original purpose of clusters, refocusing them on strategic and operational gaps analysis, planning, assessment and results”. *See more in the* [*Transformative Agenda*](https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/iasc_transformative_agenda_chapeau_and_compendium.pdf) *Chapeau and Compendium, especially recommendation 26*.

**Key Changes:**

- The **activation** of clusters would be more strategic, less automatic and **limited in time**. Their relevance would be assessed on an annual basis, ensuring that they remain active only where they added value.
- Clusters would be **stripped back** to become lean, effective, and efficient coordination mechanisms, focusing on delivery of results, rather than process.
- Humanitarian partners would work together to enhance the efficacy of clusters by sharing leadership responsibilities at the **sub-national level** (where appropriate and feasible), and reallocating resources from the national to the sub-national level.
- Clusters would be professionally managed by **dedicated**, trained, and experienced **Cluster Coordinators**.
- Cluster meetings would focus on strategy, planning, and results, rather than exclusively on information- sharing.
- Meetings would also be held on a need-only basis and, where appropriate, jointly with other clusters to enhance **cross-cluster synergies** and reduce demands on time. Efforts would also be made to improve overall inter-cluster coordination.
- **Information management** would be prioritized, and resources pooled in order to enhance the collection and analysis of data on the progress and impact of cluster activities.
- International coordination mechanisms would be adapted to the operational context and **support national coordination** efforts.

**Cluster Reference Module:** For this purpose, the IASC revised and produced clear and concise reference document to guide the work and focus of the clusters. The [Reference Module for Cluster Coordination at the Country Level](https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/iasc-transformative-agenda/documents-public/iasc-reference-module-cluster-coordination-country-level) (IASC, 2015), mentioned above, outlines the basic elements of cluster coordination and serves as a reference guide for field practitioners, including FSC Coordinators, to help facilitate their work and improve humanitarian outcomes. *This is described in more detail in chapters* [*3*](/cc/docs/chapter-3-establishing-a-food-security-cluster-at-country-level-functions-roles-responsibilities-and-key-actors) *(country level set up),* [*5*](/cc/docs/chapter-5-fsc-coordinator-deliverables-key-food-security-cluster-tools-products-and-outputs) *(key deliverables) and* [*9*](/cc/docs/chapter-9-overview-of-the-humanitarian-programme-cycle-phases-and-key-activities-at-country-level) *(the HPC).*

Inter-Agency Standing Committee

Food Security Cluster

Humanitarian Programme Cycle