---
title: "9.1 Introduction"
slug: "91-introduction"
updated: 2023-12-07T10:48:33Z
published: 2023-12-07T10:48:33Z
canonical: "handbook.fscluster.org/91-introduction"
---

> ## 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.

# 9.1 Introduction

![](https://cdn.document360.io/be292e4d-58a1-4b36-b738-174162fabafa/Images/Documentation/Screenshot%202023-12-07%20at%2011.48.11.png)

This chapter covers the overall Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC) and the required steps to complete a Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) and a Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP).

Detailed “HPC Step by Step Guidance” is updated and released annually by OCHA (with some components currently under review and likely to change in the near future). Therefore, although this chapter will explain the key HPC phases (including the main structure and process), it refers FSC Coordinators to consult this guidance for details (*e.g. the* [*HPC 2023 Facilitation Package*](https://assessments.hpc.tools/content/hpc-2023-facilitation-package) - *Coordinators should check for updated versions*) and instead concentrates on the FSC specific focus and actions and the role of the Coordinator within the HPC.

Coordinators are encouraged to discuss key HPC related issues with the Global Support Team (GST) and the CLAs in-country as well as OCHA during the ICCG/ISCG.

Humanitarian Programme Cycle

Humanitarian Needs Overview

Humanitarian Response Plan

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Food Security Cluster

Global Support Team (gFSC)

Cluster Lead Agencies

Inter Cluster Coordination Group

Inter-Sector Coordination Group