---
title: "1.1. Cluster Approach"
slug: "11-cluster-approach"
updated: 2024-01-23T10:15:50Z
published: 2024-01-23T10:15:50Z
canonical: "handbook.fscluster.org/11-cluster-approach"
---

> ## 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.

# 1.1. Cluster Approach

The Cluster Approach was established in 2005 through the Humanitarian Reform Agenda with the intention to:

*“strengthen system-wide preparedness and technical capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies, and provide clear leadership and accountability in the main areas of humanitarian response’ (*[*IASC, Cluster Functions, p. 13*](https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/sites/default/files/migrated/2020-11/Reference%20Module%20for%20Cluster%20Coordination%20at%20Country%20Level%20%28revised%20July%202015%29.pdf)*).* For further information please see CC Handbook, [chapter 2.4](/v2/docs/24-the-global-food-security-cluster-background)*.*

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) outlines [6 core functions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qIRoS6Y4m34j1zNdS8qxrd3yqUg1GBRM/view?usp=sharing) of the cluster at country level, plus accountability to affected population (AAP):

**1. Support service delivery:**

- Providing a platform that ensures service delivery is driven by the Humanitarian Response Plan and strategic priorities.
- Developing mechanisms to eliminate duplication of service delivery

**2. Inform strategic decision making for the Humanitarian Response:**

- Preparing needs assessments and analysis of gaps (across and within clusters, using information management tools as needed) to inform the setting of priorities.
- Identifying and finding solutions for (emerging) gaps, obstacles, duplication and cross-cutting issues.
- Formulating priorities on the basis of analysis.

**3. Plan and implement cluster strategies:**

- Developing sectoral plans, objectives and indicators that directly support realization of the overall response’s strategic objectives.
- Applying and adhering to common standards and guidelines.
- Clarifying funding requirements, helping to set priorities, and agreeing cluster contributions to the HC’s overall humanitarian funding proposals

**4. Monitor and evaluate performance:**

- Monitoring and reporting on activities and needs.
- Measuring progress against the cluster strategy and agreed results.
- Recommending corrective action where necessary.

**5. Build national capacity in preparedness and contingency planning:**

- To build national capacity in preparedness and contingency planning

**6. Support robust advocacy:**

- Identifying concerns, and contributing key information and messages to HC and HCT messaging and action.
- Undertaking advocacy on behalf of the cluster, cluster members, and affected people.

(IASC, 2015, p. 13)

Cluster Coordinator Handbook (gFSC)

Inter-Agency Standing Committee

Accountability to Affected Populations