Who are we?
We are an international NGO with a reach of over 40 country offices. Initially established in 2013 as the learning and development arm of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), the Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD) is now a centre of global excellence, serving the leadership, programmes, and talent development needs of the international development and humanitarian sectors. Currently operating as a strategic business unit of IRW, HAD’s mission is to strengthen the humanitarian sector and thereby empower humanitarians to deliver high quality and effective services to the beneficiaries they serve.
We work with charities, government and non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, and other like-minded individuals to critically examine experiences from the field and impart this knowledge through training and coaching programmes, whilst also supporting upcoming humanitarian professionals.
Equipping humanitarian practitioners
“Working in the charity sector, particularly at HAD, is a true blessing. We have the unique opportunity to take the lead in enhancing the institutional capacity of frontline LNGOs and CSOs, as well as the board members and staff of the Islamic Relief Family. Through our robust efforts and ground-breaking work, we help equip humanitarian practitioners to better serve vulnerable and marginalised people. The work we do is helping to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian and development interventions implemented by local frontline organisations in countries like Iraq, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, which in turn benefits some of the world’s most vulnerable people.”
Dr Hossam Said
Former HAD Director
Former HAD Director
An international NGO with a reach of over 40 field offices
Alhamdullilah, since establishing in 2013, we have been the first ever Islamic charity to provide humanitarian training in the UK and have gone on to achieve many things. We are also very proud to be the learning division of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), which gives us access to over 40 field offices.
Our vision, mission, and aims
Our vision, mission, and aims
Our vision
We are a centre of excellence that empowers the humanitarian sector and maximises its effectiveness.
Our mission
Driven by our faith, our mission is to strengthen the humanitarian sector.
Strategic aims
We help to enhance the learning culture of the sector and develop, transform, and strengthen aid workers through learning and development.
Our values and faith perspective
Sincerity (ikhlas)
We are driven and motivated by sincerity to God and our duty to humanity.
Excellence (ihsan)
A commitment to excellence is a hallmark of our operations, programmes, and conduct towards the vulnerable people we serve.
Compassion (rahma)
Every life is precious, so we join other humanitarian actors in easing the suffering caused by disasters, poverty, and injustice.
Social justice (adl)
We empower poor and vulnerable people to fulfil their rights and to achieve their God-given potential.
Custodianship (amana)
We value and protect the Earth and its resources, including its people, and we aim to honour the trust people place in us to be transparent and accountable.
Our values and faith perspective
Our values and faith perspective
Sincerity (ikhlas)
We are driven and motivated by sincerity to God and our duty to humanity.
Excellence (ihsan)
A commitment to excellence is a hallmark of our operations, programmes, and conduct towards the vulnerable people we serve.
Compassion (rahma)
Every life is precious, so we join other humanitarian actors in easing the suffering caused by disasters, poverty, and injustice.
Social justice (adl)
We empower poor and vulnerable people to have their rights fulfilled and to achieve their God-given potential.
Custodianship (amana)
We value and protect the Earth and its resources, including its people, and we aim to honour the trust people place in us to be transparent and accountable.
Board of Trustees
Our partners
Our partners
