Ways of working

Red Cross work is guided by the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

Although always independent, governments recognise our role as 'auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field', affording us a unique position in the humanitarian sector, with distinct rights and responsibilities.

Communities are actively involved in the planning, implementation and review of Red Cross responses and we work to establish local linkages and to engage with other providers already working in the community. Red Cross works with communities for a minimum of seven to 10 years to ensure outcomes are sustainable. Consistent with our 'Core policy principles for engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities', Red Cross only works with communities that agree to our involvement and on the basis of a reciprocal partnership with those communities.

Red Cross recognises the inherent strengths of all people and, in working with those who are disadvantaged, undertakes training and skills development programs that build on these strengths. Consistent with the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (World Health Organization 1986), Red Cross recognises that developing personal skills helps people to exercise more control over their own lives and environments.

While supporting and continuing to provide crisis interventions in appropriate circumstances, Red Cross prioritises programs and other responses that take a preventative approach or that intervene at the earliest possible point to address disadvantage and vulnerability. We focus on early engagement to break the cycle of disadvantage, while continuing to support and respond to crises where necessary.

Red Cross cannot achieve sustainable outcomes as an isolated responder and does not seek to be the expert in all endeavours. Red Cross works with community groups, corporate bodies, governments and other not-for-profit organisations to meet the needs of communities. In some situations Red Cross may facilitate but not provide solutions or services.

Red Cross redirects existing resources and locates new resources to ensure communities are in the best position to create sustainable solutions. This may mean that Red Cross provides or finds resources but does not always implement activities, depending on the required expertise and the needs of communities. Red Cross endeavours to deliver services and programs where others do not, or where Red Cross can provide a better service or a differentiated response. In core areas of priority, Red Cross recognises that there are other agencies working in the same sector and we will endeavour to work in partnership with these agencies, to maximise the benefits to the disadvantaged individuals and groups we work alongside.

Red Cross is committed to using community development approaches and principles in its work. Empowering communities to create their own solutions can improve overall social cohesion and is critical to sustainable long-term change. Community development is an 'approach' to change, development and empowerment, evidenced by the integration of key principles. Where a community 'owns' and 'actively participates' in and 'drives' any community development activity, outcomes are more likely to be sustainable.

Underpinning all that we do is a focus on evidence-based practice, with Red Cross programs thoroughly evaluated and outcomes accurately measured. Program models and initiatives must be informed by available research on effectiveness; innovations must be properly evaluated and documented. Red Cross draws on the wealth of practice material it has access to locally and internationally. We also analyse and respond to the different needs of men and women, using a combination of internal capacity and strategic partnerships.

Advocacy on behalf of individuals, causes and policies is an integral mode of action employed by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to prevent and alleviate suffering and to promote respect for humanitarian values. Red Cross advocacy is informed by evidence, based on experience and knowledge, undertaken within the mandate of our mission and in accordance with the Fundamental Principles.

Red Cross is renowned for mobilising volunteers, especially in times of disaster. We know that volunteering helps create cohesive and resilient communities. With our skills, expertise and mandate in volunteering, we invest in communities by increasing the level of community volunteering as an important community and service enabler. Wherever possible, we harness and mobilise the power of humanity through engaging our invaluable volunteers in our programs and services.

Red Cross is making a significant shift in its approach by redirecting resources and energies to a place-based approach - working with the most disadvantaged people in the most disadvantaged places. This requires a rigorous and ongoing analysis of available research along with a change management program that results in locating Red Cross services and people in areas of greatest disadvantage.

Red Cross ensures our services are accessible to the diverse communities we serve. Access and equity issues are identified and addressed in program design and review, including analysing and responding to the different needs of men and women. In order to be able to respond effectively to the diversity and complexity of community need, Red Cross mobilises its volunteers and staff, who come from a diverse cross-section of the community.