Effective engagement of executive leadership is essential for establishing and sustaining security risk management (SRM) as a strategic priority in aid organisations.

However, as outlined in the GISF & Humanitarian Outcomes 2024 report, State of Practice: The Evolution of SRM Practice in the Humanitarian Space, practitioners face systemic barriers, ranging from cultural resistance to competing priorities and limited resources. These challenges are compounded by the dynamic risk environments in which humanitarian aid organisations operate, demanding innovative and context-specific approaches to leadership, collaboration, and SRM practice.

This report draws upon quantitative data from a survey of GISF members and qualitative insights from the “Engaging Executive Leadership” focus groups conducted during GISF workshops in Washington, D.C. (10 September 2024) and Edinburgh (11 September 2024).

By examining the factors influencing leadership engagement, the study underscores the critical role of leveraging data, enhancing competencies, and strategically utilising crises as catalysts for strengthening leadership support.