We work where the world’s greatest needs and greatest challenges converge

Crown Agents work in some of the most hard-to-reach and volatile contexts in the world and prioritise people most in need. We respond to sudden onset emergencies – within as little as 24-72 hours – and draw on our expertise in supply chain management, fund management, needs assessments, capacity building of national partners, governance, public administration and health systems strengthening to deliver results in complex landscapes. 

Decades of experience in delivering life-saving results 

We bring decades of experience supporting international and donor agencies, national and sub-national authorities, and civil society in managing impactful humanitarian responses across the globe. We provide a completely integrated emergency response service that is fully reactive to the complexities and demands of volatile contexts.  

From supporting the UK government to develop, shape and lead their global disaster response system for 25 years, to being on the frontline assisting global governments, multilateral organisations and the private sector to respond to the immediate needs of the COVID-19 outbreak in 50 countries – Crown Agents are well-versed in delivering life-changing and life-saving solutions to complex challenges.                               Our approach and capability 

Crown Agents provide an industry leading team capable of providing advice and management of: 

• Programme design and implementation adaptive to high-risk, rapidly changing crisis situations 
• Access to standing or surge operational advisors with specialisms in WASH, shelter, protection, public health, cash and livelihoods, information management and analysis 
• Bespoke information systems that provide donors and stakeholders with a live view of project implementation with context and analysis drawn from the communities and beneficiaries we work with 
• Bespoke training and capacity building programmes 
• Civilian-military coordination 
• Procurement, supply chain, logistics expertise and operational capability 
• Risk management and compliance 
• Security advice and management

Our expertise in responding to sudden onset crises and disasters: 

Crisis Response 

Crown Agents have been at the forefront of every major humanitarian emergency over the past 25 years. From the Bosnian crisis in the 1990s, to the response to Covid-19, our teams have responded rapidly, often deploying within 24hrs of a sudden onset event to deliver programmes at scale to meet critical needs. This experience gives us valuable insight and a proven capability to meet the unique, fast-paced demands of humanitarian response management where time and information is limited. Crown Agents can mobilise our standing roster of technical experts, fund management systems and supply chain expertise to diagnose requirements, make funding recommendations and deliver material support to those most in need. 

Fund Management

Our experience in designing and delivering large-scale, multi-year humanitarian programming means we support adaptive, context-relevant solutions for protracted crises, delivering results across a range of sectors. Our experience in grant and fund management in the world’s most challenging environments means our donors and clients can be assured that we will deploy resources with the highest standards of ethics, quality assurance and accountability. 

Crown Agents delivers: 

• The highest standards of due diligence, donor compliance and accountability, offering reassurance in difficult situations, as illustrated by the likes of GAVI, Gates, FCDO and USAID entrusting their funds to us. 
• Increased effectiveness of humanitarian preparedness and response in protracted crises 
• Improved quality and coverage of rapid response to quick-onset emergencies
• A better understanding of the root causes of humanitarian need and vulnerability, as well as improved accountability and coordination between operational humanitarian actors 

Humanitarian Supply Chain 

Crown Agents provide complete end-to-end humanitarian supply chain services using in-house teams that specialise in the design, implementation and management of a global humanitarian logistics operations from first to last mile.  We blend tried-and-tested logistics methods with innovative solutions, providing our partners with highly efficient and cost-effective logistics capacity.  Crown Agents supply chain services include: 

• The highest standards of ethical and financial due diligence in supplier selection 
• A network of vetted and trusted suppliers willing to go the extra mile in the delivery of humanitarian programmes 
• Full licensing for the procurement and transport medical items, pharmaceuticals, and controlled drugs   
• The use of cutting-edge technologies for complete supply chain visibility 
• A Quality Assurance and Inspection team to ensure that products are delivered in line with expectations and standards 
• An in-house freight forwarding division that specialise in austere and difficult environments 
• An active roster of experienced and qualified humanitarian logisticians ready to deploy to new programme locations

Discover more about our humanitarian supply-chain offer