IDD is home to two specialist centres that serve the UK and other governments plus the wider development community. Research impact is at the core of their work. They address the challenges policymakers and practitioners face by delivering the latest knowledge ‘on demand’ through training, networking and research services.
Governance and Social Development Resource Centre
The GSDRC provides cutting-edge knowledge services on demand and online. It aims to help reduce poverty by informing policy and practice in relation to governance, conflict and social development. The GSDRC is best known for its rapid-response ‘Helpdesk’ service; GSDRC researchers produce approximately 100 research reports each year reviewing current knowledge in specific subject areas in response to questions from donor agencies and partner governments in developing countries. The resource centre is also increasingly asked to carry out longer and more analytical research. Its new ‘emerging issues’ research service helps shape agendas in international development; through it, donors commission substantial papers that bring expert perspectives into policy debate and programme responses at an early stage. The GSDRC is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and also undertakes projects for other agencies.
Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform
GFN-SSR works internationally to promote a better understanding of security and justice sector reform through the provision of information, advice and expertise to practitioners, academics and policymakers. Security is a core aspect of the vulnerability of the poor. Security sector reform aims to develop a secure environment based on development, rule of law, good governance and local ownership of security actors. GFN-SSR furthers these aims by running policy seminars and regular training courses for practitioners and policymakers around the world. It also provides extensive online information services, including an e-bulletin, a comprehensive document library, regularly updated thematic and regional SSR guides, training information and an organisational database.