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Closing the Gap

Closing the Gap

Creating a shared vision of security sector reform

Authors:
Charlie Edwards,
Publication Type:
Report
Publication Date:
14th November 2006
ISBN:
Cost:
Free

The report focuses on the future of security sector reform and how British Government departments can collaborate more effectively when implementing policy.

On 23 March 2006 Demos held a workshop on behalf of the SSR Strategy Team and the OECD Development Assistance Committee Secretariat. Participants came from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guatemala, Iraq, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa and the United States. Also participating were representatives from DFID, the FCO, the Home Office, the MoD and Centrex, the UK’s Central Police Training and Development Authority.

The aim of the workshop was threefold:

  • to discuss participant’s experiences of security sector reform

  • to identify the gaps between policy and practice and produce practical recommendations for bridging these gaps

  • to create new and innovate ways of collaborating in the future

The first half of the workshop was designed to help people challenge their current assumptions and visualise their role within the SSR agenda. The second half of the day focused on tangible, practical ideas and solutions, which were aimed at developing effective strategies for the future implementation of SSR policy. Most of the work was carried out in small groups of three or four people with an opportunity after every activity for participants to share ideas and pull out common messages.

To help participants think about the future of security sector reform Demos designed four scenarios of how SSR might be delivered in the future. Participants were asked to visualise, as far as possible, how the current decisions they made would have an effect on the future direction of SSR policy and its implementation in the field.

For further information on the report please email Charlie


Comments

1
This is an extremely useful report. Based on innovative workshop approach, it unearths some extremely useful lessons for both practitioners and policy makers. One fact the workshop turned up is downright frightening: 60% of SSR practitioners don't read anything sent to them regarding their subject matter, instead relying on their own knowledge. In a sub-field in which a mini-cottage industry has developed that produces mountains of reports, guides, lessons etc.  the value of such activity is truly questionable. I hope the 40% of SSR practitioners who are moved to read pick up this report, and read it thoroughly.  
Posted by Gordon Peake  at 2:57pm on Wednesday, 15th November 2006

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