We are an expert, nimble and values-based enterprise supporting resilience to disasters and climate change that is founded on gender equality, social inclusion and global sustainability
Who we are
Specialists in national and international disaster and climate change laws and policies, humanitarian coordination and development programming, gender equality and social inclusion, working to reduce risk and improve response, recovery and adaptation for resilience.
A values-based enterprise, bringing a feminist, inclusive and wider human rights lens to our work on disaster and climate resilience and sustainable development.
Nimble, based in Australia, working locally and internationally in English, able to expand our numbers and expertise as needed.
People who love working with teams around the world and bring optimism, creativity and a sense of humour to our work.
Founded in 2017 by Victoria Bannon [hyperlink to profile] and Mary Picard [hyperlink to profile], who are globally recognised experts in disaster law, we have grown to include Tom Bamforth [hyperlink to profile] Rosanna Drew [hyperlink to profile] and Tegan Saunders, [hyperlink to profile], adding new expertise and experience.
Our passion is to work expertly and innovatively for meaningful change in the global humanitarian and development ecosystem. We aim to support governments, civil society organizations, local communities and international partners to:
Tackle social and economic inequality
Reduce the impact of disasters and crises
Support resilience and adaptation to climate change
Australian-based
Globally recognised experts
Values-based feminist enterprise
Unique combination of experience
Creative and innovative
Our values
Feminist values – we recognize the systemic nature of inequality and promote gender equality, non-discrimination and empowerment for women and girls and gender diverse people.
An intersectional approach - we understand that people’s situations, identities and risks from disasters and climate change are multi-layered and specific to each context, and that we need to address these overlapping and compounding sources of risk, by addressing experiences of exclusion or disadvantage based on characteristics such as gender, sexuality, age, disability, poverty, ethnicity or faith.
Respect and collaboration with local actors – we offer our services with humility and respect for the knowledge of local actors, listen and work in collaboration with them and hold ourselves accountable to them in any work we do with international, regional and national organizations and governments.
Good governance – we support law and policy frameworks that establish effective institutional mandates and resources for disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, while promoting participation, equality and human rights as essential foundations for sustainable development.
Humanitarian principles and human rights - we respect, promote and work according to international human rights and humanitarian standards, laws and principles.
Meet the Team
The Humanitarian and Development Consulting team has a unique combination of practical experience, research-based expertise and postgraduate qualifications.
Meet us in brief below and click on our pages to learn more about us.
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Victoria Bannon
MANAGING DIRECTOR
SENIOR CONSULTANT
BA, LLB (Hons), LLM International Law.A co-founder of HDC, Victoria brings a rare combination of high-level expertise in international disaster law and extensive operational experience in disaster risk management and community development across Asia and the Pacific. A global pioneer of International Disaster Response Law (IDRL), she has advised extensively on disaster law, policy and institutional arrangements. She also specializes in project and program evaluations, shelter coordination, housing and settlements, and human mobility.
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Mary Picard PhD
DIRECTOR
SENIOR CONSULTANT
BA (Hons), LLB (Hons), DEA (Master’s equivalent), PhD International LawA co-founder of HDC, Mary is a recognized international expert on laws and policies for disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, and their gender equality and social inclusion dimensions based in human rights. She also works broadly across the fields of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, gender equality and intersectionality, bringing project experience in Africa, Asia, Pacific and Central America to her rigorous research and analysis.
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Tom Bamforth
SENIOR CONSULTANT
BA (Hons) History, MA Development Studies, MA Social & Cultural HistoryTom has 20 years’ experience as a humanitarian and development practitioner, working across Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East. He specializes in shelter and settlements, disaster risk management, humanitarian policy advocacy, emergency response coordination, program design, monitoring and evaluation. Tom has extensive field experience and a substantial body of written work on humanitarian and development issues, including his book, “The Rising Tide: among the island and atolls of the Pacific Ocean.”
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Rosanna Drew
CONSULTANT
BA Biology, MA Environment & SustainabilityComing from a strong science background, Rosanna offers rigorous research, writing and coordination skills, including survey development and data analysis. Her work in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, gender equality and social inclusion has built on previous NGO experience and studies in corporate sustainability. Her work as a postgraduate course facilitator in sustainability has also consolidated her skills in training and capacity development.
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Tegan Saunders
CONSULTANT
BA Justice Studies, MA International Relations and AffairsSince joining the team in 2023, Tegan has supported international projects in gender equality and inclusion in disaster risk reduction, the interaction of disaster law and public health, law and policy research. Her justice studies and trade union background mean she brings a solid understanding of international structures and institutions, legal and political frameworks, especially human rights conventions. Her expertise includes policy drafting, advocacy, and legal research and analysis.
