Cost adaptation for improved audit accessibility

HQAI Introduces New Cost Model to Further Support Local and National Actors

As part of our ongoing commitment to equitable access and locally led quality assurance, HQAI has taken another important step to facilitate access to its audits for local and national partners.

Following the first round of cost reductions introduced in January 2025, HQAI is now adapting its costing model even further to address the financial realities of Local and National Actors (LNAs). Recognising the diversity among LNAs, we are introducing three tailored pricing categories based on the number of projects an organisation implements.

For national organisations managing between 1 and 16 projects, the total cost reduction in 2025 now exceeds 30% for an audit cycle compared to 2024 pricing.

This is a significant step towards lowering the barriers for smaller LNAs seeking independent quality assurance against the CHS through HQAI.

As always, HQAI’s pricing model takes into account multiple factors, with overall cost determined largely by the size and complexity of an organisation’s operations—in the case of LNAs the number of projects. Each partner will continue to receive a detailed, individualised cost plan following their application and a thorough review process.

The new pricing categories will come into effect as of August 2025.

This evolution of our cost model reflects HQAI’s strong belief that quality assurance should be accessible to all actors, regardless of size or resources. We remain committed to amplifying the voices and capacities of local and national organisations, and to supporting their leadership in humanitarian and development efforts.