Recognising that a common cause of animal suffering is human behaviour, these animal experts use their knowledge of behaviour change theory and practice to support organisations to increase levels of welfare, protection and conservation.
Human Behaviour Change for Animals (HBCA) is a social enterprise that carries out research and runs training programmes. The team also supply consultancy services and bespoke training for organisations such as Cat’s Protection, the UK’s largest feline welfare charity and PDSA, the UK’s leading vet charity.
We quickly realised that sankalpa and HBCA share a passion for animal welfare and a mutual understanding of the importance of instigating behavioural change.
Jo White, Cofounder Human Behaviour Change for AnimalsNoting a clear opportunity to share HBCA’s work across farming and aquaculture, sankalpa supported the delivery of an interactive training workshop for senior leaders based within two international companies — Benchmark Plc and FAI Farms. The purpose of the training was to increase the capacity of those working to improve the lives of animals — by developing their understanding of the key principles of human behaviour change and how to apply them.
Following the success of the initial sankalpa funded project, HBCA collaborated with FAI farms on a piece of work funded by both sankalpa and Open Philanthropy. The aim of the project, which worked with a group of Brazilian farming stakeholders, was to support improved welfare standards for hens and develop a farmer-led cage-free production group.
sankalpa is a source of inspiration and motivation to people who are trying to change the world. They understand exactly what we are doing and why, and they have been very supportive in exploring the potential ways that we can collaborate. The unique sankalpa approach — the focus on developing trusting relationships — presents us with an exciting opportunity to make a great impact.
Jo White, Cofounder Human Behaviour Change for AnimalsIn addition to setting up a mentoring partnership with FAI co-founder Roland Bonney, our support has enabled HBCA to outsource their finance and communications. Providing core funding has allowed Jo and Suz to concentrate on rolling out their projects, undertaking new research and developing the future of their business.
So many grants do not cover core costs, so it is tempting to plan work around available funding, rather than develop in a strategic way. There’s a common thread with organisations like ours; you have a fantastic idea about doing something for the greater good, but it’s hard to keep energised and innovative when you’re also managing all the day-to-day activity.
sankalpa has linked us to fantastic people and has taken a lot of weight off of our shoulders. By funding staffing costs, sankalpa has given us the time to do things the right way — to drive HBCA forward in the field as opposed to shoehorning ourselves into the sector.
Suzanne Rogers, Cofounder Human Behaviour Change for Animals