About us
Bond is the UK membership body for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in international development. Established in 1993, Bond now has over 350 member organisations, from large organisations with a world-wide presence to smaller, more specialist organisations working in specific regions or with specific groups of people.
Until 2009, we were known as BOND (British Overseas NGOs for Development), however, following a brand review it was agreed that we would no longer use the acronym or upper case BOND, and instead would be referred to as Bond. Find out more about this by reading the brand review article.
Find out more about who is a member of Bond by searching our directory of members. You can also find out how to apply for membership.
What does Bond do?
Bond promotes, supports, represents and, on occasion, leads the work and interests of UK international development organisations.
It does this through the exchange of experience, ideas and information and, as the UK network of international development organisations, supports members to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of the sector.
Policy and campaigning
Bond facilitates collective action by its members and wider UK civil society to influence the policies and practice of governments and institutions at the UK, Europe and at the international level. Bond represents its membership in various national networks and in Europe including CONCORD. Find out more about the networks and organisations where Bond is a member.
Bond also advocates on behalf of, and with, Bond members on the regulatory and funding environment in which they operate.
Working collectively
One of the main ways that Bond engages with members and provides a platform for collective advocacy is through the groups programme. As part of a Bond group, member organisations can work together on specific issues with increased efficiency and effectiveness to achieve greater influencing power. Their work also brings benefits to the wider membership through the development of expertise in the sector, and by garnering momentum and action for collective advocacy work.
Learning and training
To help build the capacity and professionalism of the sector, Bond provides a comprehensive learning and training programme for member organisations. This programme includes one and two-day workshops and alternative learning methods.
Networking and communications
Bond offers a range of networking opportunities for members to meet and exchange views and experience with peers, and to help promote the sharing of best practice across a broad range of areas. This is complemented by a range of other communications, including a variety of regular print, online and e-communications, all designed to keep members up to date with news and issues that are of relevance to the sector.
Bond's work is funded by member subscriptions, income generation and grants - including strategic funding from DFID and the Big Lottery Fund. If you would like to see a copy of our Ethical Fundraising Policy, please contact us.
"We all know that in an interconnected world one voice, no matter how large, can only go so far and it is when they join together that they get heard. In many ways, Bond is the embodiment of that spirit"
Minouche Shafik, Permanent Secretary, DFID.
Vision, purpose and values
Our vision
A world of justice and equality, free from poverty, where human rights and the environment are respected.
Our purpose
Bond is the uniting force for the strength, influence and effectiveness of UK international development organisations.
Our values
- Justice and solidarity
- Diversity and mutual respect
- Collaboration and participation
- Sustainability and shared responsibility
- Transparency and accountability
When organisations apply to become members they sign up to the Bond Statement of Principles. This statement outlines the uniting principles of the network which all Bond members aspire to live up to. It states:
Bond members believe in:
- Social justice, equity and respect for human rights
- The participation of the people with whom they are working
- The centrality of civil society in development co-operation
- Working with southern organisations - aiming for common development goals.
- Equality of opportunity
Bond members believe in the following approach to development co-operation:
- Taking a professional approach to their work
- Supporting southern partners to strengthen their capacities
- Supporting the empowerment of particularly disadvantaged groups
- Working to reduce gender inequalities
- Using responsible fundraising methods
- Ensuring that the results of their actions are sustainable
- Engaging in development education, awareness raising and advocacy in the North
- Using their bridging capacity to link different sectors of society
Bond members:
- Are rooted in civil society, in the UK and internationally
- Have a non-profit making aim
- Are legal entities
- Are based in the UK
- Are not individuals
- Are independent to pursue their own development objectives
- Have a board which is representative of the organisation's constituency and independent in its actions
- Seek to diversify sources of funding
- Are publicly accountable and transparent
