About us
Bond is the UK membership body for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in international development.
Established in 1993 on the initiative of 61 NGOs working in international development, we have over 350 members ranging from large bodies with a world-wide presence to smaller, specialist organisations working in certain regions or with specific groups of people.
Find out more about Bond members in our directory of members. You can also read about the benefits of membership and how to apply.
On this pageWhat Bond does
We promote, support, represent and, on occasion, lead the work and interests of UK international development organisations.
We enable the exchange of experience, ideas and information and, as the UK network of international development organisations, support 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 UK, European and international levels.
We represent our membership in various national and international networks in the UK and the rest of Europe.
We also advocate on behalf of 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 more efficiency and effectiveness to achieve greater influence. Their work brings benefits to other members through the development of expertise in the development sector.
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 print, online and e-communications, all designed to keep members up to date with news and issues that are of relevance to the development sector.
Funding
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.
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. It states:
When voices join together they get heard... Bond is the embodiment of that spirit.
Minouche Shafik, Permanent Secretary, DFID, 2008-2011
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
Bond not BOND
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 about the Bond brand.
