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The Networker

Showcasing and debating key issues, emerging topics, news and opportunities facing the UK international development sector, The Networker is a quartlerly magazine that is free to download and to read online.

In each issue we look at the hot topics in development, such as aid, economic growth, health and the role of the private sector.

Bond members receive a printed copy each time it is published.

Latest issue

Issue 100, February/April 2012

2012 will be an important year for international development, not least on the Rio+20 climate change conference, lobbying for 0.7%, galvanising public support, beyond 2015 and NGO effectiveness. Read more about Bond's work on these issues and members' views on what will be important in 2012.

This issue also includes more details about My Bond, an insiders perspective on the effect of new NGO laws, disability in Bangladesh and why the concept of resilience is relevant to our sector.

Past issues

Issue 99, November 2011/January 2012

While the challenge of demonstrating the impact of aid and development is not new, organisations have now started to come together to find practical and robust solutions. This issue focuses on effectiveness and transparency, concepts that have recently gained infinitely greater currency in our sector.

Also, EveryChild explain their decision to form a global alliance of national civil society organisations and Cathy Pharoah outlines research into trusts and foundations giving to international development.

Issue 98, August/October 2011

Over the last decade, the role and influence of emerging economies has risen enormously, both in terms of bilateral trade and direct investment. This issue focuses on the impact it is having on international development as we know it.

Although funding partnerships with business are increasing, far deeper collaboration, a ‘convergence of solutions’, is needed, according to Accenture Development Partnerships. Also included are details of the Bond Anti-Bribery Principles and Guidance for NGOs and an introduction to the Bond Im-Prove it Framework to measure NGO effectiveness.

Issue 97, May/July 2011

Economic growth has emerged as the dominant approach to international development, with the UK government, the EU and the G20 aligning policies to the agenda. Bond, ODI, Christian Aid and Fairtrade Foundation look at particular aspects of the debate.

The Humanitarian Centre explain why innovation is important for development, and Saferworld unpack the securitisation of aid complexities.

As value for money and the results agenda gain momentum, what does it mean in practice?

The Networker Feb/March 2011 - front cover Issue 96, February/March 2011

Why are people with disabilities often either ignored or seen as a distinct target group by development agencies? World Vision provides an insight into the issue.

Andy Sumner of IDS discusses how should NGOs respond to the findings of his research into the 'new bottom billion'. CAFOD and Progressio add their opinion to the debate.

A new online code is being introduced by the Advertising Standards Authority. What does this mean for NGOs?

Issue 95, December 2010/January 2011

Andy Sumner at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) writes about his latest research on the 'new bottom billion’.

The Bond Anti-corruption Group ask if we can realistically fight corruption and Jacinta Sweeney finds that blending e-learning with a highly participative short training course delivers a complete package that suits everyone.

Nuffield Foundation talk about their international work and about being more than just a funder.

Issue 94, October/November 2010

This issue covers a range of topics including the future role of Northern and Southern civil society, working in collaboration in Haiti, and an interview with the Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's new Europe office.

Transparency International and Mango ask members to stand up to corruption and give details of the work they are doing with Bond on an innovative project to improve awareness and anti-corruption standrads ion the NGO sector.

Caroline Nursey, Director of BBC World Service Trust talks about the role of the media and communications and partnering with other NGOs

Issue 93, August/September 2010

This issue focuses on Europe and why it matters to international development and NGOs. It looks at some of the opportunities to engage with Europe through Bond, and ODI provide analysis of the recent European institutional reforms.

There is an update on Bond's work ahead of the UN Millennium Development Goals Review Summit and IDS and CAFOD share findings on what, if anything, should follow post-2015.

Elvira Kanichay, Bond Policy Coordinator, provides a roundup of the DFID ministerial team and possible changes to international development policies, as well as an overview of the new Parliament.

Tricia Barnett, Director of Tourism Concern provides a stark reminder of the negative impact that tourism can have on local communities.

Issue 92, June/July 2010

This issue focuses on development and health. Only five years remain for the world to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and the health-related targets have seen the least progress. Action for Global Health assess the situation.

The role of transport in the health of rural communities needs to be better understood, argues Maria Arce Moreira, and we look at whether NGOs are doing enough to care for aid workers after they return from the field.

Chris Underhill, Founder Director of BasicNeeds, explains plans to roll out a model for mental health and development. We also look at what the Vote Global campaign has achieved and provide a summary of the latest news from the Bond Effectiveness Programme.

Download issue 92 (PDF, 1.7MB)

Issue 91, April/May 2010

The future success of NGOs and the international development cause relies on a greater public understanding and active support of development.

Yet evidence from Bond members, donors and media polls shows that levels of engagement have been static or falling for over a decade.

NGOs, DFID and the Government must find new ways to actively engage with the public to gain their support, argues Glen Tarman.

New research and a coalition of over 200 organisations offer insights into how to strengthen the engagement of the UK public in international development, while Martin Kirk, Head of UK Campaigns at Oxfam GB, provides an insight into why the language of aid, and the metaphors people use to understand it, could hold the key to building public support for development.

Download Issue 91 (PDF 1.2MB)