News and views

The latest news, blogs and opinions from across the international development and humanitarian sectors.

Bond experts, members and thought leaders from civil society provide the latest insights and trends across a range of topics, including: aid, funding, politics, Brexit, the SDGs, communications, public support, project management, leadership and civic space.

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UK aid for Haiti being loaded onto a Royal Fleet Auxillary ship

Why we need more transparency in aid spending

16 January 2020
With only three government departments meeting the UK's targets on transparency on aid spending, we provide analysis and suggestions on how the UK government can ensure aid is most effectively spent.
Nana Afadzinu holding a workshop on #ShiftThePower

Going beyond Western models of value to shift the power

16 January 2020
NGOs in the global south often have to jump through hoops for foreign donors. They are bereft of power in many ways. How can we shift the power to make it more balanced?

12 things to watch in 2020 and what it could mean for international development

9 January 2020
A look at the risks and opportunities that could present themselves in the international development sector in 2020 and beyond.
Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia

4 priorities for the Africa Investment Summit

9 January 2020
It is not about whether Africa needs investment. It is about what kind of investment, where, for who and how.
The 7/7 memorial in London's Hyde Park

Gender and violent extremism: Four points for coordinated action on the C/PVE agenda

8 January 2020
15 years on from the July 7th attacks, work on counter terrorism has progressed. But as we move into 2020, more work needs to be done.
New years eve fireworks over parliament

7 things Bond members want to see in 2020

2 January 2020
Seven of our working groups lay out their agendas and what they want to see from our government in 2020.
Downing street

General election – what happened and what it means for development

18 December 2019
We look at the winners and losers from the general election following the Conservative party victory, and what this wholesale change could mean for international development.
Bond Conference 2019

12 achievements we’re proud of from 2019

18 December 2019
A look back at some of our achievements and accomplishments in 2019 across the international development and humanitarian sectors.
Downing street

General election – what happened and what it means for development

18 December 2019
We look at the winners and losers from the general election following the Conservative party victory, and what this wholesale change could mean for international development.
The UN

What came out of the COP25 climate talks – and what it means for those most affected by climate change

18 December 2019
An analysis of the talking points and decisions from UN COP25 climate conference from the Development and Environment Group
Polling station

What the Conservatives manifesto says about international development

26 November 2019
We round up the Conservative Party's plans and pledges on aid, climate change, human rights, conflict policy and other areas of international development.

What the Labour manifesto says about international development

21 November 2019
We round up the Labour Party's plans and pledges on aid, climate change, human rights, conflict policy and other areas of international development.
Voters in Dewbury go in to a polling station

What the Lib Dems manifesto says about international development

21 November 2019
We round up the Liberal Democrats' pledges on UK aid, foreign policy, human rights, climate change and other areas of international development.
Empower Tanzania project

Acting now, protecting the future: 30 years of child's rights

19 November 2019
Children’s rights are something everyone can and must agree on if we are to successfully broker a brighter future for all.
Polling slip

General election: what now for your advocacy and campaigning?

1 November 2019
As UK parliament is dissolved and the civil service is put under restrictions, we break down how your advocacy will be affected and how you can campaign during the election.
Anti-Corruption sign in Namibia.

10 actions for the UK to fight corruption

30 October 2019
With a general election looming, a UK coalition of anti-corruption organisations lay out their asks for any potential government.
Delegates voting at the AGM

Bond members adopt ethical content principle and elect new trustee

19 November 2019
Laura Jump was confirmed as a trustee to the board, and new guidelines on the ethical collection of images and stories were added to Bond's charter at Bond AGM.
Runners on the street in the London marathon

5 communications tips for small NGOs to attract supporters

12 September 2019
With over 160,000 registered UK charities, here are communications tips to get your small NGO noticed and reach the right supporters.
People at a conference

How to make the most of party conference season

29 August 2019
Party conference season is back - here are some tips to get you through it and make the most of the advocacy opportunities.
Woman standing in front of a mountain with headphones in

Should your NGO make a podcast?

29 August 2019
With podcasts increasing in popularity with audiences across the UK, here are some things to consider before starting your own series.
This is amazing, I love it." Portrait of Veronique Eulalie Rasoarimanana outside her home in Madagascar.

Informed consent: why conversations are crucial

29 July 2019
It is not enough to ask if you can take someone's photo. A look at the importance of having conversations with the people you're working with before sharing their story.
Views of cities lit up at night from space

Why privacy and data protection are key to inclusive development

24 May 2019
Exploring the ethical questions surrounding how we use data to provide effective humanitarian assistance.
British newspapers

How much does the UK public trust the media?

22 May 2019
Understanding how people use and view different media outlets can help NGOs tell their stories more effectively.
Megaphone

9 lessons learned campaigning for aid

8 May 2019
Nine recommendations for better advocacy, based on the experience of a campaign coordinating efforts to make the case for aid.
Nana Afadzinu holding a workshop on #ShiftThePower

Going beyond Western models of value to shift the power

16 January 2020
NGOs in the global south often have to jump through hoops for foreign donors. They are bereft of power in many ways. How can we shift the power to make it more balanced?
Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia

4 priorities for the Africa Investment Summit

9 January 2020
It is not about whether Africa needs investment. It is about what kind of investment, where, for who and how.
Last will and testament

Tap into funding from legacies and gifts in wills

23 October 2019
An estimated £3 billion was left in wills to charities last year. How can your NGO show people you're worth leaving money to?
Zoe Abrahamson, Juliet Chua and Graham Mackay open our Funding for Development Conference

5 takeaways from our Funding for Development Conference 2019

10 October 2019
Highlights and takeaways from our third annual Funding for Development Conference.
EU and UK flags

No-deal Brexit: what should you do?

17 September 2019
With no-deal brexit still a very real possibility, what can UK NGOs do to ensure they get access to DFID's assurance policy?

Tapping into local knowledge to diversify income

12 September 2019
ChildHope UK drew on the expertise of local partners to build a consultancy to deliver their mission and financial value.
The treasury

UK government Spending Round: implications for international aid

4 September 2019
Following chancellor Sajid Javid's announcement of the UK government Spending Round, what does it mean for international development?
Donation box

Shifting our fundraising paradigm from the outside in

13 August 2019
It’s time to examine our funding paradigms and transform the way NGOs fund their missions.
Nana Afadzinu holding a workshop on #ShiftThePower

Going beyond Western models of value to shift the power

16 January 2020
NGOs in the global south often have to jump through hoops for foreign donors. They are bereft of power in many ways. How can we shift the power to make it more balanced?
"Ava" and her newborn baby at the IDP Camp, Bunia General Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo 

Why we need to keep talking about inequality

15 October 2019
If we want to eradicate global poverty, we need to tackle the political and structural factors that are driving inequality.

Tapping into local knowledge to diversify income

12 September 2019
ChildHope UK drew on the expertise of local partners to build a consultancy to deliver their mission and financial value.
Children from World Vision peace club in Kenya

Listen to children and young people in policy making

12 August 2019
Children and young people have the right to participate in policy decisions that effect them. How can we facilitate this?
Satellite image

6 ways artificial intelligence is being used in international development 

8 August 2019
A look at some promising ideas and projects showing how artificial intelligence can potentially help with international development.
Pound coins stacked up

Cost transparency for DFID grants: improvements and obstacles 

3 July 2019
DFID's new cost templates and guidance will allow NGOs to recover more grant costs, but barriers to full cost recovery still remain.
Child collects water from pump in Sierra Leone

Without access to WASH, the UK jeopardises the SDGs

25 June 2019
Governments must act with renewed vigour on targeted interventions on water, sanitation and hygiene to achieve Agenda 2030.
Men standing around a landed drone

5 frontier technology trends shaping international development

4 June 2019
115 DFID staff across 37 countries identified what emerging forms of technology they think will most change development.
ICRC providing clean drinking water at a refugee camp in Liberia

How do we harness uncertainty for positive change?

15 October 2019
We’re talking to Bond members and sector leaders to identify what the future should look like for the UK international development sector.
How do we plan for an uncertain future?

How can we plan for future shocks to the sector? 

9 October 2019
We talk to Duncan Green of Oxfam GB about planning for the future when there is so much uncertainty
Satellite image

6 ways artificial intelligence is being used in international development 

8 August 2019
A look at some promising ideas and projects showing how artificial intelligence can potentially help with international development.
City skyline at night

Data for good, data for bad

12 June 2019
Olivier Usher from Nesta explores the transformational implications of data-driven tech in international development, and asks the important questions: what it’s for and who benefits?
Men standing around a landed drone

5 frontier technology trends shaping international development

4 June 2019
115 DFID staff across 37 countries identified what emerging forms of technology they think will most change development.
Islamic coins

Islamic social finance: the future of humanitarian partnership?

28 February 2019
Islamic social finance has huge potential as a financial tool for the humanitarian funding gap, and now rivals conventional banking.
Tanzanian woman and child with computer learning about digital

Embracing digital principles for inclusive development

12 February 2019
More and more organisations are endorsing the Principles for Digital Development, which help guide the effective use of technology.
Silhouette of road sign

How do you know when your NGO needs to change?

7 February 2019
NGO leaders need to make brave decisions in order to adapt and evolve for the future.
Bond Conference 2019

12 achievements we’re proud of from 2019

18 December 2019
A look back at some of our achievements and accomplishments in 2019 across the international development and humanitarian sectors.
Locals working at food store in Apac District of Northern Uganda

New approaches to protect civil society globally

22 November 2019
With civil society under threat across the world, 150 leaders came together at the Global Perspectives conference to explore new ways to help civil society organisations thrive.
Delegates voting at the AGM

Bond members adopt ethical content principle and elect new trustee

19 November 2019
Laura Jump was confirmed as a trustee to the board, and new guidelines on the ethical collection of images and stories were added to Bond's charter at Bond AGM.
Simon Starling

Simon Starling is Bond’s new director of policy, advocacy and research

13 November 2019
Simon brings over 20 years of international development experience to his new role.
ICRC providing clean drinking water at a refugee camp in Liberia

How do we harness uncertainty for positive change?

15 October 2019
We’re talking to Bond members and sector leaders to identify what the future should look like for the UK international development sector.
UN Women Hosts Brown-Bag Lunch with #BringBackOurGirls Campaign Coordinators

What must world leaders do to achieve gender equality by 2030?

4 September 2019
With the UN General Assembly round the corner, a look at the gender equality SDG and how it can be achieved.
Alok Sharma

Alok Sharma named secretary of state for international development

25 July 2019
Alok Sharma has been appointed as the new secretary of state for international development as prime minister Boris Johnson names his first cabinet.
People looking at visual minutes wall

3 reflections on today’s NGO sector

19 June 2019
Bond's new CEO highlights challenges and opportunities for the sector as we enter the “decade of delivery”.

Members' tweets

@TheHALOTrust
2 years ago

Mine clearance is transformative. That's why we're campaigning for a #LandmineFree2025 https://t.co/Nw4hK5XhR7

@IAPB1
2 years ago

The IAPB Standard List @IAPB_SL is working on updating an Essential List for #DiabeticRetinopathy. Until then, here… https://t.co/vmmHJUVyAH

@WorldHabitat
2 years ago

‘On the table’ conversation = likely to draw previously silent citizens into a discussion of problems and potential… https://t.co/Vo2DeqgLm6