Bond releases new case studies of good examples of locally led development from UK NGOs

Following the release of Bond’s guide aimed at helping organisations to become locally led and anti-racist in 2022, Bond has now published a collection of case studies that highlight the efforts some UK-based international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) have made to successfully move the project of localisation forward.

This collection documents real journeys of organisations moving beyond theory into practice, discusses the challenges faced and offers multiple pathways toward a common goal: shifting power to local actors in meaningful and lasting ways. 

The case studies include: 

• The Mango Tree shifting educational support back to its community base by listening to and understanding community needs and approaches.
• Transform Trade returning to its roots as a radical outsider by adapting programming to focus on building long-term partnerships with producers as a route to systemic change within international trade.
• HelpAge International returning to the organisation’s origins as a decentralised global network by leveraging the power of both the local and global within its international coalition to address the core issues facing older people.
• Link Education using systems-change thinking to guide organisational change by establishing a global decision-making body with international representation across the organisation.
• Avert co-creating locally owned, internationally recognised brands and choosing to close the UK charity while boosting African partner organisations.  

Each case study is presented in the voice of the organisation, capturing the decisions, tensions, reflections, and lessons that have shaped their transformation processes. The case studies seek to address what it means for an INGO to become locally led and the practical components involved. 

Key themes include:

• Governance reform as a critical step 
  Without change at the governance level, an organisation will not transform.
• Importance of decisive leadership and early donor engagement 
  Donors who ‘bought in’ to the INGO’s localisation strategies were more likely to provide crucial funding to support their partner’s transformation.
• Creativity and flexibility were essential 
  The strategy for becoming locally led must be highly creative… this took courage, determination and hard work.
• Core values served as north stars 
  Each of these organisations was able to retain, and often returned to, their founding purpose and values. 

Tushar Talukdar, Locally Led Adviser at Bond, said:  

These case studies show there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to INGOs becoming locally led. Organisations have taken different starting points and arrived at different destinations, some UK-registered charities closed, while others took on new roles within their global organisations. There are several possible pathways towards becoming locally led, and these case studies highlight just how diverging our paths can be to reach a shared goal.

ENDS.

Notes to editors

• On Monday 12 May at 1pm BST, Bond will host a webinar featuring speakers from the organisations featured in this case study collection. They will share their reflections on navigating complex transitions, how they stayed rooted in core values, and embraced locally led change. Register now.  
• Read the case studies.
• Read Bond’s locally led guide.
• Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 350 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
• For further information or interviews please contact Jess Salter at [email protected] or call 07392972411.