UK civic space: what is happening? 2025-2026
Over the past ten months, Bond has continued to track and analyse changes to civic space in the UK. This our third and final annual report identifying trends across UK civic space.
The most useful tools, reports, books, how-to-guides, videos, briefings, presentations and websites for people working in international development.
18 February 2026 • Bond
Over the past ten months, Bond has continued to track and analyse changes to civic space in the UK. This our third and final annual report identifying trends across UK civic space.
17 February 2026 • Bibusa Musukwa & Rowan Popplewell
Civic space in the UK has declined dramatically in recent years as successive governments have eroded protest rights and placed stricter limits on other forms of activism and campaigning. Civil society has spoken out against the restrictions, attempting to halt and ultimately reverse them. But are there other ways to improve our civic space so that it is more open and enabling in the future?
22 May 2025 • Bond
Bond has continued to track and analyse changes to civic space in the UK over the last 12 months. We have identified nine new trends which we believe are shaping the environment for civil society in the UK.
5 February 2025 • WACSI and Bond
These recommendations provide a transformative vision for the FCDO’s future. They are characterised by transparency, inclusivity, and a renewed commitment to fostering positive, equitable change.
23 July 2024 • Bond
The review identifies key trends and developments of restrictions affecting campaigners in the UK, covering the period from April 2023 to March 2024.
11 June 2024 • Bond
This interactive webinar was hosted by Rowan Popplewell, Bond’s Policy Manager on Civic Space. Topics covered included a summary of charity and election law, recent developments and how to approach organisational risk appetite. The webinar also had a Q & A session where participants were able to explore their organisational issues.
4 June 2024 • Bond
This interactive webinar was hosted by Rowan Popplewell, Bond’s Policy Manager on Civic Space.