UK’s civic space ‘heavily damaged’, finds Bond’s Civic Space annual review
Today, Wednesday 18th February, Bond, the UK network for NGOs in international development, has released its third and final annual UK civic space review. Following…
Civic Space
Report
How to create an enabling environment for civil society in the UK
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?
Report
UK civic space: what is happening? 2024-2025
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.
Webinar
This is the Work: reimagining policy and advocacy
The Advocacy Team, Bond and Peace Direct have built on existing work to address racism and decolonise the system. This is the Work has been co-created with UK policy and advocacy staff with input from diaspora and low and middle income country communities. This webinar discusses how the resources were created and how they can be used.professionals, along with decision-makers, in open reflections on the challenges, opportunities, and their roles in driving change.
This work has resulted in the co-creation of three resources, which will be launched on 28th October:
A super year of not-so-super elections: How autocratic regimes are hijacking the polls – and how to reclaim them
Countries representing half the world’s population are holding elections this year. As we approach the midpoint of the “super year of elections” and look back at some that have already taken place, we are reminded that meaningful democratic outcomes cannot be taken for granted.
Report
UK civic space: what is happening? 2023-2024
The review identifies key trends and developments of restrictions affecting campaigners in the UK, covering the period from April 2023 to March 2024.
Now is the time to reverse the decline and protect UK civic space
Bond has continued to track and analyse the political and operating environment for civil society in the UK following CIVICUS downgrading the UK. Our new review, which covers the 18 months preceding the UK General Election, shows how the downward trend has continued.
Webinar
Understanding UK Election and Charity Rules: A Refresher and Q&A for NGOs
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.
Webinar
Understanding UK Election and Charity Rules: A Refresher and Q&A for NGOs
This interactive webinar was hosted by Rowan Popplewell, Bond’s Policy Manager on Civic Space.