Bond

Chief Executive Officer

Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development

Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 425 civil society organisations and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality, and injustice.

By helping Members adapt to an ever-changing environment, they enable civil society to create a more just and sustainable world. They work to influence governments and policy- makers, develop the skills of people in the sector, build organisational capacity and share expertise. By strengthening and championing the sector, Bond aims to make international development more coordinated, efficient, and effective.

The new CEO of Bond needed to be a convincing and credible representative and support others to be the same. They had to have a strong commitment to Bond’s values and those of its Members and support and promote equality and diversity for all.

This position required strong judgement and an appreciation of balance, knowing when to collaborate, when to influence and when to challenge. Working with committed trustees, elected by the Members themselves, the person needed to know how to work in all Bond’s Members’ best interests, both in representation and in challenging the sector to raise its game. There was a need for a strong relationships’ skillset within the Membership and with partners and stakeholders, ensuring Bond has a compelling strategy and identity. There was also a need to ensure the internal operation and infrastructure is sustainable for future years to come.

Red Sea was awarded this search against national competition of agencies. We worked closely with the board on the brief, sitting with the board on final panel interviews. The result was the Board unanimously appointing Stephanie Draper from Forum for the Future, against a list of 6 final stage candidates.