How we work
Our principles and policies
We reviewed our approach to international development in 2021, in light of COVID-19 and issues raised by global movements, such as Black Lives Matter.
We listened to the views of smaller civil society organisations (CSOs) in our partner countries relating to accessing funding and the need for a Scotland-based partner.
We made a deliberate shift to work through organisations in the Global South and through competitive funding exercises, to equalise power between Scotland and its partner countries (Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and Pakistan).
We take a human-rights and a feminist approach to all our work, which is underpinned by the following principles:
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partner country-led development: our funding aligns with partner countries' own priorities to support sustainable development and climate adaptation
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equality: we are committed to reducing inequalities and to being anti-racist in our work, and we prioritise the advancement of gender equality across our portfolio through a mainstreaming approach. We also have an Equalities programme. [link to gender equality]
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amplify global-south voices: we encourage advocacy by and in support of the Global South including the poorest and those living in vulnerable situations
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inclusion and diversity: we question whose expertise we value, who we listen to and who holds the levers of power. We support ways to break down barriers, to harness a diverse range of voices and ideas to drive change
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collaboration and partnerships: we build partnerships with a shared ethos and vision that benefit from expertise across partner countries to foster joint learning and co-create solutions to further our commitment in our 2016 International Development Strategy to the ‘Beyond Aid agenda’.
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innovative, adapting and sustainable: we design programmes that are: flexible, resourceful and capable of responding to changing circumstances; are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable, with interventions that consider long-term aims, and take account of risk.
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embrace technology: we support innovation to progress human health, wellbeing and environmental sustainability, such as improved access to digital services and using technology to reduce the need to travel, while acknowledging that technology can be a barrier to participation for some people in the global south.
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accountable, transparent and safe: we are transparent and accountable to local communities and the public and ensure, that all our work has appropriate safeguarding policies and practices in place.
Read more: International Development Principles.
We set up a Global South Panel in 2022 to widen access and ensure diversity. It plays an important role in helping deliver the objectives set by Scottish Ministers and in ensuring we commit funds effectively and efficiently, and in alignment with our principles.
We are currently reviewing the scope, membership and focus of the panel for its future work.