As an independent charity, IDS is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for agreeing our overall strategy, setting policy, monitoring performance and promoting the interests of the Institute.
Our Board of Trustees consists of people from UK and overseas organisations with expertise in international development, research and policy. It includes two staff trustees and one trustee nominated by IDS alumni. The Board’s Nominations and Governance Committee consults widely about membership and aims to appoint according to a range of expertise and characteristics that support and reflect the Institute’s work.
The Board meets three times a year, in March, July and December, and IDS’ Director of Finance and Operations serves as Company Secretary. See our current Board of Trustees.
Strategic Leadership Group
The Strategic Leadership Group (SLG) is the executive decision-making body of the Institute. Its function is to take strategic decisions, and it’s supported by a number of sub-Committees that look at issues in the areas of risk management, research strategy, ICT, resources and space. See our current Strategic Leadership Group.
Our relationship with the University of Sussex
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) was founded in 1966 as an independent research institute located at the University of Sussex. IDS has close links with the University, but is financially and constitutionally independent.
How we are funded
IDS receives no core funding. Funds are secured from a range of organisations and represent a combination of research grants and fees from advisory work, teaching, and publication sales and some donations and legacies.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is the Institute’s largest funder. IDS also receives funds from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the European Union, various UN agencies, and a wide range of aid agencies, trusts and foundations.
Nearly all our research grants are won competitively and a significant proportion is transferred to partners, including research organisations, in developing countries.
Funding ethics and transparency
Our funding ethics policy sets out the parameters and principles for the Institute to accept (or reject) funding and donations.
Financial and legal information
Financial information is available in our Annual Review and Full Accounts are listed on the Charity Commission website. You can also view IDS’s Articles of Association.
IDS is registered in England and Wales as a charitable company (no. 00877338) limited by guarantee, and with registered charity number 306371.
