Reflections on the Shifting the Power 2026 UK Convening
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The Shifting the Power (StP) Programme convening has become an important platform for learning, reflection, and collective planning among anchor partners and funding partners. Held every six months, the convening brings together representatives from the anchor partners in Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia, alongside funding partners including Comic Relief and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This year’s convening took place in Brighton, United Kingdom, and provided a valuable opportunity to assess progress, strengthen relationships, and chart the way forward for the programme.
The five-day convening brought together colleagues from programme, finance, monitoring and evaluation, leadership, and governance teams. One of the key sessions focused on the Partnership Pulse Check, an exercise conducted at each convening to assess the health of the partnership. Through this process, participants reflected on partnership infrastructure, collaboration, effectiveness, and overall impact. The session also provided an opportunity to revisit recommendations from the previous convening held in Ghana in December 2025 and assess progress made in improving teamwork, subgroup activities, and decision-making processes.
A particularly thought-provoking session invited participants to reflect on their perspectives regarding the programme’s strategic priorities. Individuals positioned themselves in response to three thematic areas: Locally Led Change, Supportive Public, and Transformed Models. Using a simple green, yellow, and red system, participants indicated the extent to which each theme resonated with their perspectives and priorities. This exercise sparked meaningful conversations about localisation, public attitudes towards development funding, and the broader systems change required to transform development practice.
Planning for the future was another important aspect of the convening. Participants engaged in discussions on how the programme can respond to increasingly complex challenges while protecting impact, strengthening collaboration, and avoiding scarcity-driven behaviours. The team also reviewed programme budgets, funding contributions from FCDO and Comic Relief, and potential funding reductions that may affect future programming. The Anchor Partners leadership further shared insights from the FCDO Partnership Conference, which took place shortly before the convening.
The second and third days focused on the Resource Mobilisation Initiative. Consultants and anchor partners shared findings from consultations, workshops, and research conducted to explore sustainable resource mobilisation approaches for the next phase of the programme. These discussions highlighted the need for innovative strategies that can strengthen organisational sustainability while remaining aligned with the principles of shifting power.
The remaining sessions centred on the programme’s learning strategy and findings from research conducted by the learning coordinators. Participants reviewed progress against the programme framework and work plan and reflected on lessons emerging from implementation.
An important discussion also focused on revisiting the Civil Society Strengthening Fund (CSSF) and identifying the principles that should guide its future direction. Participants emphasised ideas such as recognising difficult realities while remaining optimistic, protecting civic space and CSO independence, embracing failure as part of learning, and promoting equitable partnerships characterised by shared risk, accountability, and mutual benefit.
The convening concluded with a look ahead to the next gathering, scheduled to take place in Malawi from 20 to 23 October 2026. In a symbolic handover ceremony, the Comic Relief team officially passed the baton to the Tilitonse Foundation, which will host the next convening.
Beyond the formal discussions, the convening also offered opportunities for cultural exchange and team bonding. Participants enjoyed exploring Brighton, including visits to the famous Upside Down House, a jazz festival, a circus performance, and the city’s beautiful seaside atmosphere. These informal moments further strengthened relationships and reinforced the spirit of collaboration that underpins the Shifting the Power Programme.
About the author
Farouk Farouk Alhassan
Farouk Alhassan is a seasoned development professional currently serving as Programme Officer at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Based in Accra, Ghana, he brings over 11 years of experience working with both profit and non-profit across Africa, with specialised expertise in capacity development, community engagement and project implementation. His work focuses on strengthening civil society in sectors such as biodiversity, education, health and gender equality, ensuring that programmes are both impactful and sustainable.
Beyond his professional expertise, Farouk is committed to mentoring emerging leaders and fostering youth participation in governance and civil society. Fluent in both English and French, he navigates cross-cultural contexts with ease, bridging communication gaps and strengthening collaborations across West Africa. His passion for sustainable development and community empowerment drives his work, positioning him as a respected and influential voice in the regional development landscape.
Farouk is a certified Change the Game Academy Trainer and has trained in Social Accountability, Mobilising Support and Local Fundraising courses.
