Organisational strengthening in practice: FAID’s SCORE journey

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What does organisational strengthening look like in practice?

In Pakistan, FAID is combining improvements to its organisation with growing engagement in national policy discussions on issues affecting older people.

The Foundation for Ageing and Inclusive Development (FAID) has been strengthening its organisation through the SCORE programme while expanding its engagement with policymakers, civil society and other partners.

The first stage of FAID’s SCORE journey focused on strengthening its internal operations and leadership practices, including training linked to the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). At the same time, FAID has expanded its engagement in national discussions on issues affecting older people.

One of the biggest changes has been our confidence. Through SCORE, we have been able to strengthen our organisation while also engaging more actively with policymakers, civil society and other partners. We now have a stronger platform to contribute to national discussions on the issues affecting older people.

Syed Moeez Ud Din, Chief Executive Officer, FAID

Linking capacity with policy engagement

Alongside this organisational development, FAID has expanded its engagement in national policy discussions, with evidence playing a central role in that work.

To support its engagement with policymakers, FAID has launched the quarterly Pakistan Ageing Review, bringing together data, analysis and stories about older people across Pakistan.

FAID has also contributed analysis to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on climate change, highlighting the importance of age-responsive approaches that ensure older people’s needs, capacities and contributions are reflected in climate policy.

At the same time, FAID has helped strengthen civil society engagement on healthy ageing and universal health coverage, bringing together civil society organisations and older people’s representatives to build advocacy skills, raise awareness and contribute to dialogue with policymakers.

Pakistan Ageing Review

The Pakistan Ageing Review is FAID’s quarterly evidence and policy publication on ageing in Pakistan. It was launched to raise awareness of the country’s rapidly ageing population, support evidence-based policymaking, and ensure older people’s voices are included in development and policy discussions. As part of FAID’s wider advocacy work, it helps translate research and experience into action for more inclusive and age-responsive policies.

Download Pakistan Ageing Review

Building stronger foundations

Beyond its policy engagement, SCORE has supported FAID’s organisational development. Governance and procurement processes have been improved, safeguarding and accountability mechanisms enhanced, and staff have benefited from training and professional development. FAID has also begun developing its fundraising systems and exploring new approaches to long-term sustainability.

As one of eight members of the HelpAge global network taking part in the programme, FAID has also been able to connect with other participating organisations to share knowledge, ideas and challenges.

What we can learn from FAID’s journey

FAID’s experience shows that civil society influence depends on investing in different areas of organisational capacity. Stronger internal systems are essential, but they need to sit alongside credible evidence, effective partnerships and sustained policy engagement to ensure older people’s rights and priorities are reflected in national discussions.

That wider approach lies at the heart of SCORE: supporting civil society organisations to strengthen how they work and how they can increase their influence on the decisions that shape older people’s lives.