Your chance to help shape the Civil Society Covenant
NCVO and ACEVO seek input from charities, social enterprises and community groups to help develop radical, new framework for the way government engages with civil society.
Civil-society organisations such as charities, social enterprises and community groups have always played a role in building stronger, more resilient communities. Now the government is keen to engage with them more meaningfully and collaboratively, to create lasting positive change.
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Since the general election earlier this year, the government has been working with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) on ways in which the sector can help to build stronger, more resilient communities.
More than 50 voluntary infrastructure bodies have worked with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to develop a set of draft principles that will define a new two-way relationship between the sector and government. When finalised, these form the Civil Society Covenant.
The team want charities, social enterprises and community groups to share their experiences and help shape the new Civil Society Covenant. To ensure the agreement reflects and supports all communities, they especially want to hear from organisations led by marginalised groups.
The aim is to put the voluntary sector at the heart of decision-making and ensure that the final agreement reflects the real-world needs of organisations working on the ground.
Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of NCVO, and Jane Ide, Chief Executive of ACEVO, say: ‘Civil society organisations are critical to providing services, empowering communities, and fostering resilience across the UK. But for too long the relationship between civil society and government has been transactional. It has often left organisations struggling to sustain their work and secure a lasting partnership with public bodies.
‘Collaboration between civil society and government is key. It lets those closest to the issues shape policies. This leads to better services that meet diverse community needs. The Covenant offers a unique opportunity to build long-term partnerships that benefit everyone. It will also help create a stronger, more resilient sector, capable of addressing the challenges of today and the future.’
This is a chance to put the voluntary sector at the heart of decision-making. It will ensure policies are informed by lived experience and on-the-ground expertise.
To learn more about the proposed covenant and share your views, visit the Civil Society Covenant page on the NCVO website.
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