National Publications:
Supporting a Stronger Civil Society
A strategy to support charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises was unveiled by Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society on the 14th October. It is the first step towards helping civil society organisations grasp new opportunities arising from the massive devolution of power to local communities and reform of public services that underpins the Big Society.
Speaking to civil society representatives at the National Council of Voluntary Organisation’s head quarters in London, the Minister also announced he would consult on how best to improve the infrastructure that provides advice, training and funding to front line groups. Already changes in welfare to work, health and social care and the criminal justice system, offer civil society groups more opportunities to bid for and run public services.
The strategy pulls together ideas and initiatives to give civil society a clear picture of the Government’s vision.
Plans in the strategy include:
- reducing red tape for small organisations
- giving public sector staff the right to spin-out and form co-ops or mutuals supported by a new network of advice and mentoring
- give local communities the right to buy or bid to run community assets
- continue to match fund local endowments to encourage giving
- modernisation of public service commissioning so the most efficient and effective charities can get a fair chance to bid for public contracts.
Charities voluntary groups and social enterprises will also find new opportunities in the drive for greater transparency - For example local authorities are now required to publish all their spending above £500 which will give the sector greater access to competitively important information.
You can download the strategy and consultation from the Cabinet Office via the links below
The Building a Stronger Civil Society strategy [PDF, 175KB]
The consultation, Supporting a Stronger Civil Society [PDF, 255KB] (deadline 6th January)
Posted 18th October